The “stay at home” order by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey went into effect March 31, except for those on the essential list of services, which means golf courses are business as usual.
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The “stay at home” order by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey went into effect March 31, except for those on the essential list of services, which means golf courses are business as usual.
Changes have been made to the game. But ultimately the game continues with social distancing.
Katy O’Grady, Recreation Centers of Sun City West general services officer, along with General Manager Bill Schwind addressed the community during their weekly segment on 103.1 KSCW with host Gary Cohn.
“Golf courses are considered an essential service and is a huge financial boom to Arizona and Sun City West,” Ms. O’Grady said.
Mr. Schwind said with everything unfolding with COVID-19, RCSCW is still hitting the marks with golf as one of the three largest revenue generators.
“It’s beautiful weather out there and in the month of March we have generated $1 million in golf revenue,” he said.
Keeping the golf courses open during rec center closures has been a concern for many owner-members. However, others believe abiding by the social distancing protocols and those implemented by the RCSCW are being followed.
“The monitors are out there trying to keep congregations at a minimum,” Mr. Schwind said. “We lifted our policy on golf carts. Normally we wouldn’t let four carts out with four golfers, but we are implementing one person per golf cart, unless it’s a spouse or a close family member. We have taken a lot of precautionary measures and the golf team has done a tremendous job. They have cut out pool noodles and put them in the cups to limit exposure.”
Additional measures that were taken at the golf courses include removing flag sticks, bunker rakes, ball and club washers and divot mix scoops. Association carts are cleaned and sanitized between users. Tables and chairs were removed and no congregating is allowed.
“We tackled this the best way we can on how this thing is transmitting and we are doing what we can. We are allowing recreation activity for people who should get out and breathe fresh air, but keep a safe distance,” Mr. Schwind said.
In an email response sent April 1, regarding courses remaining open, Mr. Schwind said the RCSCW is using recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, as well as other national and local health professionals along with orders from the governor.
“That being said, as we sit here today, we feel that we are in compliance with all of the safety recommendations currently in place,” he stated. ““There is definitely a physical health risk associated with the virus, we all know that. I talked a bit about physical health, but there are also mental and social health needs as well. Golf offers both social and mental health relief in a fashion that allows for the recommended social distancing being requested by the health professionals.”
Sun City West community members responded to the continued recreation activity at golf courses via the Sun City West Independent Facebook page.
Pamela Sowersby said she is not a golfer but doesn’t believe the golf courses need to be closed as long as everyone abides by the rules for social distancing.
“If someone is found not adhering to the new rules, they should be banned from all golf courses for the duration. I understand that people are upset about other activities being closed and maybe a little jealous that golfers were not affected. For the complainers, like they say, misery likes company,” Ms. Sowersby stated.
Richard Bookie posted on the Facebook page that golf is simply the safest activity offered. Adding, all things considered, social distancing and pin removed have greatly improved the likelihood of virus transmission.
“Respect and being considerate of others are the keys to our getting through this,” he stated.
Sun City West resident Michael Fogerty disagreed.
He stated in a Facebook post people are giving up their lives to fight this virus and it would seem one could give up golf for a couple of months to solve the crisis.
I am passionate about sports and community writing and shining the light on positivity, while delivering the facts. I have been with the Independent team for five months, but in the game for 15 years. I am a proud Grand Canyon University alumni. Born and raised in Peoria, I also am blessed to have a street named after me called Jennifer Rose Court.
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