Coon: Sun City West golf course decision could be bad

The recently announced golf course closures at Sun City West has been heralded as an appropriate step to help stem the spread of COVID-19.

The facts may actually prove that this is a dangerous step for residents of Sun City West.

The Recreation Centers of Sun City West board put a series of safe guards in place to ensure that playing golf would be as safe as possible. Some of those safe guards included such things as eliminating sale of food, beverage and merchandise. On the course, common touch points were eliminated, for example, bunker rakes were removed, flag sticks were not allowed to be touched, foam inserts were placed in holes to eliminate having to reach into the hole to retrieve a ball. All cash has been removed from the pro-shops, so all transactions are done by credit card that the golfer had to swipe themselves.

All of these measures lead to a very safe environment. Golfers were encouraged to practice social distancing by riding by oneself in a golf cart and told to not gather. Most golfers adhered the rules, although as is true anywhere, some did not.  Still, on balance, golf was safe.

With the announcement of the closure of the golf courses in Sun City West, a huge percentage of Sun City West golfers will spread out to the West Valley and play the huge number of courses still open in Glendale, Surprise, Peoria and the three still open in Sun City West that do not fall under the board’s scope of control. This will lead to a significant number of golfers playing courses that may or may not be nearly as safe as what Sun City West put in place for their courses.  Inevitably, these golfers will return to Sun City West and mix in the community.

It is irresponsible of the Sun City West board to increase the risk of exposure to the residents of Sun City West by their actions.

Richard Coon

Sun City West

Editor's Note: Recreation centers of Sun City West officials announced April 21 that their golf courses would reopen Monday, May 4.