Sun City West golfers need to be thankful for time had
Posted
I see in the Independent many comments from golfers who are upset at the rec board for finally shutting things down.
Dammed if you do or if you don’t.
I am sure things will reopen again as the pandemic ebbs more. In Maricopa County the cases are still rising just a bit, as are deaths. Interesting to note that I would guess the majority of our golfers are 65 or older and many have at least one underlying medical condition, which means they are most susceptible.
Despite the safety measures, several things don’t stand up. Golf is only essential for golfers — it is not really an “essential” business. Tee box and greens areas still see a congregation. Restrooms and ball machines are places for potential contamination. There are outside visitors who play and can be infected.
We have been lucky in Sun City West, but in this aged community it would not take much to see a rapid spread, and while most are staying in, wearing masks, etc., it would be a shame if something as non-essential as golf was the place an outbreak originated. Other outdoor activities just as “relatively safe” as golf have been shut down from the start, without a large cry from those users.
Golfers need to appreciate the time they have had.
I have read all the reasons and arguments for keeping Sun City West golf courses open. There is much rhetoric and posturing about the safety measures being taken but talk is cheap, I walk by different courses several times per week and see what Mr. Schwind refers to — golfers talking the talk but frequently not walking the talk when it comes to safety.
The fact they will continue to play at other courses is their own personal decision to not only take a risk but come back with and spread COVID-19? The reality is golf is not an “essential” business. Open courses placate a specific group. It is difficult for me to understand that in the midst of a pandemic, medical experts and others offering ways to keep safe and prevent the spread, golfers feel no need to contribute to community safety and forego the game for a relatively short time.
