New Jersey Governor to Open Golf Courses – But Here are the Conditions

The news that golfers in the Garden State has finally been delivered: golf courses can re-open!

BREAKING: Today, I will sign an executive order to:
🏞️Reopen New Jersey’s state parks
⛳Allow golf courses and county parks to reopen

This order will take effect at sunrise on Saturday, May 2nd. Social distancing will continue to be mandated. pic.twitter.com/q1gIuUxoFg

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) April 29, 2020

Effective Saturday, May 2nd, golf courses in the State of New Jersey will be permitted to reopen for play, provided social distancing requirements are still observed.

While additional details concerning guidance for golf courses will be released in the next few days, news outlets are reporting that the Governor’s Executive Order will mandate that parking at golf courses will be capped at 50% of allowed capacity.

Hopefully that will only mean that tee times will have to be spaced out, as opposed to Illinois, who decided to permit golf courses provided they space out tee times and only allow groups of 2.

*UPDATE: On April 30, the Governor’s office announced no more than groups of two unless it is ALL family (foursome) and tee times to be spaced out by 16 minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Ballyowen Golf Club (@ballyowengc) on Sep 13, 2017 at 3:38pm PDT

Moreover, masks do not appear to be required, but officials are strongly recommending people wear one.

That said, it’s safe to say that New Jersey will follow other states, including NY and IL, and mandate that golf courses will be permitted to open, but all other amenities (e.g., locker room, pro shop, halfway house and snack cart) and golf carts will be prohibited.

Regardless, it’s finally time for the NJ guys to dust off the shoes, clean up the clubs and rush to a computer and make a tee time for this weekend.

Cover Image Via Instagram