Hoosier Golf Industry Playing Through Pandemic
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowWith some exceptions, golf has been one of the recreational sports that people have been able to continue playing. With many safety and social distancing precautions in place, golfers have returned to most Hoosier courses, though not in the numbers typically seen in the spring. The Indiana Golf Association says it is has established a number of guidelines to help ensure golfers’ safety, including one person per cart and no touching the flag sticks on the greens.
In an interview with Inside INdiana Sports Contributor Bill Benner, IGA Executive Director Mike David says business has been good.
“I think there’s a pent up desire that a lot of people have right now just to get outside and to be active and fortunately, Governor Holcomb said from the beginning that he encouraged people to get out and golf has been allowed to continue to function and we have seen a lot of people taking advantage of it, without a doubt,” said David.
Some of the goal of its safety recommendations for member courses and PGA courses in Indiana is to eliminate as many touch points as possible.
The IGA runs several tournaments and operates junior programs and clinics. David says the association is working with the Indiana Golf Course Owners Association to develop a comprehensive plan for fully reopening courses and begin tournaments.
David says that plan is being submitted to Governor Eric Holcomb’s office with the hope of getting its First Tee program for kids running again by the end of the month.
“You’re normally talking less than 25 kids in a clinic. We’ll have social distancing guidelines in place; you won’t see any high fives or hugs or handshakes for a while, but we still think we can operate safely and responsibly.”
David says as the economy continues to take a hit from the COVID-19 pandemic, he believes the golf industry can weather the storm.
“You may see some courses having to severely cut back on staffing. Hopefully, they’ll all be able to stay open. I think the big hit probably this year is going to be from an outing standpoint for the fundraising events. Hopefully, those events aren’t hit too hard but I know there’s some concern out there in the industry about how it’s going to be this summer.”