Golfers can play according to revised guidance issued by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. Here on Shelter Island, officials of the two clubs — Shelter Island County Club and Gardiner’s Bay Country Club — issued rules that golfers must follow.
Although golf courses are still considered non-essential, access to the courses is no longer prohibited provided there are no gatherings, under the state guidance issued Friday. Social distancing will remain in force and services such as golf bag storage and club cleaning will not be restarted, the guidance said.
Shelter Island County Club
Shelter Island Country Club said in a statement Saturday it will reopen its golf course for play at 9AM Sunday.
“Only walking will be allowed,” the statement said. “Golfers can carry their bags or use their own push or pull carts. Motorized carts, either private or public, cannot be used for play.”
“We thank the governor for allowing us to continue this special form of recreation,” said SICC President Gordon Cantley. “With beautiful spring weather ahead, golfers will find it a great relief to get out and play.”
Golfers can go out as singles or twosomes only, and all golfers must practice social distancing at all times, the SICC said. No group gatherings of any kind are allowed on the grounds. The clubhouse remains closed. No restroom facilities are available at this time.
Public play at SICC is conducted under an honor rules system. All non-member players are asked to pay a greens fee (cash only) of $20. Place donations in the locked cash box located near the golf carts.
Questions? Contact info@shelterislandcc.org
Gardiner’s Bay County Club
At Gardiner’s Bay Country Club, where play resumes Sunday, president Ken Nolan issued a statement explaining the conditions under which members will be permitted to use the course.
“Gardiner’s Bay’s members and staff are extremely fortunate to be an integral part of this wonderful Shelter Island community,” Nolan said. “We also feel fortunate that Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order has reopened our course.”
“Yet, we remain vigilant in ensuring that all social distancing and other safety measures are followed. In order to ensure the safety of everyone, the following rules have been instituted:
- maximum of two golfers per hole
- no carts, walking only
- Clubhouse, Pro Shop, locker rooms, bag drop remain closed
- limited use of range and practice areas
- pins are not to be touched
- rakes for bunkers and ball washers have been removed
“We will strictly enforce all safety measures,” Nolan said. “We have encouraged our members to support our first responders, medical personnel and all those who are in service to others—whether at the IGA or Post Office—through volunteer work or monetary donations. Thank you, Shelter Island.”
Governor Cuomo’s updated guidance on golf
Read the full text of Guidance for Determining Whether a Business Enterprise is Subject to a Workforce Reduction Under Recent Executive Orders here.
The portion with respect to golfing reads:
“However, golf courses are not essential and cannot have employees working on-premise; notwithstanding this restriction, essential services, such as groundskeeping to avoid hazardous conditions and security, provided by employees, contractors, or vendors are permitted and private operators may permit individuals access to the property so long as there are no gatherings of any kind and appropriate social distancing of six feet between individuals is strictly abided.”
[This post was updated with information from the Shelter Island Country Club that became available after the story was first published.]
