Canton Mayor Michael Dalton announced on Thursday that the Village-operated Partridge Run Golf Course will open this weekend under very strict procedures and restrictions. A change late last week in the guidelines established by Empire State Development, the state authority that determines what are considered essential and nonessential businesses, impacted golf courses, allowing them to reopen to golfers under very specific guidelines.
“During these difficult times, it has been good for people to be able to safely spend time outdoors. We’ve seen a lot of folks walking and biking on the Remington Trail at safe social distances. We are counting on golfers to use the same good judgment,” said Mayor Dalton.
The course professional, Kevin Maginn, has developed a Coronavirus Golf Operation Plan based on an aggregation of information and regulations from golf courses and associations across New York State and around the country. “I have spent the past month preparing for this,” said Maginn. Players will be required to maintain a safe social distance of at least six feet at all times, they are not permitted to touch the flags on the greens, and no one will be allowed in the clubhouse for any reason. With the clubhouse closed, there will be no restrooms available. There will be no trash receptacles on the course; golfers are asked to remove their own trash. “Golfers will be reminded of the safety requirements on signs and a public address system, and anyone not following the rules will be removed from the course,” Maginn said.
Membership payments are being accepted online and by phone; non-members are asked to call ahead to reserve a tee time and pay. Maginn will staff the pro shop from an exterior window, and can take payment from there if necessary. Masks and gloves will be worn by golf course staff. Electric carts will not be permitted; golfers will carry their own bags or may use pull carts.
“We are working very hard to adhere to the executive orders and guidance from the state while also being mindful of the challenges this quarantine is putting on everyone,” said Mayor Dalton. “We hope spending some time outside will be helpful, but we are very serious about the safety rules and regulations. If we find that golfers are not following the rules and safety guidelines our pro has spelled out, we will be forced to close the course. We are counting on everyone’s cooperation.”
Last modified: April 23, 2020
