Changes to golf coming in Illinois on May 1

Tee time will look a little different on the 683 golf courses across the state of Illinois beginning May 1.

For starters, people will be able to golf after nearly a month-long closure.

But, according to operational restrictions provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, new guidelines established to provide people with the opportunity to play while also focusing on  general social distancing standards will be enforced.

For starters, all persons wanting to play golf will need to book online or over the telephone to establish a tee time. Threesomes and foursomes will also not be allowed; all parties will be restricted to two players at a time.

Prior to the stay-at-home order, tee times were generally 12 minutes apart, but now they will be required to be staggered in 15-minute intervals to reduce the risk of people congregating at tee boxes.

Spacing out the tee times and limiting the number of players will also limit the number of people on the golf course. 

Practice ranges, chipping greens or putting greens will also be closed to limit large gatherings. Additional touch points, such as bag drops, bunker/sand trap rakes and water coolers will also be eliminated.

Players will be reminded of social distancing standards with signage that discourages congregating and handshakes. 

Golf cart usage will be limited to individuals with a physical disability or physical limitations that prevent them from walking the course may rent a cart from the golf club. Only privately-owned pull carts may be utilized, rental of pull carts from the course will not be allowed.

Since pro shops will be closed, golfers should bring their own supply of balls, tees, ball markers, and any other equipment needed to play.

Golfers will also noticed that the “bottom” of the cup will be elevated and they will not be allowed to remove the flags from the cup. 

Clubhouses and halfway houses will remain closed. Beverage and snack carts will also not be allowed during this time. Restaurants can remain open for takeout only.

Persons with COVID-19 or those who live in the same household of someone with symptoms of COVID-19 should not play.