Maine Golf State Golf Association
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Greetings!
We at the MSGA hope this finds you well during these difficult times. In this edition of "Leader in the Clubhouse" we will give you an update on the developments surrounding COVID-19 and its effects on Maine golf. Keep in mind it is a very fluid situation that is changing on a daily basis.
GOVERNOR EXTENDS STATE OF CIVIL EMERGENCY TO MAY 15TH
Per Governor Mills' website, "a state of civil emergency places Maine on highest alert and allows Governor Mills to deploy all available state resources to protect the health and safety of Maine people and to take every action she reasonably deems necessary to help respond to and protect against the spread of COVID-19 in Maine. It also eases Maineโs access to critical federal aid to boost response efforts."
A reporter asked the Governor if that automatically extends the deadline on the Stay at Home order and the essential/non-essential list determinations, and she said that each case is unique and that "no, not necessarily." She went on to talk about industries that have steam-lined their processes but didn't mention golf by name. I think we have stream-lined our processes very well.
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GOLF DEEMED 'NON-ESSENTIAL' BY EXECUTIVE ORDER
Two weeks ago golf courses found themselves on the 'non-essential' list by executive order from the Governor of Maine. Since then, the MSGA has worked with State of Maine officials, including the governor, to develop standardized operating procedures to open all courses while employing all proper social distancing and CDC guidelines necessary to make golf safe. While the proposal awaits review, golf courses remain closed through April 30th.
Our goal is to move golf courses from the 'non-essential' list to the acceptable 'outdoor recreational' list (not the 'essential' list). The acceptable 'outdoor recreational' list includes activities such as walking, hiking, jogging, biking and fishing. As Mark Twain once proclaimed in 1903,
"
golf is a good walk spoiled.
"
Just last week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said
"
golf without golf balls is hiking."
We agree!
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COURSES WORKING TO MAKE GOLF SAFE
Operating procedures have changed significantly as golf courses prepare to open. Many will be walking only (or employ a strict single-rider policy), members only, and spacing groups out with 12 or 15-minute tee time intervals. Clubhouses and pro shops will be closed. Each course is reviewing their situation to determine if they can meet the criteria outlined by the Governor and CDC.
The best advice we can give is to
CALL AHEAD
and
VISIT THEIR WEBSITE
for changes in procedures and policies.
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ALL MSGA EVENTS CANCELLED THROUGH MAY 15; MEN'S REGISTRATION DAY DELAYED TO MAY 1
All MSGA events have been cancelled through April 30 by executive order. Further, the MSGA has cancelled all men's and women's events through May 15.
Please know that the published schedule has and will continue to change. How much will be determined by the mitigation of the virus. While courses adjust their own schedules for outings, leagues, and tournaments, the MSGA will adjust its schedule to work with the courses to meet their needs. Please remember to thank the course owners and golf professionals who make our schedule a reality.
MSGA men's Play Day registration for events
after
May 15 has been delayed to May 1 at 6:30 am. Otherwise the process will remain the same. We hope to return to our original sign-up date as soon as possible.
Women's Weekly sign-ups open on a rotating basis.
Click here
for more information on tee times and events. So far, both Salmon Falls and Purpoodock events have been cancelled.
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HOW WILL MSGA EVENTS CHANGE?
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To adapt to the current situation, MSGA Play Days and Women's Weeklies will look different once the season beings, with changes being applied to all players.
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Changes in Procedure From Arrival Through Departure Before and After April 30
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- Before
- Arrive early
- Warm up on the range
- Practice putt
- Rent cart
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- After
- Arrive 10-minutes before tee time (remain in car if earlier than 10-minutes)
- Driving range closed
- Putting green closed
- Call pro shop to prepay for cart (if riding is available)
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- Before
- Optional
- Paid for at club
- Ample supply to meet demand
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- After
- Walking encouraged; strict single-rider w/ limited availability by club
- Pre-pay required by calling shop
- Supply may not meet demand
- Will be awarded based upon tee time until exhausted
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- Before
- 10 minutes
- Usually 42 available tee times for event field
- Some events may be a shotgun start
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- After
- 12+ minutes
- Due to greater tee time intervals, 36 or fewer tee times available
- All shotgun starts are eliminated
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- Before
- Pre-payment preferred, but cash and check accepted
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- After
- Pre-payment mandatory
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- Before
- ๏ปฟPlayers had access to food and beverage at host venue
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- After
- Clubhouses will be closed; there may be take-out only options at discretion of host venue
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- Before
- Players had access to clubhouse and on-course bathroom facilities
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- After
- Clubhouses will be closed; there may be limited to no use of bathroom facilities
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- Before
- Generally located in clubhouse
- Captains would fill out registration slip w/ names of players
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- After
- Will be outside clubhouse, near 1st tee
- Check-in and scoring will be roped off and well defined
- Captains will report to Tournament Staff who is playing and the division they are playing in
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- Before
- Players received scorecards and pencils at check-in
- 18 Holes played under the Rules of Golf
- Players measured Closest to Pins
- Scorecards were turned in after round
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- After
- No physical scorecards; Electronic scoring via Golf Genius mobile app
- 18 Holes played under the Rules of Golf with modifications and Local Rules in place; modifications and Local Rules will be posted prior to events
- Cup liners or pool noodles will be used to prevent common touch points
- No Closest to Pins will be awarded; measuring tapes create common touch points
- Social Distancing and CDC Guidelines must be followed
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- Before
- Congregate and socialize at the players' discretion
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- After
- Once the team captain has validated scores with Tournament Staff, players must leave club and return home
- Any congregating will not be tolerated and could result in loss of future playing privileges
๏ปฟ
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MSGA Board Votes to Adopt USGA Policy
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The MSGA voted to adopt USGA policy which allows vouchers to be used on any goods and services offered by a club. This may include use of a voucher for golf lessons, club event entry fees, use of a practice area, use of a golf cart, payment of memberships, greens fees and food and beverages (Rules of Amateur Status Decision 3-21/21).
Why would the MSGA loosen the policy at this time?
The MSGA has a voucher payable around $200,000. This is the amount of vouchers earned by players but not yet used. We want golfers to use them to pay for goods and services offered by the club which hopefully will infuse some liquidity into the golf industry in Maine.
Does a club have to accept the vouchers for goods and club services?
In short, โno.โ The decision on what a voucher may or may not be used for is up to each club.
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WOMEN'S TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE
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Women's Tournament Committee: Stephanie Babin, Michele Davis, Joy Eon, Vicki Linquist, Micki Meggison and Birdie Pearse.
Scorers: Barb Freeman and Sherri Thomas
LINKS:
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MEN'S TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE
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Men's Tournament Committee: Joe Alvarez, Tom Greer, Jeff Hevey, John Johnston, Romeo Laberge, Mike O'Brien and Mark Plummer
The MSGA will be asking the men who play MSGA Play Days to
be prepared
to pre-pay entry fees online going forward. No longer will the MSGA accept payment on-site in the form of cash or check. The risk is now too high for both players and MSGA employees. The details are being worked on by our team and we will send them out in plenty of time to comply. We have been considering this change for years and feel that the time is right to make the change to all electronic payments effective this season.
LINKS:
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Make a difference...support the future of our great game!
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