Well, bad news this morning for non RI golfers here. Apparently we are not allowed to have out of state guests:
Not sure how anyone would show proof?
I planned to play later today and will ask the question.
I got this email from Triggs this morning -
New!! Rhode Island Residency Requirement
In accordance with the State of Rhode island’s temporary ban on travel to Rhode Island from out of state, the Rhode island Department of Business Regulation has mandated that Rhode island Golf Courses restrict play to Rhode island Residents only and require Proof of Residency at the course.
Therefore, beginning Friday, April 3, 2020 we will require players to present a valid Rhode Island Driver’s License at the time they check in at the Pro Shop.
Yea they’re not playing either:
New regulations for courses going into effect here in RI today.
Hi everyone,
I first want to thank you all for your efforts the last couple of weeks with changing rules and policies. I understand how stressful it has been. Minus a couple glitches here and there, I believe we are doing our best to represent the golf industry in a positive way.
Many of the complaints that are being received at the state level are from a non-golfing population who don’t understand all the great things golf gives back to our communities in a charitable way each year and the economic impact we have with our workforce.
An explain on the situation at Triggs Memorial. The Mayor of Providence made a decision to shut down all city parks and recreational facilities. Triggs is owned by the city of Providence and operated by a management company. Triggs was not shut down for violating any of the rules and guidelines that were in place; it was strictly a citywide decision on the Mayor’s part.
Now moving toward the golf season.
You will all have new restrictions starting tomorrow which may be difficult to implement, but I believe the weather may help you get through the next couple of days in preparation for the weekend.
In order to keep golf open in Rhode Island we were asked to further safety measures to ensure that the spread of COVID-19 becomes minimal.
Here are the latest regulations which continue or start tomorrow:
• All previous guidelines are still in place.
• Out of state residents are not allowed to play golf publicly or privately.
• All food and beverage must be take out only.
• Private club monthly food minimums. Out of state residents cannot travel into Rhode Island for takeout service. Please create policies where food minimums can be addressed.
• Groups of five or more must not congregate anywhere on the property before or after playing according to the Governor’s Executive Order.
• Practice putting greens, driving ranges and chipping areas must be closed.
• Groups of play are restricted to no more than FOUR players at one time.
• Parking lots must be monitored by the club to ensure that tailgating does not happen.
• Flagsticks must remain in the hole. It is recommended that hole liners be raised or pool noodles be added to the stick so picking a ball out of the hole doesn’t occur.
• Bunker rakes must be removed and ball washers must be removed or covered.
• New Tee Time policy must be 15 minutes between groups.
• Golf carts are NOT allowed.
• Personal push carts are allowed only if brought by the golfer, club push carts are not allowed.
• All golfers must use their own golf clubs. Sharing golf clubs or rental golf clubs are not allowed.
Please communicate with your members or customers of these new rules and add that they must stay in their car until five minutes before their tee time and go directly to the first tee.
As we prepare for what will come next, please start thinking about business plans that will get you through the season. Social gathering restrictions will continue well into the summer. Some of your normal business practices will have to be modified.
I have been in discussion with the other golf industry leaders in New England. We are jointly having discussions on creating a best practices information piece as we get into the main part of the golf season.
Realistically, we are going to have restrictions on our business models that will make running a golf course in a traditional fashion difficult. Please feel free to communicate with me as we prepare for a difficult and trying time in our history. This is not easy or comfortable but we must follow rules and regulations to help stop the spread of this virus.
One other bit of information is that maintenance crews are allowed to work and take care of turf. Please make sure they are following social distancing rules. They should be working in an area where groups of no more than five will gather and should not be taking breaks or lunch together.
Please be safe and remember I am only the messenger. It took a lot of work to keep us open for the near future. We are the only state in New England that has golf as an option. Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine are completely shut down and Connecticut has restrictions in many of its counties.
Stay safe
Bob
–
Robert Ward
Executive Director
Rhode Island Golf Association
Summary is only Triggs is closed and no more carts. Play on
Another reason I should’ve never left RI
It’s funny. I talk about leaving all the time but then I look around at stuff like hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, earthquakes etc happening everywhere else and then I’m grateful I’m here. Same with this current pandemic for sure.
Hey you can always come back! Housing market is sure to crash any time now so property should be really cheap again soon sigh…
Anyone like Meadow Brook? My friend and I are still getting our bearings in relation to the golf scene here in RI. We just played 9 this Sunday at Jamestown GC which I thought was super fun and in better than expected shape. Will take any and all suggestions!
Meadowbrook is AWESOME! I would also look at Fenner Hill, Newport National, Cranston CC, and North Kingston for sure if you are looking for good public tracks.
I shot a personal best at Meadow Brook last year. Great course, aside from that the 1st hole should be 18th and the course should start at #2. You can play there for pretty cheap if you pick your spots too.
Aside from that, I’ve played Winnapaug, Fenner Hill, and Richmond. Winnapaug is a fun routing, but they keep it in pretty terrible condition. I like Richmond a lot - another nice course where if you pick the right time, you can play pretty cheaply.
Had been wanting to play North Kingston, Triggs, Cranston, and Newport National this year, but as an out-of-stater, it looks like that’s off the table for a while. (Also wanted to get fit for a new driver this year at Spargo in Cranston, but looks like that’s not going to be an option either.)
Definitely check out Newport National. Another one is Montaup but I can’t remember off hand what the restrictions are. I think it is semi-private so the public has access. Also, you can’t pass up Metacomet in East Providence. With the whole debacle going on there and it being open to the public you should definitely try to get out there.
Meadowbrook is a great layout but can get overrun with slow play and lack of responsible golfers. Course maintenance can be spotty too. Played there last weekend for the first time in a couple years. Greens were like shag carpets. Rough was juicy but fairways needed a cut badly. Could be due to the current situation and not having a regular maintenance crew. Disagree with the post about how #1 should be #18. Yes the walk to the first tee is odd and doesn’t make sense with the current layout but 18 can be a great finishing hole with a match on the line. I hit a 2 iron into the water on 18, knowing that all I needed was a bogey to win my match… nerves still got to me on that tee shot. Like @johnnydamz mentioned, definitely check out Metacomet right now. Best conditions for a public option right now. Greens are spicy and the layout is an excellent Ross test. Not long but demanding. Have fun!
I have had my clubs made by Spargo for years. My buddy John is now the owner operator. He is the BEST at what he does. I can not recommend him enough. Worth every dollar for the full bag fitting. Dude is a wizard with his driver and wedge fitting. Keep an open mind when you go see him. Steve C who is his main man in the shop is also super talented and does UNREAL putter fittings. DO NOT HESITATE to get to Spargo - and was texting him this morning - he’s opening back up on Monday…
Agree with the Metacomet plug. In terms of Meadowbrook, early am is prime out there. I would say conditions are usually above average - I have never been angry after playing there due to conditions. They will eventually be putting clubhouse near practice green near 18 green, 10 tee, 1 tee.
Wow super funny you mention club repair, I have a 3w shaft that I want cut down and have been looking for a trustworthy place to get it done! I’ve played the front 9 at Metacomet back before all this BS started and the greens were INSANE, I need to get back out there too. Was looking to join a club up here this season but may have to put that on hold until next year.
DM me - I will get you situated with Johnny P. He will ensure your desired swing weight stays intact as well.
I definitely want to, but it sounds like I’ll probably have to wait until the state lets people enter
Roger that. Keep in touch.
Was there ever any renovation/restoration at Winnapaug over the years? It would be cool if it was an untouched Ross.
I haven’t played it in a few years, but from what I can remember, only a few holes looked like they had been worked on. (In both a good way and a bad way.)