Fore! Allow social distance golfing, Charlie

There’s fresh air, a chance for much-needed exercise, and acres of space to ensure proper social distancing, but supporters of a fast-growing online petition to reopen Bay State golf courses should take note — no groups allowed.

Gov. Charlie Baker ordered the immediate closure of beach parking lots Thursday because beachgoers blatantly ignored social distancing guidelines. Supporters looking to reopen Massachusetts’ golf courses say they won’t make the same mistake.

“We look at golf as a great source of exercise for folks who are suddenly staying at home and dealing with a whole new lifestyle. It’s a chance to get out in the open,” said Jesse Menachem, executive director of the Massachusetts Golf Association.

“We feel that golf can be played in a sensible way that can be safe,” he said.

Golf is one of many businesses across the state deemed nonessential in Baker’s statewide order shuttering retail last month. But with indoor gyms closed and the weather warming, many are itching to get on the green.

“Golf by nature of the game, and with limited modifications, can comply completely with the intent of the “Stay at Home” designation,” wrote Joe Marin, who started a Change.org petition this week that’s already gathered nearly 13,000 signatures.

“Please consider allowing courses to remain open and look at what other states are doing that remain open with these precautions in mind,” the petition writes.

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu is currently considering a similar petition in the Granite State, while golf courses in Rhode Island, New York and Connecticut have remained open with restrictions.

Officials have already reported issues with groups of golfers hitting the links in Massachusetts despite the ban. The South Shore Country Club tweeted out a photo Saturday of a group of ten men happily strolling with their golf gear on the Hingham course.

“Please do not be like these people!” the tweet read. “The better we follow the @MassGovernor orders the sooner we can get back to playing and enjoying ourselves!”

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno also chastised players who took to the city’s closed courses on Monday.

“What is wrong with you people?” Sarno said, according to the Springfield Republican. “I will blockade those golf courses.”

Baker, who hasn’t weighed in on the golf petition, said everyone’s responsibility when heading outside is simple.

“We’re supposed to do everything we possibly can to limit our exposure to other people,” said Baker. “If people can’t play by the rules, if it’s too big a temptation, then we’re just going to get rid of the parking.”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/39CJqOG