We the people of Pennsylvania ask you to allow golf courses to operate under a standard called “No Touch Golf” during the current state shut down of non-essential businesses.  It would be very similar to the conditions offered currently at Pennsylvania’s state parks.  Currently 34 states are allowing courses to play golf; 8 states are shut down and 8 are pending as of 3/25/2020.  Several of the pending courses are allowing play and Pennsylvania is losing revenue to Ohio, West Virginia, and New York.  Allowing play will promote health and wellness through exercise. Play will also keep thousands of businesses in Pennsylvania from going under, potentially saving jobs in the process.  We would like Pennsylvania to allow golf courses to operate under the “No Touch Golf” standard.  (either Option #1 or #2)

 “No Touch Golf” Protocol Option #1 (no carts)

1. Tee times need to be made in advance over the phone or online. Either way any   charges need to be pre-paid for with a credit card. There should be no physical contact between players and the staff.
2. Social distancing of 6 feet should be observed at all times.  Groups will be limited to 4 people.
3. Golfers must walk.
4.  You should acknowledge your arrival to the pro shop staff without entering the building via phone.
5. Tee times will be spaced 15 minutes apart to keep groups safely spread. Keep the same distancing with the group ahead while playing – distancing is important.
6. The putting green and range will not be available.
7. Each cup will be raised 1-2 inches out of the ground; once your ball hits the cup it is considered holed out.   Raising the lip of the cup above the ground will not allow your ball to fall in the hole.
8. Do not remove or otherwise touch the flag. There will be no rakes for traps. There will be no ball washers or waste cans on the course.
9. Club House is closed to the public.  The bar and/or restaurant will follow current state protocols in place. 

“No Touch Golf” Protocol Option #2 (with carts)

1. Tee times need to be made in advance over the phone or online. Either way any charges need to be pre-paid for with a credit card.
2. There should be no physical contact between players and the staff.
3. Social distancing of 6 feet should be observed at all times.Groups will be limited to 4 people.
4. Players must ride one person per cart. Carts will have been sanitized.
5. You should acknowledge your arrival to the pro shop staff without entering the building.
6. Tee times will be spaced 15 minutes apart to keep groups safely spread. Keep the same distancing with the group ahead while playing – distancing is important.
7. The putting green and range will not be available.
8. Each cup will be raised 1-2 inches out of the ground; once your ball hits the cup it is considered holed out.  Raising the lip of the cup above the ground will not allow your ball to fall in the hole.
9. Do not remove or otherwise touch the flag. There will be no rakes for traps. There will be no ball washers or waste cans on the course.
10. Upon completion of the round, leave your cart in the designated area. All carts will be disinfected after use.
11. Club House is closed to the public.  The bar and/or restaurant will follow current state protocols in place.

Thank you for your consideration,

The People of Pennsylvania