Carmel mayor reopens golf courses, details strict guidelines
UPDATE: Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard announced Friday the city was reopening golf courses after a one-day closure.
“Fresh air and recreation are even more important to us at this time of social distancing, but viewing social media posts where our social distancing restrictions were clearly being violated made it clear yesterday that action must be taken. I spent several hours discussing new guidelines and recommendations that would better ensure a healthier environment for play. I am pleased that we were able to find a way to allow golf courses to open with several adjustments. If we see further violations, we will revisit the closings again,” said Mayor Brainard in a news release to News 8.
Courses that remain open are ordered to follow the protocols listed below:
- Golf Shop, Clubhouse and all restrooms must be closed
- Take out service only with no entry into clubhouse by members
- Walking only; No riding carts or push carts unless they are privately owned
- No rakes in bunkers
- Driving range closed
- On course restrooms closed
- No tee markers on golf course
- No water coolers
- No flagsticks
- Staff cannot assist with handling bags/clubs
- Holes must be filled so players don’t reach into hole for ball
CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) — The city’s mayor Thursday ordered all golf courses to close although Gov. Eric Holcomb had made an exception in his “stay at home” order to keep them open.
A news release from Carmel said that “golfers are touching flags, using carts, retrieving balls from cups – which poses a problem because the COVID-19 virus can live on these kinds of surfaces for up to three days.”
Mayor Jim Brainard said in the release, “The governor made an exception for golf courses, but the number of COVID-19 cases in Hamilton County is far higher than the state average, so I issued this order today under the authority I have to limit non-essential travel. In other words, travel to golf courses, except for walking, is prohibited. Maintenance of golf courses is still allowed.”
The city is working with the golf course managers on appropriate protocols, and the mayor’s order could be relaxed if proper protocols are instituted.
Under the governor’s order, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts and other similar areas of outdoor interaction have been closed.
Earlier in the day, the Carmel mayor closed Midtown Plaza and a portion of the Monon Greenway between Gradle Drive and Main Street. Other parks and trails in the city remain open.
Brainard said in the release, “We know that the warm weather is a temptation for our residents to get out and gather in large groups, as we saw yesterday along the Monon Greenway. We must resist this activity, stop sharing sports equipment such as tennis balls and basketballs and keep our distance from one another in order to stop this deadly virus from spreading.”
Carmel also has requested that Zagster, the vendor who operates the city bike share, cease operations due to the inability to clean the bicycles and stations after every use.
Indiana is under a “stay at home” order until 11:59 p.m. April 6.
Indy Parks, in response to an inquiry from News 8, said it’s following the guidelines set forth by the state, and golf course operators have been informed of these guidelines, which include:
- Follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to visiting golf courses and other public spaces, while at the golf course, and during the operation of golf courses.
- Prevent customers from gathering in the clubhouse or limit all access to the clubhouse Customers will be instructed to purchase their items and then exit outside.
- Observe the CDC’s recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other persons at all times.
- Golf carts likely should not be shared, if used at all. Recommend that golf players walk the course.
- Encourage customers to avoid paying with cash and make payments over the phone or online.
“Our team will continue to work with golf operators to evaluate their courses and practices during this time,” an Indy Parks spokeswoman said by email.