New golf carts at Sheepscot Links in Whitefield are ready for the course to reopen Friday, May 1. (Paula Roberts photo)
Golf courses across the state can open, with restrictions, Friday, May 1, under Gov. Janet Mills’ plan to gradually reopen the state’s economy.
“You bet we will,” Sheepscot Links owner Leon Oliver said when asked if the Whitefield course would open Friday. Oliver said he does not know what the restrictions will be yet.
The Boothbay Harbor Country Club will open May 15, as scheduled, with restrictions. “Hopefully in June things will get better and we can open more facilities,” club President John Suczynski said.
Both restaurants at the facility, Grille 19 and Paul’s Steak House, will offer curbside pickup and takeout service.
“We are hoping to open up facilities in the second phase in June,” Suczynski said.
Walpole’s Wawenock Golf Club opened Friday, May 1, after Gov. Janet Mills lifted restrictions put in place in April. Stage 1 of the governor’s new plan to restart the economy allows golf courses to reopen if they follow certain rules.
Wawenock has been busy preparing to reopen by putting in place state protocols to ensure the safety of staff and patrons.
Golf clubs can open with the following restrictions:
– Clubhouses will remain closed and there are no facilities.
– Golfers can only play in the county they live in. This does not apply to active members at their home club.
– Out-of-state customers must follow the governor’s mandatory 14-day quarantine before playing.
– Tee times will be no less than every 12 minutes with no more than four players in a group.
– All players must remain in their vehicles until 10 minutes prior to their tee time. All practice areas, including practice greens, are closed.
– There will be no scorecards or pencils. Golfers are encouraged to keep track of their scores with their cellphones.
– Golfers must carry in and carry out all trash.
Courses will institute “park, play, and go” policies. Golfers must leave the course immediately after playing to eliminate congestion or gathering in the parking lot.
