To limit the possibility of spread, Fairfield has implemented extra steps besides no golf carts at its South Trace course.
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Cups at each hole will be inverted and flags will not be removable, so to complete a hole, golfers only need to hit the ball against the side of the cup.
“It does cut down a little bit on the experience, but we’re just trying to keep it so there’s not a lot of touchpoints,” said City Manager Mark Wendling.
Fairfield Parks and Recreation Director Tiphanie Howard said all sand trap rakes, ball washers and water coolers from the South Trace course will be sanitized, and there will be a two-club-length social distancing rule. Signs have been posted reminding golfers of distancing requirements.
“Having access to outdoors and recreational opportunities during the COVID-19 outbreak is even more important now than ever in an effort to ease the fear and anxiety that these unknowns about the future are causing,” Howard said. “It is encouraging that the director of the Ohio Department of Health and the governor recognizes that getting outside and engaging in outdoor activities will help us manage the stress of this pandemic in positive ways.”
The clubhouse will remain closed to the public, and staff will contact golfers by phone to provide remote support. The course will be open Thursday to Sunday with tee times from 9 to 11 a.m. reserved for players 55 years and older.
Prices have been significantly discounted to encourage participation:
• 18 holes for $20
• Nine holes for $10
• Five holes for $5
The city hasn’t made a decision if it will open its nine-hole North Trace course.
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Tom Vanderhorst, Hamilton’s executive director of external services, believed it was “the wrong call” to initially shut down golf courses.
“People just need an outlet,” he said. “They need an outlet to do something, and this is it.”
Vanderhorst said Hamilton’s two golf courses — Potters Golf Course and Twin Run — had “pretty good” turnout this past weekend with more than 1,000 rounds of golf played. Hamilton limited one golfer to one golf cart, though married couples could share carts, he said.
Vanderhorst said he’s seen people experience cabin fever around his neighborhood and crave for something to do outside of their home and immediate neighborhood.
“It’s a nice distraction to be able to go out and hit a golf ball,” Vanderhorst said.
There shouldn’t be any problems with golf courses, said Steve Timmer, director of Hamilton’s Parks Consortium.
“If everybody listens (to the health directives), I don’t think we will have any issues,” he said.
Another recreation opportunity for residents is fishing, as Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said that’s an allowable activity as long as social distancing is allowed.
Wendling said the city’s bait shop at Marsh Lake remains closed, and only catch-and-release will be permitted.
Reporter Rick McCrabb contributed to this story.
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