Governor J.B. Pritzker is allowing golf to begin in Illinois starting May 1, but under his rules, a few of which are:
- Players shall be grouped in twosomes only.
- Tee times will be spaced in 15-minute intervals.
- All bookings must be done online or over the phone.
- Practice ranges, chipping greens and putting greens will remain closed.
- No golf carts allowed except by those with physical limitations that prevent them from walking.
- Only privately owned pull carts may be used.
- The bottom of the cup must be elevated. This can be done by turning the cup upside down so that the new bottom is roughly an inch below the lip of the hole, or by placing Styrofoam in the bottom of the cup.
- Flags may not be removed.
- No beverage or snack carts.
- No caddies will be allowed.
- There will be no rakes in the bunker. The release suggests sorting the sand with a club.
Even novice golfers will recognize the absurdity of some these rules. The question is, who will enforce his wishes with so few players at a time allowed on the course?
That’s not golf but work. My recommendation is go to Wisconsin and golf. Better yet don’t, it’s getting harder to book a tee time.