Wednesday, June 3, 2020
DCR Reopens Agency-Managed Golf Courses
New Measures in Place to Enable Social Distancing and Reduce the Spread of COVID-19
Today, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has reopened Ponkapoag Golf Course in the Town of Canton and Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course in the Town of Weston for the public to utilize. Importantly, the facilities will have several new measures in place that will aid users with social distancing and reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
At this time, golfing will only be allowed for in-state residents, which will be determined by vehicle license plate. The agency has installed new Pay & Display Machines at both golf facilities, enabling users to make payment outside of the clubhouse. The opportunity to reserve tee times will be done by phone and in advance only. Tee times will be scheduled in 18-minute intervals with season ticket holders able to reserve a time three days in advance and general public users two days in advance. Additionally, DCR has placed signage throughout the facilities to remind users of new rules that have been put in place, which include:
Pre-Round:
Players are required to book a starting time in advance of play. Walk-on play is prohibited. Visit DCR’s Golf Interim Guidelines webpage for contact information.
Players must remain in their vehicles until 18 minutes prior to their scheduled tee time.
All players must bring their own golf equipment and players may not share equipment.
Golfing:
Participants must respect social distancing guidelines throughout course play, such as maintaining six feet of separation and/or wearing a facial mask or covering.
Flagsticks must remain in their holes, and hole liners will be raised so picking a ball out of the hole doesn’t occur.
Participants are asked to play “ready golf”, and to be aware of pace of play.
Post-Round:
Once a round of golf is complete, participants must leave the facility.
Clubhouses and concessions will remain closed.
Congregating in the parking areas is prohibited.
For up-to-date information on state parks during the COVID-19 public health emergency, please visit the agency’s Massachusetts State Parks COVID-19 Updates webpage.
