Golf courses deemed non-essential business

Two weeks after Nassau-operated golf courses were given the green light to reopen by County Executive Laura Curran, New York State added golf courses to the list of non-essential businesses, meaning they’ll be closed at least through April 29 with all other non-essentials.

The announcement came Thursday from Governor Andrew Cuomo. The courses, which included North Woodmere Park’s 9-hole course, Bay Park in East Rockaway, Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, Cantiague Park in Hicksville, and Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn-North Hills, were initially closed March 23 to aid in halting the spread of the coronavirus. Some private clubs, including the Sewane Club in Hewlett Harbor, were open for members to walk or use pull carts while operating under social-distancing guidelines.

The Empire State Development Corporation issued new guidance on Executive Order 202.6 on essential and non-essential business. While parks can remain open for hikes, runs and walks, and other informal recreational activities, golf is not deemed essential.

In recent weeks, courses had been spreading out tee times to as long as 15 minutes apart to help facilitate distancing. Tee times had to be made online or by phone with a credit card. No walkups were allowed, and golfers were also instructed not to touch flagsticks, bunker rakes and ball washers. At some courses, the cups were being packed with material so the ball wouldn’t go to the bottom and could be retrieved with a club.

While most golfers were reportedly walking during their rounds, carts were made available at some courses but limited to a single rider.