Sassamon Trace Golf Course

Photo courtesy: Kurt McDowell

 

Those golfers anxious to swing their way into spring, had their wish granted midway through May: Sassamon Trace was given the OK to open.

 Although it’s not under the usual circumstances and it doesn’t come without new regulations because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a step in the right direction for those looking to get back out on the course.

 “We have been very busy since re-opening,” said Kurt McDowell, PGA Certified Professional. “The only complaints have been being hard to make tee-times. The players have to pay in advance and our online system was not set-up for it, so we are receiving over 40 calls an hour during business hours, with only one staff member able to answer them.”

 Some would argue the hardest part of the COVID-19 pandemic is a social distancing, but McDowell said it has not been a problem on the course.

 “Social distancing has not been an issue. We inform players of the rules at the first tee, but everyone seems to be used to social distancing and wearing masks where needed, so we haven't run into any issues,” he said.

 To make up for the loss of tee times due to the social distancing factor, McDowell said they stopped letting people play twice.

 “We have lost a third of our tee times due to the regulations, so it has been much harder to book tee times than players are used to. There seems to be an uptick in people looking to play as well due to lack of other options of activities to do. A lot of players are used to being able to play course twice to get in 18 holes and we have stopped allowing 18-hole rounds to give more people a chance to get out,” he explained

 In addition to having to pay online make tee times in advance, there are a host of other changes from other seasons.

 

•                Removed all water stations from the course

•                Porta-john removed (though the inside bathroom is now open)

•                Each player must have their own clubs

•                Do not show up more than 15 minutes ahead of your tee-time

•                Removed bunker rakes from the course

•                Golf holes filled with PVC pipe so the ball still stays partly above ground

•                Players instructed not to touch flag sticks and signs on the sticks

•                Golf shop closed

•                Practice facility (nets and putting green) closed

•                Rental carts, pull carts, and rental clubs not available

•                15 minute tee-times

•                No walk in play allowed, no twilight, must make tee times

•                6 foot radius

•.   Removed ball washing stations

 

McDowell’s best advice to those who want to get a tee time?

 

“Please be patient as we all adapt and we are doing our best to serve all of you. We are so happy to see you all again. We are following all state regulations and ensuring a safe place to play,” he said.