I write to provide you with another update on the current status of the operations at Black Hall and what our plans are going forward. All such plans were reviewed and approved by the entire Board last night.
Last week, golfers in Connecticut were awarded an exemption to the “Stay at Home” order, however, certain conditions must be met in order to safe and frankly, stay open.
It is paramount that we have a collective commitment to provide a safe place for both members and staff - no exceptions, no matter your personal feelings.
As stated in an email to golfers statewide by the Executive Director of the CSGA earlier this week...
"If golfers refuse to follow the guidelines and best practices published by DECD and CSGA
https://www.csgalinks.org/content/csga/golf-courses-close-due-to-coronavirus
then those golfers should not be allowed to play, and those courses should close. Immediately."
Tough words, but a reminder that EACH person that comes up our driveway has a personal responsibility to be safe or we could be forced to close our doors. Our board is committed to this and will take disciplinary actions toward a member who is not complying with our guidelines.
The guidelines and procedures are initially set for the month of April but may be adjusted in length as necessary...
Services and facilities...
- Golf Course is open to walk for MEMBERS ONLY (no guests)
- Club House will be closed & locked
- Employees may be in the building at times, however, please reach them by email, emails are below.
- Restrooms, bag room and locker rooms will be closed
- Scorecards and pencils will not be distributed at this time
- Golf carts will not be available
- Putting green and driving range will be closed
- Scores for handicaps will not be accepted in April
Behaviors and habits...
- Only come to the golf course if you are healthy and symptom-free
- Do not arrive early and do not hang around after you finish play
- Use utmost care around the parking lot and clubhouse areas
- Use the parking lot in its entirety, spread out your cars
- DO NOT congregate before and after your round
- Consider playing in smaller groups 1’s, 2’s & 3’s
- Maintain a social distance of 6' at all times to all golfers & employees
- Do NOT touch the pins, the cups are raised so that your ball stays out
- Any putt within two feet – it’s a gimme, pick it up!
- Rakes have been removed in bunkers, you may improve your lie
- Keep your clubs, ball & equipment to yourself, handle your own stuff
- Betting is strongly discouraged, it may be unsafe to exchange money
- Bring your own water or beverage as fountains will remain turned off
- You may print your own scorecard by clicking HERE
All events in the month of April and all events in May through May 15th have been canceled at this time. We hope to have proper Men’s and Women’s opening day events when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
The board, committees and staff realize the effects of this outbreak will reach beyond the month of April and are currently working on ways to operate safely and provide services that we are accustomed to as we look to begin our season. Fees for services like lockers, club storage, tournaments and the like will not be charged until we know when they will begin. We will communicate in the future about this and any other pertinent information.
A tee time system was discussed for purposes of spreading out traffic but it will not be used at this time. We strongly encourage the group leaders to make every effort to spread their start times out in order to reduce any congestion.
For now, we feel this “limited” model of operation is the safest and most responsible approach we can take in these challenging times. Closures and restrictions on activities and on our lives are still on the rise, as is the number of infected people in our area; we wish that everyone be safe and responsible at all times but particularly while enjoying a reprieve from the stresses of COVID 19 on our fairways and greens.
Be well,
Curt Clemens
president@blackhallclub.com
Staff emails:
Andrew Campbell - pro@blackhallclub.com
Nancy Tiffany - office@blackhallclub.com
Moira Sager - membership@blackhallclub.com
