Putnam County Golf Course is open

The state has changed its guidance on golf courses and will now allow golfers to return to the links with additional public safety precautions in place, Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell announced.

The Putnam County Golf Course, which was closed on April 11 to comply with Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order on non-essential businesses has now reopened.

“This has been a confusing few weeks, but we are glad that golf can resume with significant safety measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Odell said. “Golf is one of the few recreational activities where it’s easy to maintain social distancing, and being outdoors in nature is great for our mental health.”

Under the new rules, no golf carts will be allowed at the Putnam County Golf Course and golfers must walk.

The food vendors, driving range and pro shop are closed to the public. Golfers are required to prepay for reservations online, no walk-ons are permitted. Items that golfers would touch – rakes, flags, benches, etc. – have been removed from the course. Social distancing rules will be strictly enforced.

The change in policy couldn’t have come soon enough for Angelo Prestamo, a first responder from Mahopac.

“I am very happy to hear that the Putnam County Golf Course is open for business,” Prestamo said. “I will be out there soon walking the course and enjoying the exercise. I appreciate all the precautions that are in place.”

The new guidance issued by the Empire State Development Corp., the economic development arm of the state, still prohibits golf course employees from working, except for groundskeeping and security purposes, but allows individuals to play golf as long as there is no gathering.

Visit the Putnam County Golf Course website, www.putnamcountygc.com