Postponement: April Fools Eyes Fall Schedule Slot

Sorry, that’s all I’ve got this year. Following a day hundreds of Americans succumbed due to an awful virus, April Fools quietly agreed to postpone until fall.

But hey, when you’ve been around for over fifteen years, there are archives.

Some age better than others and hopefully the next April Fool’s Day will feel more jovial. A few recent favorites based on theme.

Masters, Masters, Masters: Sergio gets his own dedicated walking official, Justine Reed the first spouse to attend Champions Dinner, when Billy Payne joined Twitter, Club precautions for Tiger’s wedge issues, Poulter and McDowell lose invites after social posts.

Involving A Future President, Division: Donald Trump is admitted to Augusta National, and he buys Bandon Dunes.

Pisser offers: Sweater folders and the May PGA, USGA needing a liason between staff and committees, the R&A continuing their odd locations for merch tents.

Media Matters: Golf Digest forms ranking of golf’s top Task Forces, British Press pre-celebrates a Rory 2015 Grand Slam, Charlie Rymer named grand marshal of The Villages parade.

NGF Survey Of U.S. Courses And Clubs: Where Golf Is Open For Business, Consumer Confidence And Other Notes

The National Golf Foundation has been busy surveying course owners as well as studying other data to give an update in the U.S. golf industry as of March 31, 2020.

From President Joe Beditz’s letter explaining the effort:

 To begin with, over the course of this past week NGF conducted a telephone poll of just over 1,000 golf courses nationwide to objectively assess the impact of the coronavirus on golf course operations. We’ll continue to poll courses in the weeks ahead so we can track these effects and as we more fully turn our attention to studying the human and business impacts of this pandemic.
 
The findings of our golf facility poll are the centerpiece of a new COVID-19 webpage we’ve created that also provides key data regarding which states have placed restrictions on golf, course operators’ perceptions, consumer research that reveals how playing and purchasing behaviors have been affected, and other interesting information. Click here to see the results of our poll and check out the rest of the site: www.thengfq.com/covid-19

Among the topics covered in the survey research:

—As of March 27, 2020 an estimated 74% of in-season U.S. golf courses remain open despite the coronavirus pandemic.

—Golf rounds were up significantly (+15.2%) thru February.

—Core golfers who were planning on equipment purchases now suggest they'll simply delay. We'll continue to monitor this sentiment.

—Roughly 35% of independent/regional golf retailers remain open.

The one genuinely confounding finding no matter how you feel about whether golf should be played right now: the number of surveyed courses NOT restricting access to confined spaces beyond the 87% for dining areas:

"I thought it would be amusing to commentate on my dogs eating dinner--next thing I know, it's gone viral"

Today in much needed virus distraction news, The Telegraph’s James Corrigan catches up with the BBC’s Andrew Cotter about the sports broadcaster’s unintentionally viral dog-dining commentary. (8.2 million views as of this post.)

Golf fans should recognize his voice and his work in the podcast sphere (including a new just recently dropping co-hosted by Eddie Pepperell). And if you haven’t seen it…

I was bored. pic.twitter.com/bVoC0hyNzC

— Andrew Cotter (@MrAndrewCotter) March 27, 2020

"Old-style frugality pays off for PGA pro in uncertain times"

Andrew Both of Reuters checks in with Australian Cameron Percy, a PGA Tour journeyman who observes quite a bit about the current shutdown. Of particular note is Percy’s perspective “borne of a modest Australian upbringing and an acknowledgement of the precarious nature of his profession even at the best of times.”

From Both’s piece:

“Every pro I’ve ever known has had a year where they’ve played like crap,” the amiable 45-year-old said at the Country Club of Wakefield Plantation course where he lives with his wife and three boys adjacent to the second hole in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“I’ve always put money aside in case (of loss of form or injury). I drive a $20,000 car (Nissan Altima), don’t have a boat. Mum and dad taught me to save.

“My accountant is always suggesting I put money in the stock market but most of it is in the bank. What I’ve found from this (pandemic-related economic contraction) is that people don’t save any money any more.”

Percy is currently appreciating time resting his injured wrist, the result of a freak fall. Adam Stanley with Percy’s story overcoming the injury to regain his card.

Add Summit Golf Brands To The List Of Small Companies Doing Their Part

GolfDigest.com’s Sam Weinman chats with Summit Golf Brands’ creative director Billy Draddy about their move into N95 masts. The Wisconsin-based manufacturer of Fairway & Greene, Zero Restriction and B. Draddy golfwear designed a prototype mask and has had it approved for emergency-care workers near its Wisconsin plant.

From the Q&A:

Q: So a part of you is busy with that and part is surely paying attention to what’s happening in the world. At what point did you realize you might be able to help?

A: A week ago Thursday, we got an email through our customer-service department from one of our customers who had suggested that we could make masks for emergency-care workers. I spent the weekend developing a first prototype. We got on a conference call on Monday to discuss, then looped in our Wisconsin warehouse team who would be responsible for executing. I sent my first prototype out to them. Then through our in-house embroidery and heat-sealing machinery developed two prototypes that we then took to the Wisconsin Emergency Management Agency.

Yet another small company with a passion for the sport doing its part. Well done!

In other news, Seamus Golf has reopened their online store after spending the last week focused on mask-making that continues on. Requests can still be made by emergency workers at SeamusGolf.com.

COVID-19: Augusta National Golf Club Donating $2 Million To Assist Augusta-Area Causes

The Augusta Chronicle’s Wynston Wilcox reports on Augusta National Golf Club’s donation of $2 million to help Augusta University expanding COVID-19 testing in the region and an emergency fund for the most vulnerable populations.

The release states that $1 million will go to Augusta University to expand testing in the area. Another $1 million will be given to the COVID-19 CSRA Emergency Fund, launched by the Community Fund and the United Way of the CSRA to “directly support relief efforts for the most vulnerable populations affected by the Coronavirus pandemic in the community.”

AU president Brooks Keel expressed his gratitude for the donation.

“Augusta University is incredibly grateful for the generosity and leadership of the Augusta National Golf Club and the Community Foundation to support these important efforts,” Keel said. “This gift is an immediate and important contribution to the expansion of our COVID-19 screening and testing efforts. It provides us with needed resources to limit the spread of the virus through quicker identification and treatment. There is no doubt that because of this gift, many lives will be saved.”

Roundup: Majors Jockeying For Fall Positions, PGA Tour Aiming For Mid-May Restart, Irish Open Postponed

Given the fluidity of the situation and the overall unlikelihood of a significant event being played for some time, I find the hope of at least seeing some tournaments later this year a decent diversion.

Ron Green covered all of this in his Global Golf Post look at the best case scenario planning, including the challenge of the majors trying to be played on television against the NFL and college football games that could resume.

Television factors into the equation as well, with the behemoth that is the NFL seemingly still ready to re-emerge in September. CBS, which televises the Masters, and Fox Spots, which airs the U.S. Open, would have serious scheduling issues.

GolfDigest.com's Joel Beall and Brian Wacker have tried to decipher sources and tea leaves to figure out a possible major schedule that starts with a late July PGA, a September Open Championship, an October U.S. Open and an early November Masters. The latter two would have to reduce their field size given the length of days and time it takes to move a field around.

This schedule, admittedly a best-case-scenario situation, would appear to be working around the PGA Tour’s playoff events. However, it’s hard to imagine many outside of Ponte Vedra Beach would prefer to see the playoff events contested over majors, particularly if the Grand Slam events have to reduce…playing opportunities by playing when the days are shorter. Graeme McDowell has already echoed the sentiment that majors take priority over all else. Common sense says the playoffs should come after the majors.

Green in his GGP column also featured this quote from Kevin Kisner regarding the PGA Tour’s thinking on a mid-May restart.

“The No. 1 thing we need to do is get back to work. They may try to expand some fields so guys can catch up with playing opportunities but it all depends on when we go back.”

The intention to return in mid-May at Colonial was echoed in this Daniel Rappaport story about the PGA Tour’s loan program for players based on their FedExCup status.

Meanwhile, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open has been postponed, meaning the earliest restart in Europe would come in June.

The European Tour’s statement:

Postponement of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open

The European Tour today confirmed the postponement of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open due to the continuing threat posed by the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The tournament was scheduled to be the European Tour’s second Rolex Series event of 2020, taking place at Mount Juliet Estate from May 28-31, with Major Champion Graeme McDowell as host. 

Keith Pelley, European Tour Chief Executive, said: “The decision to postpone the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open follows consultation with all stakeholders and was made with public health and well-being as our absolute priority. Our thoughts are with everyone right now and we are all united in trying to fight the spread of the pandemic. 

“With this in mind, we will continue to evaluate all aspects of our 2020 European Tour schedule, and discussions on the rescheduling of postponed events will remain ongoing until we have clarity on the global situation.”

And the Tokyo Olympics have been rescheduled for next July 23 to August 8th, meaning we get to do schedule “compaction” all over again next year. Oddly, that tedious topic seems refreshingly quaint these days.

Today In Much-Needed Diviersionary Reading: Bobby Jones' Rarely Seen Ideal 18

Nice spot by Jim Nantz using his April Golf Digest column to share a rarely-seen list of Bobby Jones’ ideal 18 holes. And I’ve verified that unlike other National Golf Review rankings, this one is real!

It’s a peculiar list in the way Jones structured his course and in the holes he chose from St. Andrews, National Golf Links and Pine Valley. But isn’t that the fun of constructing a dream 18 from existing courses?

Anyway, check out how Nantz stumbled on the list and how he got it verified by the great Sid Matthew. As he writes, “Jones’ dream 18 is one of the more exciting modern Jones discoveries.”

In order of surprise/wish I knew more: Jones choosing the 8th at St. Andrews for a par-3, the 10th at National Golf Links and the 4th at Pine Valley. All superb holes but still intriguing those edged out many others or even better holes at those courses.

Stenson On Golf In The COVID-19 Era, Update On Pete Cowen

The Guardian’s Ewan Murray spoke to Henrik Stenson about having little desire to practice with no tournaments looming and hundreds of thousands suffering due to the COVID-19 virus and gets this perspective.

“There’s a lot of fun stuff available for the kids and for us here [at the family home in Florida] but I’m not sure I should mention that when you have someone locked in an apartment and can’t go outside,” Stenson says. “It’s disastrous on a global level from people being really sick to losing their lives, to the world economy plummeting. Anyone who lives paycheque to paycheque is going to feel this. Everyone will to a degree but it feels corny if I am going to complain when people are losing their jobs.”

He also gives an update on his coach, Pete Cowen, who he says did test positive for the virus but who he believes will “get through” it.

“He picked it up on his travels, from what I understand,” Stenson says. “I hope and believe he wasn’t contagious when I last saw him. I think he will get through it but he has been feeling pretty bad.”

PGA Of America Will Be Collecting Member Dues Despite COVID-19 Shutdown

Facing the prospect of a shutdown in the busiest time of year for America golf professionals, some organization members are unhappy at the recent PGA Of America dues call.

Jonathan Doctor, owner of JMJ Golf, filed an open letter to the PGA of America after the organization emailed members moving ahead with their normal dues payments for its 28,000 members.

Even with most golf professionals facing the prospect of reduced or no income, the organization reminded members in an email that dues must be paid on time despite the coronavirus shutdown.

However, the PGA did voice empathy in their email:

PGA Professionals will now have two payment options: Pay full dues amount any time through July 31, 2020 without penalty or late fee. Pay Section dues amount only any time through July 31, 2020 without penalty or late fee. Pay National dues ($100), Life ($44), Liability ($12 and MAP ($6) by October 31, 2020 without penalty or late fee.

“During these extraordinarily challenging times for so many PGA Professionals, we have worked closely with our 41 sections to find the best path forward regarding 2020 dues payments,” said PGA President Suzy Whaley. “While we wish it was possible to waive dues for all members, as a 501(c) 6 not-for-profit organization, IRS regulations do not allow us to take such an action.

Doctor, in questioning the dues reminder in the heat of an unfolding pandemic (as per the organization by-laws, it should be noted), writes:

Maybe the view from Palm Beach Gardens is a little hazy, but the $70 billion dollar global golf industry isn't as healthy as that number would lead people to believe. Expenses to operate facilities have never been higher. Social regard for the game and for country clubs has never been more critical. Available talent to fill positions in golf facilities has never been more scarce. And the PGA Professional is without doubt the facility owners and management groups automatic reset button for cutting a budget and showing facility savings to the bottom line. It has become more difficult than ever to justify to facilities, members and students, as well as young professionals the need to even BE a PGA Member.

As of its most recently available tax documents for the 2018 tax year, the non-profit PGA of America has about $360 million in net assets and fund balances.

But as noted, the dues collection is in their by-laws as part of their 501(c) 6 status.

European Tour's Finest: "I am not your hero"

With their fingers on the pulse of the world and not their pocketbook, some of the European Tour’s finest chime in for a perfectly timed message as thousands suffer and brave souls try to help them. Thanks to reader Shotmaker for highlighting this…

Thank you to our real heroes. Stay safe everyone. pic.twitter.com/cuSpew8yqc

— Tommy Fleetwood (@TommyFleetwood1) March 28, 2020

Linksoul's T-Shirt To Benefit The Center For Disaster Philanthropy

The Carlsbad clothier of quality gear is asking $40 for this Geoff Cunningham-designed t-shirt to provide funds for the Center For Disaster Philanthropy.

Linksoul writes on Instagram:

They have a COVID-19 direct relief fund that specifically helps the most vulnerable populations affected by this crisis, including hourly wage workers, the elderly, and those with disabilities. They also connect with NGOs to provide desperately needed supplies to those on the front lines in our hospitals. ⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
We are accepting pre-orders immediately and expect to ship this limited edition t-shirt by the end of April. Order today, and we will keep you updated by email.⁣⁣ (Link in bio to shop)⁣
⁣⁣⁣
Together, we can #flattenthecurve. We'd love for you to help shape our community's conversations in the days and weeks to come. Reach out to us on here, or comment below to share your thoughts - we're here for you.⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
Look out for one another, and be well. ⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
The Linksoul Family⁣⁣

View this post on Instagram

Like many of you, our thoughts are with those impacted by COVID-19, their loved ones, and all of our communities. We at Linksoul are working from home in an effort to help #flattenthecurve. But with your help, we can do much more.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ We posted this design by @parnography last week, where you suggested we make it into one of our soft t-shirts. We heard you loud and clear, and not only did we create the shirt, we are giving 100% of the proceeds to Center for Disaster Philanthropy.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ CDP is a top charity in transparency and accountability, as recognized by Charity Navigator. They have a COVID-19 direct relief fund that specifically helps the most vulnerable populations affected by this crisis, including hourly wage workers, the elderly, and those with disabilities. They also connect with NGOs to provide desperately needed supplies to those on the front lines in our hospitals. ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ We are accepting pre-orders immediately and expect to ship this limited edition t-shirt by the end of April. Order today, and we will keep you updated by email.⁣⁣ (Link in bio to shop)⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ Together, we can #flattenthecurve. We'd love for you to help shape our community's conversations in the days and weeks to come. Reach out to us on here, or comment below to share your thoughts - we're here for you.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ Look out for one another, and be well. ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ The Linksoul Family⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #linksouldier #community #flattenthecurve #lowstinger #listentoyourcaddie #thintowin #backofyourstance #closetheface #wegotthis

A post shared by LINKSOUL (@linksoul) on Mar 27, 2020 at 8:34am PDT

Today In Much-Needed Diversionary Content: Shark's 1980s Beer Commercial

Greg Norman knew we needed some 80’s schmaltz to laugh at, I think. Posting this doozy of a commercial for Swan Lager, and while the theme song is cringe worthy and potentially harmful to your mental well-being in these trying times, it’s worth the risk.

And do note the re-creation of Norman’s win at Turnberry, down to the Lyle & Scott yellow sweater along with a Tommy Nakajima stand in. Spectacular stuff!

No matter what anyone says we all can make it! Sending positive vibes to all today, we WILL get through this chaos. Hope this lightens your day. Be safe, smart, and above all stay healthy. #TBT pic.twitter.com/RozVQV8N0i

— Greg Norman (@SharkGregNorman) March 26, 2020

NY Post: U.S. Open Next Major To Postpone, Will Remain At Winged Foot If Played

Mark Cannizzaro with the NY Post exclusive on the USGA informing Winged Foot Golf Club it will delay June’s planned U.S. Open at the renowned course. Thanks to reader Kevin for passing along.

Cannizzaro adds this from an unnamed source:

“[We] remain hopeful about late in the summer, [maybe] early September,’’ the source said regarding the U.S. Open, adding that the club is “optimistic’’ the tournament will take place at Winged Foot.

Fingers crossed things improve in the region where one of the early COVID-19 cases has led to a total lockdown not far from Winged Foot with, reportedly, positive results thanks to the quarantining, reports CNN’s Eric Levenson.

If the U.S. Open is to be played at Winged Foot in late summer or early fall it will feature way less build-out than would be planned with a summer date. And frankly, given the damage to the neighboring East course and uncertain state of affairs for the corporate world, the fluid situation warranting a downsized Open seems just fine should the event happen.

R&A Guidelines: What Is "Essential Maintenance" During A Pandemic?

As golf shuts down in many regions, there is natural inclination to wonder about maintenance. Not because anyone will be Stimping greens or measuring blade heights when a course reopens. We hope.

However, as know from Depression and World War era reports, golf courses that shut down were often lost or never quite the same due to a lack of maintenance. So to avoid compounding the economic problems induced by the COVID-19 virus, basic maintenance of many things must continue to avoid a world returning to deeper-than-necessary setbacks.

While there will always be detractors, doing basic maintenance will keep a facility going, keep some workers employed and reduce damage done by a shutdown. So kudos to the R&A for issuing these maintenance guidelines to address the governmental restrictions in the UK. (And for the posting by England Golf.)

Here goes:

Essential Maintenance Statement for Golf Courses during Covid 19 Outbreak

The following statement outlines those treatments considered essential for maintaining a golf course during the current government restrictions. It is accepted that golf courses exist in many different forms, on many different soil types and in differing landscapes and that this guidance may require adaption.

Mowing Greens

Greens should be mown according to the rate of growth to a maximum of three times per week. Dew removal should be considered on non-mowing days as required to prevent disease spread.

Tees and green surrounds should be mown according to the rate of growth to a maximum of once per week.

Fairways should be mown according to the rate of growth to a maximum of once per week.

Managed roughs and grass paths should be mown according to need to a maximum of once every two weeks (fortnightly). Only roughs considered to be in direct play should be mown allowing for naturalisation to areas largely out of play.

The height of cut adopted for all these areas is site specific but the elevation of the cutting height on fine turf areas is advised to minimise unnecessary stress on the turf. The aim of the above operations is to maintain uniformity, density, texture and health to allow surfaces to be quickly brought back to an appropriate playing standard once play resumes.

Irrigation and Nutrition

Irrigation and nutrition should be carried out as necessary but with the objectives of keeping the turf alive, maintaining a full sward and preventing turf thinning.

Avoid excesses of either input which will only serve to promote unnecessary growth and necessitate more maintenance.

Machinery and Equipment Maintenance

This should be carried out as required to ensure that essential equipment is kept safe and operational.

*Operations such as maintaining penalty areas (including bunkers), wider practice facilities(other than greens and tees), aeration, top dressing and spraying are not considered essential at this time. However, it is conceivable that occasional spraying to control an acute pest, weed or disease problem may be considered essential at times and in some circumstances.

Given the fluidity of the current situation there may be a requirement to update and re-issue this guidance in respect of future government advice.

The R&A also has this page of links and other notes for golfers and facilities.