Restrictions on Golf Courses Lifted May 1

Golfers will be able to hit the links again starting May 1 after Governor JB Pritzker lifted the shutdown order for golf courses statewide.

Effective at 6 a.m. this Friday, golf will be permitted as a recreational activity with some restrictions for both players and golf courses. Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course in Okawville is already preparing.

Tee times will be required for all golfers with at least 15 minutes between tee times. Groups will also be limited to twosomes.

“We recommend you call ahead, because I’m sure we’re going to have a lot of people call in for tee times,” said Bill Eade of Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course.

Players should maintain social distancing at all times and bring their own supply of balls, tees and other equipment needed to play.

Eade also said that the state recommends golfers walk the course, but players physically unable to walk the course will be permitted to rent golf carts.

Clubhouses and pro shops will remain closed, no beverage or snack carts will be available, and restaurants will have takeouts only, among other restrictions.

“We can’t have water jugs or porta-potties on the course,” Eade said.

Flags are to remain in the cup, and each hole will have a styrofoam filler to prevent players from putting their hands into the bottom of the cup.

For more information or to make a tee time, contact RBM Golf Course at 243-6610.