As you have heard, Governor Walz has opened Minnesota golf courses beginning Saturday, April 18. While there will be a few COVID-19 playing rule changes at Green Haven as well as all other courses, the MGA has determined that ALL scores are still to be posted. Even with the changes, be sure to individually post your scores on the new GHIN app that is available. At this time, the Pro-Shop computer will not be available.
The best way, and the way Anoka Men's Club wants you to post scores, is to post on your phone or personal computer using the hole-by-hole app. By posting hole-by-hole the program will adjust your score according to your handicap. If you post by total, you will need to adjust your own score. Basically, you can post a double bogie PLUS your handicap for that given hole. If you get a handicap stroke on a given hole, you can post a triple bogie ... par + 2 + 1 handicap stroke (ie par 3 = 6) ... if you get two handicap strokes on a hole, you can post a quad ... par + 2 + 2(par 5 = 9) ... if you do not get a handicap stroke on a hole you can post a double bogie ... par +2 (par 4 = 6). And with handicaps changing every day, you need to know your handicap every time you play ... which is why hole-by-hole would be the best way to post.
Other COVID-19 rule changes include:
1. Social Distancing is required - we are able to operate to the extent that social distancing is followed
2. 1 rider per cart - so we will ask "If you can walk please walk so someone who can't walk will still be able to play". At this time you will not be able to put 2 bags on a cart.
3. Please arrive less than 20 minutes prior to your tee time to alleviate any congregating near the 1st tee.
4. No more than 5 people in the golf shop at any time. Please observe social distancing at all times!
5. Online payment, although not required is encouraged. www.greenhavengolfcourse.com and click the payment link
6. After play, we ask that you leave immediately. No congregating in the parking lot at any time! Do not go to your car's trunk and have a 19th hole cocktail alone or with your friends.
7. Hole #7 is under construction (new maintenance building) so if you go into the construction area it will be considered Ground Under Repair (GUR). You take relief where you entered the GUR and then follow the normal drop procedure that GUR allows - with no penalty.
8. There will be no rakes in the bunkers so we will be playing bunkers as a similar GUR with some restrictions. You may lift your ball and find a smooth place in the bunker or smooth out a place in the bunker and place your ball - no closer to the hole - no penalty. You may also play the ball as it lies, again, without penalty. While the grounds crew will be maintaining bunkers as usual, daily use without rakes could result in GUR conditions.
9. The Spring Kick Off is going to be played SUNDAY (the 26th) but it will have to be tee times instead of a shotgun. Entry deadline is Thursday April 23 at 5pm and teams/times will be sent Friday. Please only sign up if you know that you can play.
10. The 9 & 18 hole leagues as well as the Spring Combo will be delayed. Presently, we are looking at the first week of May for the leagues and the last Thursday in May for the Spring Combo. Presently, all other events are still on the schedule as shown on the 2020 Anoka Men's Club calendar. More information will be sent. At this time we need to determine how scores will be reported in lieu of the COVID-19 virus regulations.
11. The hole will be altered to allow for the ball to be "in" a hole that is just below the green surface - making it easier to retrieve the ball without touching the cup or the pin. The pin is NOT to be touched at any time.
12. If you normally keep your clubs, shoes, or other golf equipment and clothing in the locker room, you will be able to get it out to play. HOWEVER, you must take your clubs home with you ... the locker room will NOT be available to be used as a normal locker room until the COVID-19 social distancing rules are changed.
GENTLEMAN - IF WE DO NOT ADHERE BY THESE RULES AND PLAYING REQUIREMENTS THEY COULD RESCIND OUR PLAYING AND CLOSE THE COURSES. PLEASE FOLLOWING THESE COVID-19 CHANGES UNTIL WE ARE GIVEN AN ALL-CLEAR OR RULES ARE CHANGED TO REFLECT ANY NEW REQUIREMENTS.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Pat Murray, Anoka Men's Club Handicap Chairman (patrickjamesmurray@comcast.net).
