Golf course owners, golfers 'beyond thrilled' to get back on links Monday

The first tee at Farmington Country Club awaits an expected deluge of demand come Monday when golfers will be able to swing into action across New Hampshire (Rochester Voice photo) No. 1 tee

FARMINGTON - Pete Doyle said he's never seen the course look this good.

The Farmington Country Club board member was busy with other club officials putting up a rail post at the clubhouse's front entrance on Thursday in anticipation of Monday's opening under the governor's new reopening guidelines dubbed Stay at Home Order 2.0.

Doyle, a longtime Farmington resident, said he's "super excited" about being able to reopen after being shut down in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pete Doyle of Farmington Country Club installs a new stoop post as he readies the club for Monday's reopening following the governor's implementation of Stay At Home Order 2.0.

Doyle said the club has taken significant steps to keep golf course staff and players safe, including having a check-in station where only debit or credit cards will be accepted. Cash has been identified as a significant carrier of the COVID virus, although it hasn't been made clear how long it lives on paper currency.

Doyle said in addition only one player will be allowed per cart, and disinfectant will be available for golfers to wipe down cart surfaces to mitigate further any risk.

He also said players will see a foam ring just beneath each hole that allows them to grasp the ball without touching any metal, which has also been identified as a typical nonporous surface that can carry the virus germ for long durations.

Meanwhile, Peter Harrity, manager of The Oaks Golf Links in Somersworth, said carts will be available, but again only one golfer per cart unless they are members of the same household.

Harrity, who said they are seeing a slight increase in membership inquiries from Maine, added they've brought a large number of extra carts in to ensure there are plenty on hand.

Meanwhile, the Bay State, in a surprise move on Thursday, allowed their golf courses to open with several restrictions, including no use of golf carts, which could make moot Gov. Sununu's requirement that only New Hampshire residents may play at state golf courses.

The Oaks will also have its beverage cart out on the course, Harrity said, and golfers can order food from the Grill.

On May 18 they'll begin alfresco dining with social distancing on their outdoor patio.

Rochester Country Club and Nippo Lake Golf Course owner and managing member Tina Maiorino said she was "beyond thrilled" that golfing would restart on Monday.

She said both courses had initiated major mitigation strategies including disinfecting "everything" and putting up signage all over the course regarding social distancing and not touching greens pins.