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Starting today you can hit the links ­- with limits

Across the state, golf courses are reopening today - but with some restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has laid out strict safety guidelines by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently, that courses need to adhere to in order to remain open.

"The Allied Golf Associations of Illinois are thrilled that the governor's office has seen fit to reintroduce golf in a safe manner," said Carrie Williams, the executive director of the Illinois PGA.

"As a group of associations that administer and support the game, we trust the governor's office and the stable of experts they have on hand to determine how golf could be reallowed with minimum touch points and minimum concern about the spread of (corona) virus."

Benton County Club Manager Mark Dyel is one of many who are excited about today's opening and has taken the necessary precautions to prepare his 9-hole course for play.

"We're going to abide by state mandate and accommodate as many people as we can," Dyel said. "Even though we are a country club and have memberships, we are open to the public. We need public play for the revenue. I think we all do."

Red Hawk Golf Course manager Dan Breslin is following the policy and taking reservations via phone. On Thursday, he said he expects the Perry County course would be 30% full when the it reopened today.

Other courses are using an online RSVP method.

One thing not allowed under the new guidelines is congregating in the clubhouse. And golfers will find other changes as well.

"We're doing what the USGA/PGA recommends for the cup - sticking pool noodles in the holes on the green," Breslin said. "We're asking golfers to not touch the flagsticks and all water coolers are now off the course.

"The precautions are important and we're doing what we can to stay within the recommendations," Breslin added.

Like most things in golf, there's an honor system. Breslin said that will be up to the golfers to police themselves on the course, not him.

"I'm not here to check to see if everyone is staying six feet apart and abiding by the rules. A lot of that is up to the individual."

Restrictions

The entire list of restrictions can be found at www2.illinois.gov/dceo/Pages/default.aspx. On the left side of the page, look for the header "Golf Operational Guidelines." Here are the top ones.

Players shall be grouped in twosomes only, and remain at least six feet apart.

Tee times will be spaced in 15-minute intervals.

Practice ranges, chipping greens and putting greens will remain closed.

No golf carts allowed except by golfers with physical limitations that prevent them from walking.

Only privately-owned pull carts may be used.

The bottom of the cup must be elevated. This can be done by turning the cup upside down so that the new bottom is roughly an inch below the lip of the hole, or by placing Styrofoam in the bottom of the cup.

Flags may not be removed.

No beverage or snack carts.

There will be no rakes in the bunker. The release suggests sorting the sand with a club.