Important update regarding COVID-19
By WPGA • March 21, 2020
Dear Golf Community,
Updated March 22, 2020 at 5:30 PM
As of this this afternoon, 3/22, we have received an important clarification from the Commonwealth.
Regarding maintenance, we’ve been informed that the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has confirmed that landscaping has been included under “essential services” and that superintendents may continue maintaining the grounds at this time.
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March 21, 2020 at 12:15 PM
Thursday evening, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf issued a shutdown order to all “non-life sustaining” businesses. The order mandated that the physical locations of these businesses had to close by 8 PM that evening to slow the spread of COVID-19.
In conjunction with golf associations and professional organizations in the Commonwealth, we sent a letter to the Governor’s Office with the assistance of a lobbyist at the Capital asking for an exemption for a golf club’s "field of play" from this order, meaning the physical golf course could remain open for players.
Unfortunately, our request has been denied. All golf courses in Pennsylvania must close with enforcement beginning Monday. We are awaiting more information as to what exactly can and can not be done in terms of maintenance or other work at the club. We will continue to send updates as we find out more information.
As a reminder, full-service restaurants and limited-service eating places may continue to operate for takeout only so long as social distancing and other mitigation measures are employed to protect workers and patrons.
We thank you for your patience as this information is gathered. As your Allied Golf Association, we remain committed to working on your behalf during these difficult times. Please contact the WPGA at any time if you have any questions or would like additional information.
About the WPGA
Founded in 1899, the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association is the steward of amateur golf in the region. Started by five Member Clubs, the association now has nearly 200 Member Clubs and 33,000 members. The WPGA conducts 14 individual competitions and 10 team events, and administers the WPGA Scholarship Fund.