Golfers flocking to nearby states to play amid Mass. stay-at-home advisory

On a sunny spring day golf greens would usually be full of people getting in a round or two. But not today and not in Massachusetts.

"I think it creates an unlevel playing field for those courses in Massachusetts," said Jay Nomakeo, golf entrepreneur and writer.

Boston 25 News has been watching a petition at change.org asking the governor to, “Please Let Massachusetts Golf.” It’s received more than 40,000 signatures.

"I started it about six weeks ago with the intent of gauging the golfer's voice about what's going on around the country and other folks that are playing, and looking at what's going on around the country and other folks that are playing [to] see if we have a common voice still wanting to get out there," said Joe Marin of Franklin.

Golfers are flocking to neighboring Connecticut, Rhode Island and even New York to play.

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"If you look at two courses in western Mass. that are on the border with Connecticut," Nomakeo said. "You can't play there, but you go four miles down the road and you can play a course in Connecticut."

"I did go down,” Marin said. “I've been hitting balls in my backyard. I wanted to actually play. I looked at the parking lot and when I got there it was about 70% Massachusetts plates," said Marin.

Gov. Baker said golf and other non-essential businesses remain closed until May 18, but golfers are ready to return with the understanding of strict social distancing and complying to CDC guidelines. Courses in many states are not allowing the use of golf carts, payments are done online and tee times are widely spread apart.

"I never felt unsafe on the course. I didn’t get within 10-12 feet from my playing partner who all drove very far from Massachusetts as well,” Marin said. “The shop did a wonderful job. It was contact-free, set a tee time up online, pay online, call when you get there. They tell you when to go to the tee and they have signs up to basically tell you to head to your car when done and appreciate your business.”

Massachusetts is not alone in keeping people off the greens. New Hampshire and Vermont haven’t opened up the links to people just yet. The governor has said any earlier decision will be left to the state’s Reopening Advisory Board. ​

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