Deerfield Golf Club Opens Under Strict Guidelines

DEERFIELD, IL — Like other golf courses throughout the state, the Deerfield Golf Club is embracing opening today, Friday, May 1. While a majority of Deerfield Park District facilities remain closed due to Governor J.B. Pritzker's extension of the stay-at-home order through the end of May due to COVID-19, the club is an exception. New strict rules, though, will change the way business is typically conducted at 1201 Saunders Road, Riverwoods.

"With a lot of messaging and communications to our golfers prior to playing, as well as ample staff to assist in new rule safety and enforcement, we feel comfortable that golfers will fall within the new guidelines," said Jason Mannina, director of golf operations at Deerfield Golf Club.

Play at the club opened at 6:30 a.m Friday. Not surprisingly, Mannina said there has been a great demand to play golf this opening weekend, with 95 percent of tee times already booked through Sunday, May 3.

Here are some of the new rules and protocols Deerfield Golf Club has instituted in accordance with state guidelines:

• Weekday play is limited to nine holes with 18 holes available on weekends and Memorial Day.
• All play will be walking as twosomes only.
• No rental pull cars are available.
• Tee times are only being taken three days in advance, over the phone and with pre-payment.
• The clubhouse is closed for all public access.
• The course and learning center restrooms will be available. The club will be supplying each golfer with a pair of gloves and an antibacterial wipe in small zip-lock bags.
• The on-course restrooms will be cleaned/sanitized 4-6 times daily.
• All drinking fountains will be unavailable for use.
• Golfers can and are encouraged to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages as the club is allowed to sell these items.
• All putting greens and the driving range will be closed.

In addition, golfers are encouraged to practice social distancing and say 6-8 feet away from staff and playing partners, flagsticks are not to be touched, and no handshakes or congregating. Golfers are also being asked to wear a mask on the grounds prior to teeing off and at the conclusion of play.

Designed by famed golf course designer Edward Lawrence Packard, Deerfield Golf Club measures nearly 6,900 yards from the championship tees.

"We are anticipating going live with prepaid tee-time offering by this weekend and are forecasting a great demand and sell-through," Mannina said. "We recommend booking early to get an opportunity to take your first swings of the year."

To learn more about Deerfield Golf Club, visit deerfieldgolf.org.