Cape Region golf continuing return to normal
June 5, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has been a featured element of this column for every week since Feb. 28. In that piece I discussed the supply chain disruption the virus caused the golf equipment and apparel industry.
Outdoor dining options have expanded as part of the pandemic response, such as these four-tops at The Rookery South.
Cape Region golf became directly affected shortly thereafter, with significant restrictions on golf operations, the cancellation of the high school golf schedule, and multiple cancellations of leagues and charity events.
Fortunately, as the virus seems to be taking a similar course as other pandemics, more and more elements of local golf are coming back to life, as noted in last week’s story about league play at American Classic Golf Club.
Not long ago, Mulligan’s Pointe near Georgetown limited play to members only, but it’s weekly Wednesday Night Men’s Group is now back in action. A total of 42 two-player teams competed May 20 in a nine-hole scramble format, with 23 teams on the front nine and 19 on the back.
Sign-ups are required before 5 p.m. on the Mondays before the rounds. No gathering is permitted, and players should wear their masks as they arrive and until they are safely distant from other players. Teams proceed directly to an assigned cart and the tee for that evening’s play, with different formats offered each week.
The $25 entry fee covers the cart and prize money. For more information contact the golf shop at 302-856-3363 or email golf@mulliganspointe.com.
On June 1 the Indian River Seniors group returned to Rookery South for the resumption of their series at the Milton golf course. Rookery assistant golf pro Chris Osberg said nearly the entire complement of Rookery golf carts were used, which under current restrictions puts a natural limit on the number of players. Tee times were used instead of a shotgun start, set at ten-minute intervals.
Open play is available before the Seniors’ 9:00 a.m. start, but no carts are available for those early risers because the group has first dibs. Their next round is set for June 22.
Some groups are busy planning their charity golf fundraisers, such as the Milton Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies’ Auxiliary. Paul Caras works at The Rookery and is also a fire police officer for Milton VFD. He recently mentioned to me that they plan to hold their traditional fall tournament in late September.
They seek potential sponsors for the event and donations for the auctions that are a critical part of the event’s financial success. For more information, contact Caras at 302-236-0100.
In a normal year, local club competitions would be well underway. The results from the weekly contests would have appeared in this column by the third week of April.
That didn’t happen, but I am pleased to report that they are also back in action with the easing of the pandemic rules.
The Mulligans Pointe Ladies Golf Association played a Low Gross/Low Net game June 2. Diane Braver won first place gross, with Peggy Claussen in second and Cathy Cosgrove in third.
Joann Zorb won first place net, with Kathy Hudak taking second and Susan Shockley finishing third.
Not everything is back to semi-normal around here. In other Junes I would have just returned on the Cape May Lewes Ferry from a busy week covering the ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer, held on the Bay Course at Seaview Resort in Galloway Township, NJ. This popular event is rescheduled for Sept. 28-Oct. 4, and the purse has been increased to $2 million.
The week after I plan to cover the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, PA. This women’s major was to be held in June, but the pandemic caused a rescheduling to Oct. 6-11.
So, I know where I plan to be in the fall – and if you’re not committed on those dates to play in a Cape Region golf fundraiser, you might consider putting these two tournaments on your calendar.
Soleeve UV Sun Sleeves
The sudden burst of high temperatures in the Cape Region this past week was a reminder to golfers about the risk of too much sun on too-light skin.
Soleeve UV sun sleeves
The next time you watch or attend an LPGA tournament, look at how many players use sun sleeves on their arms, sometimes extending over the backs of their hands. These technical fabric covers do a great job of UV protection.
At the 2020 PGA Merchandise Show I chatted a bit with Bo Lee, vice president for sales for HJ Glove. The Asian company has its U.S. offices in Westlake Village, CA.
The company sells a wide range of golf gloves for men, women, and juniors, along with its Soleeve UV Sun Sleeves.
The sleeve fabric carries a UPF rating of 50+ and blocks 98% of UV-A and UV-B rays. It also wicks away moisture while playing, creating a cooling effect that is both noticeable and welcome.
The sleeves come in four colors: black, white, khaki, and stone, and retail in the $16 to $23 range at Amazon.com. The company’s website has a handy fitting guide based on height and weight.