If you recall, RCSCW made the decision several weeks ago to close its recreation facilities, except for golf courses. Our decision preceded our Governor and all university and national sports associations decisions to do the same.
Our main decision to keep golf open is the fact that golfers do not require a shared physical object to play (a ball being handed back and forth). We took special precautions to ensure social distancing, making sure we adapted and removed most touchable items (flags, holes, rental carts, ball washers, rakes etc.) Yes, there was some early complaining but that grew mostly into thank you messages.
Look at the situation since then. The Arizona numbers within Maricopa County are growing and we are being told that the peak is coming.
If a large wave, hurricane or tornado is approaching, do you not prepare and take cover?
I have learned over years of competition that winning requires a bit of defense to be played.
What appears to be one of the saving graces from this virus is isolation, quarantine and hopefully warm sunny weather. Other countries severely impacted by this virus have adopted this type of stay at home behavior and things are improving and lives are saved.
This is serious and we are managing as such.
With the spread of this virus continuing to grow locally, we feel that the best thing for everyone to do at this time is to stay home.
So far 14 states have specifically banned golf being played (California, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin), and the situation is ever-changing. In some cases, courses, clubs or resorts have opted to pause operations even if their states haven’t mandated it.
A few days ago, our Governor made changes to his initial definition of essential services (beauty salons, manicures and tattoo parlors). I’m not certain that golf is too far behind.
Dealing with the national trends, local health official data and a recent spike in activity, we made the decision to close for the safety of all.
I golf, too, and I understand the frustration as I would rather be out there with you than doing a lot of other things.
You can fault me all you want for making unpopular decisions, but those decisions are honest, transparent and defendable.
You should not find fault in our Association’s attempt to keep members safe and protecting our employees from unnecessary harm.
The best advice given to me is to “Stay At Home,” wash your hands and I hope to see you on the tee box soon.
Stay safe –
William Schwind
General Manager
RCSCW
Thank you for the explanation however I cannot agree. Who gets to decide for us what freedoms we can exercise AND PAY FOR? Too many politicians are assuming powers over us that they do not possess. For you to do the same thing is overreaching and paternalistic.
Better the golf course than Walmart or a grocery store. 72 golfers in their own carts or walking on 7-10 acres is as safe as my home as I need to bring in mail and groceries. So u have forced us to go outside these safe walls and play. And u know what can happen in unknown places
Last evening my wife and I decided to go for a walk. Since the golf courses are closed we decided to walk on Deer Valley. My wife walked on the cart path and I walked next to the path because it is better for my back. A nice gentlemen came after us in a cart and told us we could not walk on the course and would have to leave. This is exasperating to say the least. It makes no sense at all. We have paid our dues but have no facilities we can use. You have decided to close the courses and lose needed revenue but also to prevent us from setting foot on the courses when they are closed!! In our younger years we protested mindless exercises of authority like this. I am too old to carry a sign and march on “City Hall” these days so I am sending this email. What freedoms will you allow us to exercise?
You made a choice that you believe to be in the best interest of the community. I applaud you. You knew you would take a lot of grief, but made the decision anyway.
While I felt most of us were doing a good job of social distancing, I saw people that weren’t, putting others at risk. The careless ones are the ones we need to be most wary of, as their lack of awareness and concern expose them, and consequently us.
When you reopen I hope you clearly lay out the rules. Then enforce them. If people don’t follow them revoke their privledges. I would also keep them closed to outside and neighborhood play, initially. That puts a little more safety in place.
Again, thank you for doing what you believe was right. Be brave and continue to do so. People will bitch, but they will no matter what decision is made. A lot of people think they know better than anyone else, but that’s reason enough for why they aren’t in charge.
Our country has been taken over by doctors. China’s quest for world dominance marches on while we cower in fear. You no doubt are a good man, but you are not a brave one or a free one. The choice should be left to those who play golf, they can choose to stay away if they wish. You have taken away that choice, yet another slap in the face of freedom. I am ashamed for you, so be it. Those of us who have fought for freedoms live on, though the list is getting shorter.
Bill,
Your early decision, albeit unpopular, to close the recreation centers early was BRILLIANT. This single action probably has saved the lives of many in Sun City West. Your decision to close the golf courses was also done in the best interest of the residents and I applaud you. All we have to see is what has happened in Italy, New York, etc to understand this enemy is extremely contagious and can be asymptomatic. That person can put others at risk without even knowing it. The DelWebb Hospital is in no way ready to save the lives of many all at one time. Arizona Governor’s Stay At Home ruling is half-hearted and confusing. We have 6-10 cases here and lets keep them low! Thank you!
Since the golf courses are closed, can we walk on the cart paths. We should be able to do this.
I agree with you wholeheartedly. I am a golfer but feel we should all quarantine ourselves until things are safer. I have two family members in another state that are fighting this virus and pray they will be able beat this horrible thing. Stay safe and keep up the good work!
Well said Bill. I applaud all the things the board as done amidst this pandemic. Although, I must respectfully disagree with the complete closure of the golf courses. The safety measures already put in place seem to be working very well. Another step could have been to cut out non-members from playing in our community. Golfers will find a place to go play, likely outside of our community which frankly increases the risk of contracting the virus and loss of revenue for our community. This isn’t about money, but golf is clearly the largest revenue generating activity in our community. Going forward the loss of revenue clearly speaks to fears about our future cost of owner/member dues to make up the shortfall. Thanks for all you have done!
I agree. Governor Ducy said “Golf courses are an essential service that provide opportunities for outdoor recreation with social distancing”. Stated on March 23.
You are doing a great job Bill! Keep up the good work!
As a golfer, I commend and respect this difficult decision. Thank you for helping us put the health of our community first.
Thank you for your honesty and for working hard to keep us all safe. We appreciate it. Stay safe and healthy!
Your intentions may be good, but you found a way to piss off everybody except maybe the “virus vigilantes“.
thank you for looking out for all of us, I work at one of the courses and while I am sad I think it was the correct thing to do. Stay safe
Thanks for this decision. One life is not worth risking for any amount of golf games.
Thank you, Bill, for looking out for the health and safety of ALL our members. Tough decisions are not always popular. You have my support.