Gov. Greg Abbott announced initial steps to reopen the Texas economy during the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday, which included opening public golf courses.
The Rockdale Country Club and Golf Course has remained open throughout the state mandated shelter in place order with restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“We decided the keep the course open to anybody that wants to play,” said Randy Fletcher, Rockdale CC president. “The pool is closed and will not be opened again until the coronavirus situation is over.
“The rules are you can come out and play but you must maintain social distancing,” he said. “If you are playing with a friend and you all aren’t sheltered in a place together, only one person can ride in the golf carts at one time. The clubhouse has also been closed because of the virus.”
When Abbott enacted a stay-at-home order across the state on March 31, it didn’t require private golf courses to close. This meant many facilities interpreted his message in many different ways.
On April 11, Att. Gen. Ken Paxton issued a clarification letter to ease golf course operators concerns.
The letter equated golfing with outdoor activities like jogging and biking and required joggers to walk the course. Paxton also said that no golf carts should be used and pro shops and non-essential functions at courses should remain closed.
Rockdale CC complied with that order, according Robbie Breithaupt, general manager of the country club.
After three more executive orders tightening and loosening restrictions in the state, state parks and state municipal golf courses are now open (see story on this page). Private golf courses like Rockdale’s were allowed to continue to operate with restrictions.
DEALS—“During this time, we have reduced the price of carts down to $10 a piece. We reduced green fees to $15 during the week and $20 on weekends. Memberships are still available. A resident membership is $115,” said Fletcher, who has been a member for 30 years.
“With everything that has happened the course membership has dwindled significantly,” he said. “We used to have around 200 members. With Alcoa closing and the COVID-19 virus pandemic going on we only have about 75 to 80 members right now.” STAPLE—The Rockdale CC and golf course has been a staple in Rockdale since the early 1960s.
Bill Willinger served as the golf course construction chairman and Ralph Nichols of Alcoa was placed in charge of coordinating all the committees and teams of volunteers.
The club membership limit started out at 145 members. Each member paid a $150 fee and $7.50 a month to join. Memberships were sold out in May 1963.
That ceiling was later raised when the waiting list grew to more than 20. The first membership tournament was a held Nov. 18-24, 1963.
It was named the T.J Kyle Tournament to honor Kyle, the time, work and leadership he supplied during the course of construction.
Rockdale golf course policy
1. No limit of amount of golfers.
2. Golfers must be six feet apart at all times.
3. Face masks are recommended.
4. Golf carts can be rented. (Carts are being wiped down by the country club staff.)
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