When Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer closed all non-essential business, it came as a shock for Falcon Head Golf Club owner Kimberly Dawkins. Falcon Head, a course in Big Rapids that doubles as a banquet venue, was forced to shut down operations.

 

“It was pretty devastating,” Dawkins said. “We lost a lot of revenue and we couldn’t open our banquet facilities, so we lost thirty-thousand in one month.”

 

Recently, Whitmer has announced lighter restrictions allowing businesses, including golf courses, to re-open under limited circumstances. Each course is taking different precautions in addition to a universal walking-only restriction. Many courses allow for tee-times to be made only over the phone.

 

Courses across the state of Michigan are dealing with the difficulties of starting up later than usual. They face the economic consequences that come with the coronavirus pandemic, consequences that some courses may not be able to overcome.

 

“I’m hoping things open up pretty soon,” Dawkins said. “We really can’t afford to lose this month.”

 

The biggest limitation these courses face is the loss of cart revenue. Dawkins noted that while able-bodied golfers don’t have a problem with walking the three-mile course, there are many who are waiting out the pandemic before hitting the links.

 

Lynn Bay, who owns Birch Valley Golf Course in Sears, has similarly dealt with limited business but anticipates a pick-up in the future.

 

“We are allowing people to walk the course,” Bay said. “A lot of people are just waiting for the ability to use a golf cart.”

 

In the case of Katke Golf Course, another course located in Big Rapids, opening day was pushed back due to the pandemic.

 

“We had to shut down the whole course and push back the opening date,” said Blake Barenson, a sales assistant at Katke. “No one could work, our inside learning center was closed and no one could come in the store.”

 

Less than a week before the course was scheduled to reopen, Barenson and company received a mass email that allowed the course to resume operations. Barenson noted that it was frantic trying to put together a working schedule, however they were able to open back up. At Katke, tee-times and reservations can only be made over the phone.

These courses agree that the ability to use a cart will likely improve business. However, with the stay home order extended by governor Whitmer until the 28^th, it is uncertain when exactly carts will be made available.

 

Barenson noted that Katke is awaiting a shipment of carts and that golfers will likely be able to use them in the near future.

 

“Business has been on the slower side,” Barenson said. “We’re trying to get the name out there that we’re still available for golf.”

 

In a world yearning for normalcy, golf serves as a reminder of spring before the pandemic struck.  The sound of a driver connecting with the ball is a staple of summer, one that is still here despite carrying restrictions. It’s a leisure activity that is one of many industries that is suffering due to the coronavirus’ impact, however it may boom once the restrictions are lifted.