Staff Report

ROCKFORD –  The Rockford Park District has updated restrictions for its five golf courses as the Restore Illinois coronavirus plan moves into Phase 3 Friday, May 29.

The restrictions are in accordance with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

In Phase 3 groups of four are allowed with 10 minutes between tee times. Driving ranges, practice putting greens, and Aldeen Practice Centre will be open at 50% capacity. Golf carts are permitted. Individuals who are not members of the same household shall use individual carts.

Every cart will be sanitized after each use.Clubhouses will remain closed, but pro shops are open, and food and beverage items will be sold. No ball washers, bunker/sand trap rakes, port-o-lets, or water coolers will be available at any golf course. Cups will be modified at each hole so golfers can retrieve their ball with little contact with the cup. Flags should remain in the cup. A golf club should be used to smooth out the sand in the bunker.

“This next phase will allow us to have more golfers on the course, and allow for more use of golf carts,” Rockford Park District Operations Director David Spencer said. “Thank you to everyone who has come out to play, and for being patient as we adjust to these fluid rules and regulations. We ask that players maintain social distancing at all times while at the golf course, pick up their own ball, handle their own scorecard, and unfortunately, refrain from the customary handshake at the beginning or end of the game.”

Spencer added that those with symptoms of COVID-19, or have been exposed by a member of his or her household they should not play, until they know they aren’t infected.

Every golf course will have food and beverage items for golfers to grab and go. Outdoor seating is also available at each course, and will be sanitized after use.

Tournaments are not allowed in Phase 3. All June events, including the Rockford Area Junior Tournament Series and Melvin Ballard Memorial Golf Tournament, have been canceled.

Outdoor golf lessons are allowed for individuals and groups of 10 or fewer. More information is at golfrockford.org.

Hours, fees, and tee times
Aldeen Golf Club, Elliot Golf Course, Ingersoll Golf Course, Sandy Hollow Golf Course, and Sinnissippi Golf Course will be open during Phase 3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aldeen Golf Club Practice Centre will be open during Phase 3 Mondays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Summer golf and cart rates will be in effect from May 29 through Sept. 7.

Information about 9- and 18-hole weekday, weekend, and holiday greens fees are available online or by calling 815-968-PLAY (7529). Junior greens fees are available for those 16 and under. Annual golf memberships are also available.

Tee times can be made online (14 days in advance). Credit or debit cards are the required form of payment at each course. No cash.