A letter to the course during COVID-19

Carlos Arraya writes a “letter to the golf course” explaining that turf managers and superintendents will do their best to keep golf courses functional during the coronavirus pandemic.

Carlos Arraya

Dear Golf Course,

As I wake and my eyes open, several thoughts cross my mind, but you have been at the top of my daily priorities for decades. I review several tasks to prepare us for our daily journey. They include the weather forecast, course golf activities and planned course maintenance, all done to provide a great golfing experience.

Our day’s activities are meticulously planned, and your caretakers (team members) engage in golf maintenance activities to execute the plan.
My favorite part of our day occurs when the first beams of sunlight provide energy for you to photosynthesize and awaken. There is so much joy while preparing you for the game of golf. We truly enjoy being your caretakers.

Because of your direct impact on our families’ well-being and livelihood, you remain in all our thoughts and prayers. This routine has been normal for a long time. But I must be honest with you. I’m not writing to discuss our beloved routine, but rather to share that something unforeseen has occurred.

The world as we have come to know it — what we call our normal — is in jeopardy. In some cases, it’s stopped in its tracks. An invisible enemy has flipped the world on its axis, has postponed The Masters, canceled sporting events worldwide, closed schools and restaurants and has forced us, your caretakers, into a new normal called “social distancing.” The invisible enemy is called COVID-19.

Sadly, some of us are restricted or not allowed to care for you during this time. We all have plans in place to care for you, even if that requires abbreviated maintenance programs during this uncertain time or until COVID-19 is better understood. Until then, be well, my dear friend.

Sincerely,
Your Golf Course Superintendents and Caretakers

Dear Golf Course Superintendents and Caretakers,

Thank you for your letter and update. Your tone reveals that you are expressing uncertainty and fear regarding COVID-19. I am here for you. Our journey together has taught us many lessons applicable for facing this new enemy.

Unfortunately, I must reprise a few bad memories to ensure you gain strength from the lessons we learned together. In last few decades, our journey has brought us face to face with many enemies and showed us the face of pure evil. We have faced several financial crises, the most recent in 2008 when we watched caretakers lose their jobs, their homes and some, their families. On Sept. 11, 2001, the heinous terrorist attacks affected how we lived, ultimately changing our “normal.” Thousands of victims and heroes lost their lives. We honor them by living our lives in their memory and never taking a second of our lives for granted.

There have been many lessons, but I encourage you to demonstrate three specifically: communicate, employ and protect.

Communicate. Plan daily calls or video messaging or find other ways to connect with caretakers. Some of them have no one else and have great fear. Our voices may be the only joy they experience during this social distancing.

Employ. Develop financial projections that allow you to retain as many caretakers as possible (30-hour workweeks is one idea). Health over wealth, but do everything possible to keep caretakers employed.

Protect. Support those who become directly affected by this enemy. Maintain equality beyond race and gender. If someone you know contracts COVID-19, there is a difference between isolation and discrimination. Please seek guidance to ensure they receive proper care and can safely return to work without prejudice.

I have witnessed you lead through difficult times, so hold your head high and continue to lead. I will be here when you return and look forward to resuming our journey together. Like with all other unforeseen challenges and enemies we’ve faced, you will be victorious.

Yours truly,
Golf Course