Golfers may return to the links: Some area golf courses open after ruling Some area golf courses open after ruling

Schooner Fitzgerald, of Cahokia, makes putts on the practice green Wednesday at the Spencer T. Olin Golf Course in Alton. Golf Courses in Illinois are now allowed to re-open, but with restrictions, following the closure of non-essential businesses in the state to slow the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. less Schooner Fitzgerald, of Cahokia, makes putts on the practice green Wednesday at the Spencer T. Olin Golf Course in Alton. Golf Courses in Illinois are now allowed to re-open, but with restrictions, following ... more Photo: John Badman | The Telegraph Photo: John Badman | The Telegraph Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Golfers may return to the links: Some area golf courses open after ruling 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Area golfers may not be completely shut out following Tuesday’s executive order by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker allowing the state’s golf courses to be open starting today (Wednesday), with some restrictions, following the closure of non-essential businesses in the state to slow the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.

According to a section of the Governor’s Executive Order dated March 24:

”If a golf course opens, the clubhouse must remain closed, it may not provide food or beverage service, including food or beverage cart service, or allow the use of golf carts by golfers. Only online or telephone scheduling is allowed. Golfers and staff must observe social distancing guidelines while at the golf course.”

“We’re open,” said R.C. Martin, general manager of Rolling Hills Golf Course in Godfrey. “We got the notice last night and we’re glad to be able to be open.”

Costs at Rolling Hills will be $20 for 18 holes, $15 for nine holes and $10 for the Executive Course. “But there is no food or beverage service allowed, the clubhouse will remain closed and payment is by phone or online.”

Costs at Rolling Hills will be $20 for 18 holes, $15 for nine holes and $10 for the Executive Course.

Other area golf courses which indicated they are open or plan to open included Spencer T. Olin Golf Course in Alton, Cloverleaf Golf Course on Fosterburg Road in Alton and The Woodlands on Harris Lane near Alton.

Fox Creek Golf Course in Edwardsville indicated it plans to open Thursday. Other area courses had not yet indicated their status as of Wednesday evening.

“We are still too wet today,” said Jeff Gabriel of Fox Creek Golf course. “We will be open (Thursday) . We’ll be walking only. You can prepay online with us and check in at our window on the side of the building.”

Gabriel said costs at Fox Creek will be $15 for nine holes, and $20 for 18 holes for non-members.

There are no plans to open Belk Park in Wood River as of now.

“We aren’t planning to open as of now,” Wood River Park and Recreation Director Jason Woody said. “It’s pretty wet right now anyway, and with the restrictions, were not sure how many would take advantage of it anyway. No food, no beverage and no rest rooms can be open and no beverage carts.

“Plus, it’s walking only and I don’t now how many people would want to walk Belk Park.”

In addition, Rolling Hills GM Martin said cups in the holes will be placed open side down and that tee times will also need to be made by phone. The driving range will remain closed as well.

“I got an email about 6:30 (Tuesday),” Martin said. “It basically said we golf courses can remain open under those restrictions.”