Interview with NJSGA Executive Director, Kevin Purcell

Over the past few weeks, the NJSGA has received numerous questions about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on the golf industry. Kevin Purcell, Executive Director of the NJSGA, answers a few of these questions and shares his perspective of our new-normal "state of golf".

Q: What do you tell golfers that say that golf is just as safe as going for a walk with your family, or even safer than going to the grocery store?

KP: I tell them I agree, and nowadays it’s a lot safer than buying toilet paper!

I believe that the risk of contracting COVID-19 can be minimized through acting responsibly and adhering to CDC guidelines while playing golf. Unfortunately though, my opinion isn’t relevant right now, as a result of Gov. Murphy’s clear edict during Monday’s (March 30) press conference. His remarks included a clarification of Executive Order 107 and stated that “golf was not to be played”. I’m confident that when it is appropriate – and legal – to play golf again, that it will be safe. How do I know? Well, before Executive Order 107 was issued on March 21 and golf was “closed”, clubs and courses throughout the state took measures to ensure the safety of their members and patrons. They limited contact with employees, closed the clubhouse facilities, raised the cup liners, removed touch points such as ball washers, rakes, etc., and they set up a system to sanitize golf carts. Tee times were spread out, greens fees were prepaid or paid by the customer swiping their card and players were asked to handle their own equipment from car to the course.

Seems perfect… right? Well, my office overlooks the first tee at Galloping Hill. The day before the course closed because of the directive from the state, I witnessed players acting as if it was any other day. As one player in a foursome was hitting, the other three were standing right next to each other. One man had his arm around another. The groups that had lined up behind them were congregated in small groups around golf carts. They were going about the game as it was before COVID-19.

This can’t happen. When golf resumes, we need to be conscious of our actions and act responsibly. We have to show that the golf community is serious about making our game work during a very difficult time in our society. We need the release, relaxation and exercise that golf offers. But we need to do it right.

Q: What is the NJSGA doing with respect to re-opening golf courses?

KP: Let’s look at it from the beginning. Since the moment the Executive Order was announced, we’ve worked with the golf-related associations in New Jersey to advocate for golf, and initially, clarify the directive of the Governor. This included constant conversations with the leaders of the associations representing the superintendents, pros, managers and owners as well as the Executive Directors of the MGA and GAP. Neighboring state associations were also polled to see how things were handled within their borders.

The superintendents’ lobbyist was a key player in the initial hours, as a key concern was the continuation of golf course maintenance. When the clarification came through, maintenance was allowed but the playing of golf was not. We communicated this to the clubs and courses. Golf course maintenance can continue under the guidelines of the CDC.

As we moved forward, we re-focused on our clubs, courses, and playing the game. The directive in the Executive Order was not about closing the business of golf; it was instead an order to stay home. We’ve received hundreds of phone calls and emails about how golf was not specifically prohibited in the Executive Order 107. That’s true. Few businesses or activities were actually mentioned in the order, but the initial clarification was supported by the fact that every county golf course was told to shut down. Further clarification came later in the week from the Chief of Staff’s office, indicating that there is no grey area here. The order is clear; people should stay at home and golf is not a permitted exception.

In response, the group of leaders worked their contacts to determine the best way to go about getting golf back online. We took the approach that while advocating for “what is best for the golf community”, it was important to ensure the safety of the society as a whole. A letter to the Governor was drafted, signed and sent, which stressed the health benefits of golf – both physical and mental – and that golf naturally adheres to the provisions outlined by the CDC for social distancing. We pointed out that golf is essentially equivalent to walking, hiking or riding a bike, all activities that were approved in the Executive Order.

However, as I alluded to above, the Governor clarified this Monday (March 30), stating golf was currently prohibited. At the very least, we do feel that the governor now has complete information about the benefits and inherent safety of the game, so that when the time is right, he can make a more informed decision.

Q: You’re a golfer; how has this affected you?

KP: I’m itching to play. This was going to be my year… if everything went according to the plans I devised while lying in bed on cold winter nights.

Two Saturdays ago, when the courses were still open, I threw the bag over my shoulder and walked eighteen holes with a couple of friends. It was great because we had a few laughs, got some steps in, and never came within 10 feet of each other. We were conscious of social distancing – and in a group where there would be hugs, handshakes and high fives, we settled for a nod and a wink. Even though the greens were temporary, we enjoyed being out there. I had been hitting balls at the range, doing some chipping practice, and things were coming together.

Now the order is to stand down, so with working from home and no golf, I’m pretty much eating everything I see. Actually, I walk every morning in my neighborhood and do some stretching. People might think this is funny, but I do visualization exercises. I play a course in my head, from start to finish, taking in the surroundings and imagining the particular shots, as if I was really there. I’ve found it’s a good way to become familiar with a course and seeing myself hit good shots has always been helpful. I don’t always imagine the perfect shot but I play so well! If I imagine winning the State Senior Amateur one more time, I’ll have to add a trophy room to my house.

Q: Since much of what the NJSGA does includes early season seminars, programs, and of course tournaments and Member Golf Days, what has the organization been doing since Executive Order 107 was announced?

KP: The NJSGA postponed this Spring’s large indoor, in-person events. The annual Golf Summit and the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, both great social gatherings for the NJ golf community, were postponed. World Handicap System, GHIN, and Rules of Golf Seminars became webinars. All committee meetings and trainings became web-based or conference calls as did all Board and Executive Committee meetings.

Initially the schedule of Championships and Member Golf Days (MGDs) stayed open for registration. We have subsequently decided to postpone all events until May 10. We plan to play the Four-Ball Championship this fall (although details remain unclear right now), and we will look to reschedule any Member Golf Days which are affected. We are conscious of the fact that a good amount of golf will shift to the summer and fall, and we appreciate our host clubs which all have a membership to accommodate. But, as it’s always been, the partnership with our member clubs and courses is invaluable to us, and we’ll work closely with them to ensure the best possible outcome.

Our Communications Committee is looking for article ideas for our New Jersey Golf magazine, New Jersey Golf, our website and the eLinks bulletin. One of the ideas we are pursuing is a series of tips for the golfer stuck at home, brought to you by our local PGA professionals. Karen Noble of Fairmount Country Club posted the first article in the series. Check it out at NJSGA.org.

Q: What positives have you seen, inside and outside the golf industry, during the health crisis?

KP: It’s nice to see people come together during times of crisis. We see heartwarming tales on the evening news, in the papers and online. Many clubs and courses have been creative trying to keep their seasonal staff on the books. Some staff members have switched roles to golf course maintenance, while others have asked members to chip-in by starting Go-Fund-Me pages to support employees. Recently I saw a resort auctioning one-of-a-kind experiences to raise funds for their seasonal workers.

I would expect nothing less from the community of golfers. We play a game where integrity, self-discipline and personal responsibility are paramount. Golfers understand the crisis we are in and their places of play have taken the steps to ensure the safety of the game. Throughout New Jersey and around the country golfers have pledged to act responsibly by playing the game within the guidelines of the CDC. At the moment, patience may be the most difficult of virtues for the New Jersey golfers.

Q: When this is all over, what do NJ golfers have to look forward to?

KP: New Jersey is blessed with the best courses and best clubs in the country. I believe that to my core. Where else can you get to courses in the mountains, parkland, meadows, along the shore and in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, all within a couple of hours drive. The greatest architects worked here, men and women of distinction formed clubs and created the NJSGA, governments set aside great swaths of land for public enjoyment and recreation. New Jersey golfers have great opportunity.

Professionals from the award-winning New Jersey PGA Section are easily accessible to help you improve your game. Hardworking superintendents will have your courses green and lush. Golf administrators and managers will see fit that your course is safe and welcoming and that your experience is well worth the effort.

The NJSGA will provide championship opportunities for those who compete and Member Golf Days for fun, social events. The World Handicap System debuts this year and new GHIN technology will make posting scores easier than ever. The third class of the NJSGA Hall of Fame will be inducted, now in the fall. All are welcome. Keep an eye on the website for the new date and time.

The year 2020 marks the 100th playing of the NJSGA Open and we look forward to returning to Knickerbocker Country Club, the site of the inaugural event in 1921. It will be a year of celebrating the greats who won this championship throughout the years. Look for coverage in New Jersey Golf magazine, on our website at NJSGA.org and in our e-Links bulletin. And come out and watch. You will happy to be out of the house.