Even while some members of the Joint Advisory Committee on Golf worked on a task force recommendation on the future of POA golf courses, the committee held a regular meeting on Wednesday last week. At the meeting, handicapped golfers and tee times were among the topics.
Golf operations director Phillip Wright explained that some courses have been found to be in violation of the American with Disabilities Act and he doesn't want Bella Vista to join them. He presented a policy change to the committee that had already been scrutinized by POA attorney Doug McCash.
There are times when golf carts are restricted to the concrete paths and those extra steps make it difficult for a handicapped golfer to play. The new policy will allow people with handicapped plates on their vehicles, to drive their golf carts closer to the ball, but only when it won't damage the grass. When the cart rules are necessary to protect the grass for everyone, handicapped players won't be allowed to drive their carts on wet greens. When it can be done without damage to the grass, they will be able to drive carts much closer to their ball, Wright said.
General manager Tom Judson said they decided to let the state decide who is handicapped by using handicapped license plates to identify golfers who need the special privileges. Judson said he expects a few people may abuse the system, but it may also keep some older members golfing.
The carts for handicapped golfers will be identified with a flag that will be checked in and out at the pro shop. The committee, including board member David Whelchel, who is a professional golf course architect with ADA experience, will look closely at the new policy and vote next month on whether to recommend it.
Committee member Mary Riordan asked about maintenance mornings that close each course one morning a week. With Scotsdale closed for maintenance, there are only three 18-hole courses available most mornings and that makes it difficult to get a tee time. She said when her golf group is scheduled in the afternoon, half of the golfers don't play because of the heat. She suggested the maintenance schedule needs to be modified while Scotsdale is closed, even if it means some maintenance is done in the afternoon.
Wright said there are usually tee times available late in the morning and some maintenance work must be done before the temperature rises. Also, some of the chemicals used on the course cannot be spread when there are golfers present.
Committee member Susan Nuttall pointed out that the courses are looking very good this summer and that's partly because of the maintenance mornings.
Wright and Judson, along with golf maintenance director Kieth Ihms, promised to look at the maintenance schedule and try to adjust it.
Answering a question from someone in the audience, Wright said his department has taken care of the problem of groups requesting more tee times than they actually use. With the help of the staff at the pro shops, he's talked to most of the offenders and it's no longer an issue.
General News on 07/18/2018