Golfers petition to classify sport as essential during COVID-19 stay at home order

 

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- A familiar sound is gone in Wisconsin. 

The thwack of the club has been replaced by silence across the state. 

Governor Tony Evers' Safer at Home order closed the courses despite many other states' staying open.

"We certainly support the Safer at Home order, and think it's important," said Rob Jansen, Executive Director of the Wisconsin State Golf Association. "But at the same time, we think golf can be played safely."

To stay safe, the courses are ready to make major changes. 

They've sent letters to the governor while an online petition has more than 35,000 signatures, and they're trying to get the sport classified as essential.

"I think now more than ever, people need to stay healthy, mentally and physically, and golf can be a part of that," Jansen said.

"It's just a good way to recreate," said Jeff Schwister, Executive Director of Golf Course Owners of Wisconsin. "Get out there. Talk to your friends. Just feel alive again, while still doing the rules that the governor said."

If a change is made to the Safer at Home order and golf becomes allowed, it would be up to the individual courses if they decide to open before April 24.