INDIANAPOLIS–The golf industry has been able to manage the obstacles brought by the coronavirus pretty well, according to the Indiana Golf Association (IGA)

What has helped is that golf is a sport that already does a “good job of social distancing,” says IGA Executive Director Mike David. David tells Inside Indiana Business business has been good.

“I think there’s a pent up desire that a lot of people have right now to just to get outside and to be active and fortunately, Governor Holcomb said from the beginning that he encouraged people to get out and golf has been allowed to continue to function and we have seen a lot of people taking advantage of it, without a doubt,” says David.

David says there are member courses and PGA courses in Indiana is to eliminate as many “touch points” as possible.

“One rider per cart, not touching the flagsticks, rakes have been removed, and water coolers have been removed. We’re trying to make it as safe as possible,” says David.

The IGA runs several tournaments. David says the association is trying to develop a comprehensive plan for fully reopening courses and having tournaments.

“We are getting ready to submit that plan to the Governor’s office. Hopefully we’ll have a reply next week. Ultimately, our goal is to start functioning again with our First Tee clinics and tournaments the last week of May,” David continued.

First Tee is a youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to kids and teenagers.

“You’re normally talking less than 25 kids in a clinic. We’ll have social distancing guidelines in place; you won’t see any high fives or hugs or handshakes for a while, but we still think we can operate safely and responsibly,” says David.

David believes the golf industry can “weather the storm” brought by the coronavirus.