Following the nod of approval from Governor Janet Mills to reopen golf courses across the state, area golf clubs have opened for the 2020 season. 

Golfers may only play at courses in which they are a resident of. 

Below is a roundup of reopening details as they roll into our sports department. 

Samoset Resort Golf 

The Samoset will be opening for the 2020 season Friday, May 8. 

All CDC guidelines will be followed. 

Golf will be limited to members and those who are residents of Knox County. 

Rockland Golf Club

The Rockland Golf Club opened for the 2020 season, with CDC restrictions, May 1. 

The RGC had spent less than a week open in March, before Governor Mills implemented her stay at home mandate. 

Hours of operation, moving forward, will be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

The RGC asks all individuals practice social distancing and abide by the Maine State Golf Association’s Play, Park and Go initiative. 

The Park, Play and Go Home initiative includes three parts: 

1. Reserve tee time in advance, and arrive at the course only 10 minutes ahead of tee time. 

2. Tee off and enjoy a round of golf while maintaining social distancing. 

3. Leave the course immediately after playing to eliminate congestion at the facility. 

RGC rates will be $25 to walk nine holes, $40 to walk 18 holes, $40 to ride nine holes and $65 to ride 18 holes.

Players will be paired up into three-somes and four–somes when needed.

Tee times available only every 15 minutes online or by telephone at 594-9322. 

“Our [number one] goal is to keep the customers and the employees safe during this worldwide pandemic so please work with us to be leaders in the industry of playing golf in a safe environment,” said Keenan Flanagan, the RGC’s Head PGA Golf Professional. 

Goose River Golf Club 

The course will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from May 1 to June 1. The course hours will change to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting June 1. 

The clubhouse will remain closed starting June 1. 

No bathrooms will be available and no rental golf clubs will be available. 

Snacks, supplies, beer and merchandise will be available for purchase using the window on the deck closest to the cash register (the window will be clearly marked). At the window, staff will assist you without direct contact. Credit cards and checks are preferred payment forms; cash will be a last resort. 

Tee times will be 15-minute intervals; singles will rarely be allowed. 

No more than one rider per cart, unless riding with a spouse or immediate family member. 

Members are to adhere to the MSGA’s Park, Play and Go initiative. 

The Park, Play and Go Home initiative includes three parts: 

1. Reserve tee time in advance, and arrive at the course only 10 minutes ahead of tee time. 

2. Tee off and enjoy a round of golf while maintaining social distancing. 

3. Leave the course immediately after playing to eliminate congestion at the facility. 

As such, congregating on the deck area or in the parking lot will be prohibited. 

Tee times are strongly recommended, but walk-ins will be allowed. 

Members are encouraged to walk the course if they can safely do so without incurring physical pain or harm. 

Once finished with a cart, participants are asked to leave the cart in the designated area so it can be properly sanitized before being used again. 

No bunker rakes, ball washers, benches or water will be available. Water can be obtained at the clubhouse window. 

Cups will be turned upside down in the holes to allow for proper removal of the golf ball. 

If you have purchased bag storage for the season, ensure there are no more than three people in the storage shed at a time. 

No more than four people will be allowed on the putting green at one time. 

Searsport Pines Golf Course

The Searsport Pines Golf Course reopened May 1. 

Golfers are advised to call ahead to make a tee time, if possible.

The driving range cannot be opened at this time, SPGC said. 

“Unfortunately, out-of-state golfers will not be able to play on Maine golf courses until the Governor lifts the 14 day quarantine for people coming from another state, hopefully on July 1,” said SPGC. 

Please call ahead if you wish to rent a golf cart; they will be limited to one person per cart.

“Hopefully, the numerous conditions will be temporary in order to get the season started and allow people to get fresh air and exercise,” said SPGC. “These are certainly difficult times for everyone. Thank you for your understanding.” 

Please feel free to call 207-548-2854 with any questions you may have at all.

Brooks Country View Golf Club

The Brooks Country View Golf Club opened for the 2020 season May 3. 

Tee times need to be booked in advance by calling 722-3161 and paid electronically.

Please stay in your vehicle until 10 minutes before your tee time, and pay close attention to signage on and around the course.

Closing time, for now, will be at 5 p.m.

Northport Golf Club

The NGC opened for the season May 1 for members only. 

Call the clubhouse at 338-2270 with questions.