CHICAGO _ State officials have reversed course and decided to shut down golf courses in Illinois.
The governor's office revised its stay-at-home executive order Thursday. While restaurants and liquor stores can remain open, recreational sports businesses _ including golf courses _ are "not considered essential businesses" amid the shutdown because of the coronavirus pandemic.
That message was delivered to golf industry professionals in a letter late Thursday afternoon. The letter was signed by four groups, including the Illinois Section PGA and Chicago District Golf Association.
The decision is a blow to the golf industry, which is reeling from the effects of COVID-19, and golfers who believe they can maintain a safe social distance while playing.
The Village Links of Glen Ellyn opened Wednesday and drew about 300 golfers, one of whom called it "the happiest I've been in 10 days."
