Good morning golfers,
    I’ve just completed a National PGA Board Meeting, and they supplied an updated list of states that were allowing golf to be played with social distancing restrictions. There are 21 states with full playing privileges for all golf courses, 16 states with certain spot area openings, and 13 states that are not allowing play, but the courses will still be maintained. A golf course not maintained turns into a hazardous field, with increased tick and mosquito populations, and un-kept turfgrass can be lost forever.       Concerning our community course, being now closed from yesterday morning, due to the GM and Board’s decision on advice from their consul, we will be scheduling two marshaling shifts per day, 10a.m.-2 p.m., and 2p.m.-6p.m. The marshals will be there to make sure no damage is done to the course, along with making sure the walkers are on the path, and no dogs are off leash. Unfortunately, and it breaks my heart, but we will be making sure no one is playing until the restrictions are lifted.
    I’ve been playing golf since I was 5 years old, all over the Western Hemisphere, and it has given so much to myself and my family. Probably the greatest gift, is the relationships that came with all the special events, or even during a simple pickup game of 18 holes. I can remember playing with so many wonderful ladies and gentlemen in the 70’s who were so passionate about the game. They are mostly passed on now, but their image and kind hearts are burned into my memory.
    I have hope, and some ideas, that when the end of the month comes, this course can open again with no fear of negatives but appreciating what the course and the game can give our private community. On the bright side, the course was going to be closed all next week, and this weekend because of rain, which takes us to the middle of the month. Having the greens aerified, putting is strictly a no skill, sledgehammer swing that is awful for your stroke, so you wouldn’t want to play on those things anyway. Putting is like a fine art to be diligently practiced and cared for. It can save your round’s score, and keep you coming back for more. All my life, if someone ever asked me how I putted after a round, my answer was either good, or great! Just because you missed a few putts doesn’t mean you’re putting bad; you just didn’t start them online. Your putter is one of your greatest tools for scoring success, believe and trust it.
    When I was younger, I unfortunately grew up eating too much McDonald type process food resulting in clogged arteries (atherosclerosis) by 20 years old. But as Patrick’s luck would have it, it was a blessing in disguise. I became a student of the health sciences and cleaned my internal self-up and my problems disappeared. Why I mention this, is that we should be focusing now, in this current atmosphere of virus-mania, to concentrate on getting our immune systems as strong as possible. Exercising, fresh air, sunshine, quality sleep, pure water, fruits and veggies, and a productive hobby, along with a positive attitude, are all facets of a solid foundation to springboard into a healthy future. Healthful living produces health!   
    LOP is a wonderful community filled with assortment of great personalities. We need to stick together, building each other up, and making sure our community rises above the negatives, and grasps at a bright future that God will provide.   

Sincerely yours,

Your Pro Paddy O’Shaw