My name is John Eastman. I am a resident of The Villages. I am also a recent cancer survivor with a compromised immune system. Since the appearance of the COVID-19 virus I have not been able to continue my gym participation. Because of your prompt awareness and changes you made; I have been able to get the desired amount of activity as prescribed by my physician by playing golf on the executive courses. I am now told that many of the accommodations you provided have been rescinded. I am at a loss to understand why you are removing them.
It was suggested to me that only allowing two carts on the course per tee time was to protect the grass. I am appalled you put more importance on some grass that you do on residents’ lives. Grass can easily be repaired or replaced. People cannot.
Removing the rakes from the bunkers was a simple but brilliant move to help contain the spread of the virus. I am not sure you are aware but the virus is still spreading and continues to infect and terminate thousands of people each week. Keeping touches of common items on the course to a minimum makes sense to me. Abandoning the practice makes none.
There are many of us that are not yet comfortable sharing the small space in a golf cart with a complete stranger. You are putting us in a very difficult situation. Do we allow our bubble to be violated or do we discontinue our participation in an activity that drew us to The Villages initially?
I would hope you will rethink your position and revert back to your initial accommodations, at least until a vaccine is available.
John Eastman
Village of Santo Domingo
