We’ll all missing our golf and social opportunities, and you have seen a lot of information from us as this crisis unfolds. But here’s something that is relevant beyond just our chapter.  Our Membership Director, Naoko Higashide, has been working with her software development team to build a screening tool for the COVID-19 virus.  The tool serves in two ways: 1) helps focus healthcare resources on patients that really need help, and 2) calms fears and reduces demand on the system from people who are unlikely to need immediate assistance or testing.  Her team is working with multiple locations to integrate the application with healthcare and governmental agencies’ back-end systems, starting with the agencies in Houston/Harris County, TX.

A freestanding version of the screener is now available at CheckForCorona.com.  The tool leads you through one or more sets of questions, with each set based on your previous answers.  It then provides an assessment of your current risk level and associated health recommendations.  The tool does NOT collect any personal information, although optionally sharing your zip code helps gather data on the potential level of exposure per region.  (Note that just because you don’t have symptoms does not mean you are not infected.)

Please try it yourself and spread the word about this great tool.  Stay safe…

Private Chapter Meetup Group Created 
to help you find golfers

Dear Chapter Members,

Many of you count on our regular golf outings for pairings, and still want to play golf with friends while our chapter events are suspended.  To help find other members looking for a game, we have created a new, private Meetup group for our members only.  Once you are approved to join the group, you may message other group members to find playing partners.  This benefit can help you fill open spots in a tee time, share discount voucher options, and find other opportunities for golf.  Join today!

Please do not forget to take precautions to limit exposure to the virus when you play:

• If you are sick or at risk, please stay home. 
• Practice social distancing.  Stay at least 6 feet apart.  Walk the course if you are able, or ask for an individual cart if available.
• Wash your hands. If you can’t wash them on the course, use hand sanitizer that’s at least 60% alcohol.
• Don’t touch your face, including your mouth, nose, lips or eyes. 
• If you cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue and then discard it (then wash your hands).  Or do so into the crook of your elbow, turning away from others.
• Leave the flagstick in the hole, and avoid touching it.  Give short putts to avoid having to reach into the hole to retrieve balls.
• Bring disinfectant wipes to use on your cart, door handles, and anything else that others have touched.
• Keep up with your own clubs, and try not to touch those of others.
• No handshakes or hugs. 

We hope this new Meetup option will help you find other golfers and make golf more enjoyable during this crisis.

In the words of Sgt. Esterhaus on Hill Street Blues, “Let’s be careful out there!”

• US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 resource site
• CDC COVID-19 frequently asked questions
• World Health Organization COVID-19 resource site
• NC Dept. of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS) COVID-19 resource site

The Women on Par Scholarship program has officially launched for 2020! In 2020, two (2) scholarships will be awarded: One (1) $2,000 Women on Par scholarship and one (1) $1,000 Women on Par scholarship. The 2020 Women on Par Scholarship application will remain open until 200 applications are received or April 30 of the application year – whichever occurs first. Click the link to read more about Women on Par and the eligibility requirements.