Game On Golf Center in White Plains Playing it Safe with COVID-19
As Phase I of reopening began in Westchester, many businesses had to learn what Game On Golf Center in White Plains has been doing for more than two months.
Considered a non-essential business by New York State, Game On Golf Center has been open, closed and open again under very strict health and safety requirements imposed on all golf facilities. After serious scrutiny from local, county and state officials, Game On has flourished under the new, reimagined economy.
“It takes a positive attitude and a whole lot of attention to detail, but first and foremost, it comes down to accepting the challenge to keep staff and customers safe, proactively executing, constantly refining and then exceeding government requirements,” said Vito Galasso, one of Game On’s partners.
Game On eased the fears and apprehension of public officials, and the range was able to continue operating as a much-needed recreation outlet and source of comfort for the community during the unsettling time.
“It has been a hard-fought battle to live up to the expectations of our community, but our struggles have yielded only positive results,” said Kevin Kaye, another Game On partner. “Working from home was not an option for us, and as a customer-centric business, we’ve learned a lot about expectations in the new post-pandemic environment. Now, businesses are calling us to learn what we are doing and we’re happy to help.”
In early March, as the threat of the virus became more real, Game On quickly focused on health and safety by voluntarily implementing distancing and enhancing existing sanitizing protocols before they became mandatory. This decision proved to be critical as virus fears escalated rapidly.
“Customers have not only been appreciative of what we are doing [to keep them safe], but almost elated that we could remain open at a time when the community needed us most,” said Galasso.
“As an avid golfer and business owner, I am so appreciative of Game On Golf Center for being able to remain open during this time, and for recognizing the critical importance of providing and maintaining a safe environment for both customers and staff,” said Bruce Schoenberg, owner of Oasis Day Spa. “Management has done an amazing job ensuring our safety and of the premises and equipment during this stressful time.”
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner also acknowledged the extensive efforts in an email exchange with Game On partners, stating, “I appreciate the proactive measures Game On Golf Center is taking trying to encourage social distancing.”
The golf range property originally opened in 1948 as Westchester Golf Range, then purchased in 2017 and renamed Game On Golf Center. New ownership has invested in many improvements to the more than 70-year-old facility — expanded programming, grounds, technology — all to establish Game On as a valuable community asset and world-class golf recreation center. Offering regular open mats, as well as grass tees and short game area, the latest addition includes 10 all-weather covered heated bays fitted with Toptracer technology, the same ball tracking system used on televised PGA Tour Events. Game On Golf Center is the only Westchester Toptracer range.
Game On also offers a variety of instruction options through an experienced group of both PGA Golf Pros and certified instructors leading weekly clinics, private and semi-private lessons and leagues for all ages and skill levels. In addition, Game On Golf Center is open year round and hosts seasonally appropriate corporate functions, private parties and fundraising events.
The pro shop at Game On Golf Center provides expert club repair, re-gripping services and a variety of popular items like pre-packaged balls, gloves and other golf accessories, as well as snacks, drinks and hot beverages.
Temporary abbreviated operating hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. to dusk and weekends from 8 a.m. to dusk. Additional amenities include nighttime lighting, automated ball dispensers, high quality ball mats, short game and grass tee area, and new easy-to-read distance markers.
Game On Golf Center also offers summer youth camps and is proud to be the Westchester home to The First Tee of Metropolitan New York. The First Tee is a youth development organization impacting the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf, with a focus on serving minority and underprivileged youth.
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/