Golfers were teeing off in the sunshine Sunday at the Van Patten Golf Club in Clifton Park. Many of them, including Roger DeLone of Latham, taking advantage of the great weather.

“It’s a great day it’s beautiful weather and there’s no place we’d rather be,” said DeLone.

The golfers spent the day shaking the rust off of their swing after golf courses were off-limits for several weeks during the pandemic. DeLone says he was able to get out of the course several times before the mandated closure went into effect.

“When they shut it down it was not a happy day,” recalled the golfer.

While Tom Tokos of Albany was looking forward to his first swing of the season.

“We’ve waited all winter for it and it’s nice to get out and we’ll keep our distance,” explained Tokos.

However, those looking practice their putting still had to abide by some extra guidelines to maintain social distancing. Those guidelines in place at Van Patten include staying six feet apart and limiting groups to a maximum of four people. Dan Flowers of Rotterdam was excited to get out for some friendly competition. 

“Face to face interaction is something I’ve definitely been lacking so I’m glad to be back out and with people,” said Flowers.

The clubhouse must also remain closed, including the pro shop. Golf carts are also grounded as part of the new guidelines, which means those who came out got some extra steps in.

“Believe me, I put probably about 10 pounds since this thing started so it’s probably good for me to get some exercise,” laughed Flowers.

For some hitting the course as an excuse to get out of the house, after weeks of social isolation.

“We golf avidly and we were dying to get out here, who wants to stay inside?” said DeLone.

For others, it is a way to relieve some stress of being an essential worker. Sue Smith is a nurse for a local nursing home.  

“We’re both those workers that are still working but just knowing we’re getting out of the house and doing something that we love doing,” said Smith.

But all of them were happy to be back out on the green.

“Hopefully everything stays open we can keep having fun and enjoying ourselves,” said Flowers.

An exciting day, even if their playing isn’t exactly up to par.

"We’re hitting the ball all over the place. We’re not playing really well, but it doesn’t matter, we’re out here and that’s where we want to be,” said DeLone.