Stay off course.

Such is the directive of Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf when it comes to golf in the Keystone State.

And it's being enforced.

A few members at the Slippery Rock Golf Club & Events Center — who had prepaid memberships there — played a round of golf recently with no carts available and the clubhouse closed.

“Some people complained, saw a post on social media, and a state trooper called us last night (Sunday),” course co-owner Julie Prebula said. “We never posted anything and we have not been advertising that people can play here.

“Our restaurant (at the facility) is open for carry-out orders, so we're here. We've had a sign saying the course is closed on the door. The trooper asked us to post more signs around the property and we did so.”

Club members Jeff and Annessa Steele had their children on the course recently.

“We thought it'd be OK,” Annessa Steele said. “I mean, our membership is pre-paid, it was a beautiful day and a chance to get outside in the fresh air, get some exercise, teach our kids golf etiquette.

“We certainly didn't mean any harm or to cause any trouble. A trooper called us and said we couldn't do it again. It's a shame.”

Pennsylvania is one of 13 states that has shut down golf courses during the coronavirus pandemic, according to Golf Digest. Connecticut was on that list in late March, but that state's golf association emailed the governor's office asking for that decision to be reconsidered.

Two days later, Connecticut's golf courses were permitted to reopen.

A coalition of golf organizations in Pennsylvania petitioned Governor Wolf to do the same thing, but was turned down.

“The trooper we talked with said he is an avid golfer himself,” Prebula said. “He told us he had to do his job, abide by the governor's decision, even though he may not agree with it or understand it.

“If there's a sport that can be an isolated sport ... it's probably long distance running or golf. We recognize the seriousness of the times and are willing to take the appropriate measures, disinfect the flagsticks, enforce social disancing, whatever was needed to allow people to play.”

Another local golf course owner wanted to allow people to walk the grounds — either to golf or just walk the course for exercise — but said a trooper would not permit it.

“We haven't even brought our carts out. We were just promoting exercise and being outdoors. But he said to shut down, so that's what we did,” the course owner, wishing to remain anonymous, said. “I don't understand it, though. They say warmth and heat can kill a virus. The sun is warmth.

“A golf course is a healthy way to enjoy fresh air, sunshine and exercise.”

The owner added that course workers are permitted to maintain the grounds during the shut-down.

“You always have to cut grass on a golf course,” the owner said.

While parks remain open for people to walk and hike, golf courses remain closed.

Cranberry Highlands found a happy medium.

No one has been permitted to golf there since the governor's order, but the course is open to walkers and hikers.

“On nice days, the (Cranberry) township was growing concerned about the density of people walking around at parks,” said J.W. Johnson, the township's communication supervisor. “The cart paths at the golf course can also serve as a scenic hiking trail.

“People have been coming out. There were 50 to 60 people out there walking the other day.”

In the meantime, the golf community remains hopeful courses will be open for play soon.

“Golf can play a major role in terms of giving people an outlet,” Prebula said. “Right now, everyone feels so isolated.

“A round of golf — with proper precautions — could alleviate some of that. I'm a strong advocate of nature healing. But, at least through April 30, the governor's orders say no.”