Five weeks have passed since my first round of golf for the 2026 season.
We played an afternoon round at Mercer Oaks East GC on Sunday. Guess what? Still no water containers on county golf courses despite assurances that this problem would receive immediate resolution.
A previous column offered this insight.
Let’s not overthink the lack of access to water issue at Mercer County owned and operated golf courses.
No study is necessary for a decision on where to place water containers although if officials need input then they should ask golfers. Wherever containers existed prior to Covid 19, it’s a safe bet they should return to those spots although a container seems worthy near the putting green and No. 10 tee at Mercer Oaks East.
On May 21, The Trentonian printed this information about the water issue.
County officials acted swiftly Wednesday to resolve a lack of water containers on all five courses. A county spokesperson released this statement regarding ending a water availability issue that existed since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re going to start by improving signage around the clubhouses, pointing golfers towards the water bottle station, and letting them know that they can fill up multiple bottles — as many as they may need to play through 18 holes. We’ll also provide paper cups for those who dont’ have bottles so that every player will at least be able to take some water onto the course with them. This is just a first step, something that can be done right away.
“Next we’re going to put coolers out on every course, spaced out evenly, with some simple signage so players won’t miss them. This way players can refill bottles as they play. We’ll have staff checking in on the coolers during the day, and refilling them when necessary.”
We played the No. 5 hole when buddies acknowledged they had seen no water containers. A text message to Mercer County Executive Dan Benson alerted the continuing problem and expressed dismay about lack of an easy fix.
Benson wrote he believed containers had been ordered. He promised an update. Mind you, temperatures will soar into the upper 90s and above the 100-degree mark during the next several days.
Health experts warn to not spend extended time in the heat and to hydrate. Golfers will golf no matter the weather conditions. This lack of water situation rated as an emergency five weeks back. (Worse now). County officials could have ordered 25 water containers and had them delivered in 24 hours.
This situation underscores a growing discontent with government as installation of water coolers on golf courses amounts to flying people to the moon. Scientists have discovered water in the form of ice in polar craters.
Water on the moon but not on Mercer County golf courses? Build a 18-hole municipal layout on the moon. Let’s not overthink this. Seriously, a water cooler on the 10th tee of Mercer Oaks East and West courses, plus, a cooler near the driving range will make a positive impact. Allentown three are near the clubhouse which makes for easy refills.
An update per County Executive Benson on Monday.
Signs went up reminding folks to grab water before they go, plus they ordered a pallet of waters to give out at the beginning of the course and the course rangers will be communicating with folks throughout the week with water on their carts. The new water coolers are in procurement and will be installed once received. The current protocol will be in force for days like this week until they are installed.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.