By Erin Freeman | Lynnwood Times Staff
Golf courses in Washington were authorized to reopen Tuesday, May 5 under a series of strict guidelines announced by Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday, April 27.
Courses across the state have been closed since the issuing of the “stay at home” order in March when they were deemed non-essential businesses, and are now some of the first to re-open under the first phase of a four-stage plan to ease back social distancing mandates ordered to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Outdoor recreation is one of the best things we can do to promote mental and emotional well-being for Washingtonians during a time of great stress and isolation,” Inslee said during the news briefing. “And Springtime in our state is Washington at its best and people want to be out enjoying outdoor activities in a safe and responsible way.”
Lynnwood’s Municipal Golf Course says they have enacted specific safety measures on-site that course visitors and golfers are required to abide by.
“We are excited to open our doors… but we will have some new restrictions from the state of Washington. We thank you for your patience as we navigate these new guidelines,” announced the golf course on its website.
Precautions include maintaining social distancing guidelines, the removal of on course touchpoints, and a prohibition of golfers removing flagsticks from course holes. Debit or credit payment options must be used, golf carts are limited to individual use, club or equipment rental is restricted, and no more than two to four people can be in the Pro Shop at a given time and must stand six feet apart while waiting in line.
“We are cleaning our heavily-trafficked areas multiple times throughout the day in an effort to maintain a safe environment,” explained the golf course. “Any customer not following the rules will be asked to leave the course immediately.”
Of the various guidelines noted, the one foreseen to most greatly affect frequent golfers is a party limit of two people per reservations proclaimed by Gov. Inslee, with singles unable to make prior arrangements online and must be walk-on bookings. Families living in the same household can golf in groups of three or four after 3 p.m. if they call ahead for accommodation, according to the golf course.
“We’ll be playing in twosomes for a while, except when a foursome is all one household,” stated Inslee. “You can only play golf with one person outside your own household, and you still need to social distance.”
Lynnwood Municipal Golf Course is located at 20200 68th Ave W, Lynnwood. For more information on their safety precautions, visit http://www.lynnwoodgc.com/. For more information on Inslee’s announcement regarding outdoor recreation sites, visit governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-announces-easing-outdoor-restrictions.
For more information on Inslee’s announcement regarding outdoor recreation sites, visit governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-announces-easing-outdoor-restrictions.
One Response
Nice. Guess I better update distribution list. Lots of new locations, given certain temporary closures. The pandemic mental strain and paperwork from all sides is making me nuts.