Golf courses in Riverside County reopen under new COVID-19 restrictions

Golf courses reopen in Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. - Riverside County officials on Monday announced that private and public golf courses within their county will now be allowed to operate under certain restrictions.

The county revised its stay-at-home order, but still requires social distancing and face coverings at all times on or near the course.

The county also says that other outdoor non-contact activities are permitted, such as hiking, biking, horseback riding and tennis. However, no team sports are allowed.

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The use of picnic tables, playgrounds and public events and gatherings are still prohibited, city officials said.

“After consulting with public health officials and local leadership, we have made modifications for golf and other forms of recreational activity, such as use of parks, trails and outdoor areas for hiking, biking, pickleball and tennis to resume,” said Chair V. Manuel Perez, Fourth District Supervisor. “With proper safety guidelines, our residents can benefit from healthy activities that promote physical exercise, wellness and behavioral health so long as physical distancing is practiced. We will continue to listen and base decisions on thorough review, best practices, data and science.”

Some of the restrictions include:

• Play shall be limited to foursomes that will be required to observe social distancing (six feet separation between players at all times).
• No caddies.
• No large gatherings, including fundraisers or tournaments, will be permitted before June 20, 2020.
• Face coverings, such as scarves, bandanas and neck gaiters, shall be worn by players and workers.
• No in-person dining will be allowed at clubhouses.

“Golf is an iconic part of our destination, our history and our economy,” said Scott White, chief operating officer of Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We sincerely appreciate the news that golf will be reopened to allow our residents the opportunity to return to the sport they love. It is imperative that we follow the orders outlined and not allow the coronavirus to return to the previous levels. We will continue to work with Riverside County with the goal to help reopen more tourism related businesses.”