The Governor’s office has sent the following response to our inquiry about whether golf courses can remain open during the current statewide “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” directive:

Thank you for your inquiry. Under Proclamation 20-25, neither the operation nor enjoyment of a golf course qualifies as an essential business or activity. Only minimum basic operations, as described in (3)(d) of the Proclamation, are permitted. Course maintenance is also permitted insofar as it prevents imminent damage to the fairways, greens, and other outdoor amenities.

Section 3 (d) For purposes of this Proclamation, minimum basic operations are the minimum activities necessary to maintain the value of the business’ inventory, preserve the condition of the business’ physical plant and equipment, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their residences, and related functions.

Please know that we take this decision very seriously. Nonetheless, we believe that the best way to control the spread of COVID-19 is to temporarily limit interaction as much as possible. This is not an indictment on the importance of golf, nor is it permanent.

Be Safe – Stay Positive,

Troy Andrew
CEO/Executive Director of Washington Golf