Here is what Washington Golf and the Golf Alliance of Washington have learned from the current “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” proclamation by Governor Inslee.
Golf Courses - Given the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order made by Governor Inslee on March 23rd, Washington Golf in collaboration with the Golf Alliance of Washington immediately sent a letter to the Governor’s office asking for clarification on whether golf courses could stay open and are intended to be available for use as outdoor exercise.
As of 1:00 p.m. on 3/25, we are still one of 3,000 requests for clarification they have been working through. We have been informed that they are developing a comprehensive document to all the requests and we may not see anything for another 24 hours.
We will continue to seek clarification and let you know. However, based on the recent announcements from Washington State Parks and Department of Natural Resources, it would be difficult to say courses are authorized to operate without clarity from the Governor’s office. As of right now, it’s a judgement call each golf course is going to have to make on their own.
We will post an update once we receive communication from the Governor. We will support the Governor’s decision as we fight this virus; we just seek clarity to his order.
Maintenance of Golf Courses - Section 3 of Proclamation states:
To implement this mandate, I hereby order that, effective midnight on March 25, 2020, all non-essential businesses in Washington State are prohibited from conducting all activities and operations except minimum basic operations.
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.
We believe this information should provide the necessary cover for courses to at least take care of their grounds so as to “maintain the value of the business’ inventory [and] preserve the condition of the business’ physical plant and equipment…”
These are incredibly uncertain times for everyone. Washington Golf wishes everyone to be safe and stay healthy. We will keep you posted as we learn more.
Be Safe – Stay Positive,
Troy Andrew
CEO/Executive Director of Washington Golf
