Golf courses have new rules as they welcome golfers back

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Golf courses have new rules as they welcome golfers back

The weather forecast looks perfect for getting out and enjoying a round of golf. It is a perfect activity for getting outside and getting some exercise. Golf courses across the Lakes Area are reopening and have safety in mind with new no touch rules that promote physical distancing. Golf courses are eager to tee off their season and welcome golfers back—even if it is under a new normal.

We talked to several of our local golf courses and all are adhering to these common rules.

Prepaid tee times and online transactions are encouraged.
Groups are limited to 4 golfers.
Golfers must remain 6 feet apart (about 2 club lengths) at all times.
One person per cart unless golfers are from the same household.
Flagsticks must be left in the hole and not be touched.
A piece of foam will be placed around the flagstick allowing golfers to tap their ball out with a putter and not touch the flagstick.
Golfers should arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before their tee time at Crosswoods Golf Course in Crosslake; 20 minutes at Grand View courses, Madden’s courses, and Cuyuna Rolling Hills; and 30 minutes at the Legacy Courses at Cragun’s.
Rakes, ball washers, benches, and seed bottles are not available.
Golfers should leave once their round is finished; no congregating in the parking lot.
Golf Carts will be sanitized after each round with close attention to high touch areas: steering wheels, hand bars, and seats.

Check with golf course on specific rules

Some operations vary a little course by course. At The Pines, tee time check in will be on the back deck of the pro shop and guests aren’t allowed in the pro shop. Other courses (Madden’s, Cragun’s, Crosswoods, Emily Greens, Cuyuna Rolling Hills), are limiting the number of guests in the clubhouse during check-in. Wildwedge in Pequot Lakes hasn’t opened their clubhouse. For their par 3 course, golfers can pay online or by leaving cash or check in a box outside.

Golfers should check with the course they plan to play for course specific guidelines. Adhering to these new rules will help to ensure the health and safety of the golf courses, staff, and golfers.