Cinco de Mayo will be a day of celebration, particularly for golfers in Washington.
Last week, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee eased the state’s stay-at-home restrictions to allow for some outdoor activity, including golf, beginning Tuesday.
And unlike other parts of the state that saw tee times get quickly gobbled up, golf slots remain available for Tuesday at public courses in Southwest Washington.
Since the shutdown began more than a month ago, local golfers did have the option of venturing over to Oregon golf courses, which have remained open for play.
As of mid-day Saturday, tee times at Camas Meadows Golf Course before 11:10 a.m. Tuesday were almost completely gone, but a handful of afternoon slots remained, especially late afternoon. Tee times throughout the day were more available Wednesday and beyond.
Tri-Mountain Golf Course in Ridgefield and Lewis River near Woodland both still had tee times available throughout the day Tuesday.
However, Tri-Mountain’s online booking tool was not active by Saturday, meaning tee times had to be booked by phone. Hold times Saturday ranged between 5 and 10 minutes.
The online booking system at The Cedars on Salmon Creek in Brush Prairie was also not active on Saturday. A message on the course’s phone line said “the course is currently closed because of COVID-19 and does not have an anticipated open date.”
While tee times remain available during the weekdays, expect a surge in golfing next weekend, when high temperatures are projected to approach 80 degrees.
There are other things golfers need to know before planning to tee off.
• Book your tee time in advance, either online or by phone.
• Pay in advance when possible. Payment made at the course is to be by credit/debit card only.
• Groups will be limited to two players. Foursomes will be allowed if all players are from the same household.
• Golf carts are limited to one rider only, unless a minor is playing.
• Flagsticks are not to be removed from holes.
• Golf holes will either be shallow or have cups lifted above ground level to avoid having players reach into the holes.
• Bunker rakes, benches, ball washers, water coolers and garbage cans will be removed from the course.
• Marshalls will be patrolling the course to make sure players are practicing proper social distancing techniques.
