The Cedars closes golf operations

By Olympic Peninsula News Group • March 26, 2020 11:50 am
A few golfers get some swings in at The Cedars at Dungeness golf course’s driving range last week. The course closed this week in light of Gov. Jay Inslee’s “stay at home” order. Sequim Gazette file photo by Michael Dashiell
A few golfers get some swings in at The Cedars at Dungeness golf course’s driving range last week. The course closed this week in light of Gov. Jay Inslee’s “stay at home” order. Sequim Gazette file photo by Michael Dashiell

Washington Golf, the state golf association, had sought insight from the governor’s office this week after his directive to close all non-essential businesses.

Golf courses are listed as non-essential, so no rounds will be permitted, but clubs will be able to maintain courses and keep them in shape for whenever play resumes.

The Cedars at Dungeness and Sunland Golf & Country Club in Sequim, Peninsula Golf Club in Port Angeles and Discovery Bay Golf Club near Port Townsend all announced minimum two-week closures through their Facebook pages.

SkyRidge Golf Course in Sequim is closed until further notice as is Port Townsend Golf Club.

“This is a tough time we are all going through and I want to be on the right side of preventative measures,” Port Townsend director of golf Gabriel Tonan said.

In an email to club members on March, 25, The Cedars at Dungenes staff noted Gov. Jay Inslee’s “stay at home” order to help mitigate the spreading of the novel coronavirus.

“As of now we will be closed for a period of two weeks; however, we are hoping to open much sooner with extensive safety measures in place,” golf course staff said.

“If we are allowed to stay open, we will institute the following procedures to minimize touching and maximize social distancing:

• The driving range will be closed.

• The pro shop will be closed. Payments will be made over the phone.

• The snack shack will remain closed.

• Power and push carts will not be available.

• Tee times will be moved to 11-minute increments.

• Rakes have been removed from all bunkers.

• Ball washers have been covered with plastic bags.

• Pool noodles have been inserted in the bottom of the cups so players don’t need to touch the flag to retrieve their balls.”

The safety of staff and guests are the highest priority, The Cedars staff said.

“However, we feel that it is important to allow people to get outside and get some exercise in a safe environment,” they said. “If permitted by the state, we will follow CDC guidelines to ensure we execute all safety protocols and maintain the highest level of protection for all of you.”