Jackson Reid
California is home to many golf courses, some of which have faced temporary or permanent closure. While some closures are due to redevelopment, bankruptcy, or drought, the COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted the industry. During the pandemic, California's shelter-in-place orders and social distancing measures affected access to golf courses and other outdoor recreational activities. As of 2024, some golf courses in California were in the process of reopening after extended closures, while others had ceased operations entirely.
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What You'll Learn
Golf courses in California closed during the COVID-19 pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, most public and private golf courses in California were closed from mid-March to early May. This was done to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, which had already infected 700,000 people and caused nearly 14,000 deaths in the state by early September 2020.
Golf courses in California implemented various restrictions and rule changes to maintain social distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Bunker rakes, water coolers, and sand bottles were removed, and golfers were prohibited from touching flagsticks. Several methods were used to facilitate ball removal from the holes, such as upside-down cups, filling the cups with foam or plastic cylinders, or using metal levers to eject the balls. Golf shops, clubhouses, restaurants, snack shops, and beverage carts were also closed to customers.
Golf courses in California faced challenges during the pandemic due to a lack of maintenance. At the Trilogy Golf Club in La Quinta, which closed for nearly two years due to disputes between owners and bankruptcy, the greens suffered from a lack of irrigation, resulting in cracked putting surfaces, overgrown bunkers, and gray fairways.
The closure of golf courses during the pandemic had a significant impact on the golfing experience, with golfers no longer able to socialise in clubhouses before and after their rounds. Golf courses in Oregon, Washington, Florida, Texas, and Oregon remained open during the pandemic, implementing strict safety guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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Golf practices changed to maintain social distancing
Golf courses in California implemented a variety of new practices to maintain social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most public and private courses in the state were closed from mid-March to early May 2020, after which Gov. Gavin Newsom allowed them to reopen with restrictions in place.
To maintain physical distancing, golf shops, clubhouses, restaurants, snack shops, and beverage carts were closed to customers. Golfers were instructed not to arrive early for their rounds and to leave immediately after finishing without socializing. Staggered tee times with longer intervals between groups were also implemented to keep players apart. Golf courses in San Diego County initially had a walking-only restriction, while Riverside County required golfers to wear face coverings.
Golf cars were spaced further apart in the staging area to maintain a minimum distance of six feet between golfers. Only one person was allowed per cart, and golfers were required to keep their golf bags with them at all times. Staff members were encouraged to self-monitor and stay home if they experienced any COVID-19 symptoms. Staggered start times and split shifts were implemented to limit the number of staff members arriving, departing, and gathering during breaks.
Restaurants removed tables to allow for social distancing and offered only takeout or boxed lunches. Beverage cart operations provided single servings, and drivers wore gloves. Golf and caddie staffs were provided with separate areas to maintain social distancing.
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Golf shops, clubhouses, restaurants, and snack shops closed
Golf shops, clubhouses, restaurants, and snack shops in California have been subjected to closures due to various factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, financial challenges, and maintenance issues.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the operations of golf facilities in California. While the pandemic's golf boom slowed down the number of course closures and provided a financial lifeline to many golf clubs, some facilities had to deal with temporary closures and restrictions to ensure compliance with health and safety protocols. These protocols included social distancing measures, mask mandates, and limitations on group gatherings, impacting the operations of golf shops, clubhouses, and restaurants within golf resorts.
Financial challenges and changing land dynamics have also contributed to the closure of golf shops and associated amenities in California. Golf course owners and operators have faced increasing water costs and competition, coupled with low participation rates, leading to financial strain. In some cases, the value of the land as real estate has exceeded its value as a golf course, prompting closures and redevelopments. This was the case with the Arnold Palmer-designed Empire Lakes G.C. in Rancho Cucamonga, which closed in June 2023.
Maintenance issues and disputes among owners have also resulted in the closure of golf shops and restaurants within golf resorts. The Trilogy Golf Club in La Quinta, California, faced a challenging situation due to a dispute between its owners, loan defaults, and eventual bankruptcy. The course was unwatered and unmaintained for almost two years, leading to overgrown landscapes, cracked putting surfaces, and grey fairways. The homeowner's association eventually took over and initiated a resurrection process, aiming to reopen the course and its associated facilities soon.
The dynamic nature of the golf industry, with its booms and busts, has contributed to the fluctuating status of golf shops, clubhouses, and restaurants in California. While some facilities thrive during golf booms, attracting investments and golfers, others struggle to keep up with the competition and changing market demands. This can lead to a cycle of closures and reopenings as courses change ownership or undergo renovations to stay relevant.
Overall, the closure of golf shops, clubhouses, restaurants, and snack shops in California is influenced by a combination of factors, including the impact of pandemics, financial challenges, maintenance issues, and the evolving landscape of the golf industry. These closures can be temporary or permanent, depending on the specific circumstances and the efforts made to revive struggling golf facilities.
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Golf courses in Oregon remained open
Golf courses in California have faced closures, with the Trilogy Golf Club at La Quinta being closed for nearly two years. However, there is no indication that golf courses in Oregon have faced similar closures, and they remain popular destinations for golfers.
Oregon is home to several renowned golf courses, including the Bandon Dunes Resort on the southern Oregon coast. The resort boasts seven distinct links courses, each conceived in harmony with the natural environment, offering a unique golf experience. The Bandon Dunes course was designed by David McLay Kidd, who later designed another impressive course in Bend, Oregon, called Tetherow.
Another notable course in Oregon is the Pronghorn Resort's Fazio Course in Bend. This course, spread across an open, windswept plateau, offers a challenging layout with many holes influenced by the towering Douglas fir trees.
The Pumpkin Ridge facility in North Plains features two highly-regarded courses: Ghost Creek, a public course, and Witch Hollow, a private layout. Ghost Creek, a former member of Golf Digest's 100 Greatest Public list, presents a challenging layout with the winding title creek coming into play on multiple holes.
The Portland Golf Club has also undergone extensive remodeling, overseen by Oregon native Dan Hixson. The bunkers have been repositioned and rebuilt, the original green sizes restored, and a tree-removal program has improved the agronomics and playability of the course.
With a variety of top-notch courses, Oregon has maintained its reputation as a great golf destination, and these courses have remained accessible to golfers throughout the recent period when some California courses faced closures.
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California's golf industry supports over 132,000 jobs
California's golf industry is a significant contributor to the state's economy, supporting over 132,000 jobs. The industry includes a wide range of roles, from golf course superintendents and assistants to professionals, marketers, and golf shop attendants.
The state is home to numerous golf courses and clubs, including the renowned San Clemente Golf Club in Southern California, which hosts around 90,000 rounds per year and offers stunning ocean views. Northern California also boasts a strong golf scene, with the Northern California Section, PGA of America (NCPGA) organizing tournaments and providing educational programs for professionals and aspiring golfers.
The NCPGA offers two pathways to PGA membership: the PGA PGM Associate Program and the PGA Golf Management University Program, a 4.5- to 5-year curriculum offered at accredited universities. These programs ensure that PGA professionals have the necessary skills to teach and grow the game.
Additionally, websites like GolfJobs.com specialize in connecting golf professionals with employment opportunities in California and beyond. The site adds over 200 professional golf job listings each month, showcasing the diverse range of career options within the industry.
The Trilogy Golf Club at La Quinta, California, which had been closed for nearly two years, is also set to reopen soon, further expanding the state's golf offerings and creating more job opportunities in the industry. California's golf industry is, therefore, a vibrant and dynamic sector that not only supports a significant number of jobs but also continuously strives to develop and enhance its offerings.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most public and private golf courses in California were closed from mid-March until early May 2020.
Golf courses implemented several safety measures to maintain social distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures included staggered tee times, restrictions on walk-on play and single players, and instructions for golfers to return to their cars immediately after finishing a round.
Yes, there were a few exceptions. For example, the Morley Field golf course in San Diego reopened on May 5, 2020, with tee times and a group size limit of four players.
Yes, in addition to the closure of golf courses, many golf shops, clubhouses, restaurants, snack shops, and beverage carts were also closed to customers during the initial phase of the pandemic. These restrictions were gradually eased, and restaurants were allowed to reopen during Memorial Day weekend.
Yes, golf courses were closed in several other states, including Washington, Arizona, and California's neighboring state, Nevada. However, some states like Florida, Texas, and Oregon kept their golf courses open with strict social distancing guidelines and other restrictions.
