Minnesota golf enthusiasts received positive news on April 17 when Governor Tim Walz said golf courses could open up for the 2020 season.
"It’s important for us to stay active and enjoy the outdoors while preventing the spread of COVID-19," Walz said in a statement. "This measure will allow Minnesotans to take advantage of more opportunities to get outside, while still doing their part to keep their neighbors healthy."
Courses are allowed to open up at 5 a.m. on April 18.
Perham Lakeside Clubhouse Manager Mike Kunza said in an email that the golf course will open on April 18. The first tee time each day for the month of April will be at 10 a.m.
“Your experience at the golf course will look much different with recommended restrictions by the state and a few local restrictions here at Lakeside,” Kunza said in the email. “We feel that it is important that us in the golfing community do our part to keep golf courses open. We need to be respectful of the rules and regulations. Failure to follow the guidelines could result in the reversal of the ability to play golf.”
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The email went on to list the requirements for the ability to golf during the stay-at-home order. Tee times and registration should be done exclusively online, the clubhouse and all facilities shall remain closed, one golfer per cart, unless they are from the same household. Carts will be sanitized after each round.
The email listed specified guidelines such as groups shall be limited to no more than five players per group and golfers should remain six feet apart on the driving range and practice putting green. The holes will be modified to restrict golf balls from going into the bottom of the hole. Also, touchpoints such as rakes, ball washers, benches, scorecards, pencils, tees, community water coolers, towels and seed bottles will be removed from the course.
Along with the requirements from the state, Perham Lakeside has a few additional requirements as well. A golf shop employee will check in the golfer on the phone. Green fees or a membership must be paid before you are allowed to play. The Oak and Maple Courses are the only courses that will be open at this time and tee times are scheduled for 15 minute intervals.
Kunza stated in the email they will start taking tee times from 7-9 p.m. on April 17 and will be available at 8 a.m. in the morning on April 18, with the first tee time set for 10 a.m. on April 18.
Interested golfers can visit www.perhamlakesidegolf.com or call (218)-346-6070.
