Are golf courses open where you live? Golf course openings and closures by all 50 states
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Are golf courses open where you live? Golf course openings and closures by all 50 states

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Are golf courses open where you live? It's a good question.

As more states, counties and cities are issuing their own executive actions to limit travel and promote social distancing, there's been confusion over if golf courses can remain open in each state. We're keeping track of all 50 states.

At this point, courses which are open throughout the United States are generally practicing safety precaution and social distancing.

Are golf courses open in your state?

Alabama: Governor Kay Ivey has issued a stay-at-home order that allows golf courses to remain open, provided social distancing is followed and proper protective practices observed.

Alaska: It's not golf season.

Arizona: Governor Tony Ducey has said golf courses are "essential businesses" that can remain open at this time, even through his stay-at-home order effective through April 30.

Arkansas: Governor Asa Hutchinson has no current plans to issue a statewide stay-at-home order.

California: The state of California has called for a shelter-in-place order that has required the closure of all non-essential businesses. However, there is not a widespread order for courses to close, leaving that up to individual jurisdictions, including at the city and county level. Increasingly, more counties are opening up courses to play.

Colorado: Governor Polis has issued a shelter-in-place order that requires non-essential businesses to close and citizens to remain home except for "critical activities." However, golf courses are allowed to remain open at this time, and only approximately 70 courses in the state have closed. Local governments, including at the county and city level, can choose stricter orders or to close their owned-and-operated courses. Denver closed all of its six municipal golf courses on March 18, but they were re-opened on April 22. Colorado Springs is also closed its courses.

Connecticut: Golf courses can remain open provided they're practicing proper safety and social distancing techniques. Public golf courses in Fairfield, Conn., will be closed starting March 23.

Delaware: Delaware has issued its own stay-at-home order, but golf courses are allowed to remain open.

Florida: Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a statewide stay-at-home order that lets golf courses remain open. Several counties and municipalities, including Miami-Dade County, Broward County and Palm Beach County, had issued shelter-in-place orders that close golf courses, but those courses re-open April 29. Orange County and Orlando courses can now remain open.

Georgia: Golf courses are open throughout the state and in Atlanta.

Hawaii: Golf courses are closing more often after a statewide order.

Idaho: Idaho has issued a shelter-in-place order, and golf courses are able to be open at this time.

Illinois: Golf courses can now re-open on May 1 as part of an amended stay-at-home order.

Indiana: Golf courses are allowed to remain open despite a statewide order for more social distancing.

Iowa: Golf courses are largely remaining open at this point.

Kansas: Golf courses are allowed to remain open.

Kentucky: Golf courses are allowed to remain open and are considered exempt from a statewide order.

Louisiana: Golf courses, including New Orleans municipal courses, can remain open despite a statewide shelter-in-place order.

Maine: Governor Janet Mills re-opened golf courses on May 1, as the state moves into the early phases of re-opening.

Maryland: Governor Larry Hogan has announced golf courses can re-open on May 7, along with a slew of other outdoor activities, provided social distancing guidelines are followed.

Massachusetts: Governor Charlie Baker is announcing golf courses will be allowed to open on May 7, marking the last statewide closure to end.

Michigan: Governor Whitmer has modified her stay-at-home order, which runs through May 15, to now allow golf courses to open to walking players only.

Minnesota: Golf courses are will reopen on April 18 as part of a new executive order from Governor Tim Walz, provided CDC guidelines are followed.

Mississippi: Golf courses remain open as the governor has tried to undermine local orders.

Missouri: Governor Parson has issued a stay-at-home order that allows golf courses to remain open, provided social distancing is followed and proper protective practices observed.

Montana: Governor Steve Bullock has not issued a statewide order at this time, and golf courses have remained open.

Nebraska: Golf courses appear to remain open at this time, as there's no statewide orders to close.

Nevada: After closing golf courses as part of his current order, which runs through April 30, Governor Sisolak is re-opening golf courses on May 1.

New Hampshire: Governor Sununu has allow golf courses to re-open on May 11 as he extends his stay-at-home order to May 31.

New Jersey: Governor Murphy was quick to close golf courses throughout the state as part of his shelter-in-place order. He is re-opening courses, however, on May 2 as part of an amended order.

New Mexico:Governor Grisham has allowed golf courses to re-open on May 1, with restrictions that have become commonplace nationwide.

New York: Golf courses had been open after an early reversal from Governor Cuomo's stay-at-home order. However on April 9, the governor changed his mind again, saying courses had to close. On April 17, he allowed courses to open up again, provided guidelines are followed and that most on-course employees were not on premises. The stay-at-home order ends May 15.

North Carolina: Golf courses are allowed to remain open despite shelter-in-place orders.

North Dakota: Golf courses are open as weather allows.

Ohio: Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has issued a shelter-in-place order statewide through April 6. After keeping courses open, then closing them, they've been allowed to remain open.

Oklahoma: Golf courses generally are able to remain open, but "vulnerable populations" are expected to remain home.

Oregon: Golf courses are allowed to remain open to players, provided courses and players enact proper social-distancing practices.

Pennsylvania: Governor Wolf announced a re-opening of golf courses on May 1 as part of loosening up some pieces of his stay-at-home order, which runs through May 8.

Rhode Island: Golf courses do not appear affected by an order for entertainment venues to close.

South Carolina:Even with Governor McMaster's order to close non-essential businesses, golf courses remain open throughout the state, including for locals only in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area.

South Dakota: Golf courses remain open throughout the state.

Tennessee: Golf courses remain open throughout the state.

Texas: Governor Abbott's statewide order indicated courses could open, but a conference call on April 7 was interpreted to mean courses had to close. The attorney general clarified the situation, saying courses can be open but with caveats.

Utah: Golf courses remain open throughout the state, provided social distancing and safety measures are performed.

Vermont:Governor Scott closed golf courses as part of his stay-at-home order, but they are allowed to open again on May 7 with restrictions.

Virginia: Virginia golf courses can remain open even as Governor Ralph Northam has issued a statewide stay-at-home order.

Washington:Governor Jay Inslee has issued an order to re-open golf courses on May 5, with restrictions for courses and players to encourage safety.

Wisconsin: Governor Tony Evers included has allowed golf courses to open on April 24 as part of an extension of his stay-at-home order through May 26.

West Virginia: Golf courses are allowed to remain open as an essential business for exercise.

Wyoming: Golf courses are open.

About the author

Ryan Ballengee

Ryan Ballengee is the founder, owner and operator of Golf News Net.

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