Pebble Beach Golf Links, arguably the most iconic golf course in the United States, reopened on Monday after Monterey County relaxed some restrictions that have been put in force because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Monterey County ordered all golf courses closed on March 24, the first time Pebble Beach has been shut down since it opened in 1919.
Spyglass Hill Golf Course, owned by the Pebble Beach Company, also is open and social distancing rules are in place on both courses.
“We received notice that Monterey County golf courses will be allowed to open,” said Bill Perocchi, chief executive officer of the Pebble Beach Company. “We know golf is a healthy and safe outdoor activity with extensive physical and mental health benefits; both of which are needed now more than ever. The County order requires all golf course operators and golfers to abide by a set of strict social distancing rules and procedures. Failure to do so will jeopardize not only the health and safety of our employees and guests, but also our collective ability to keep golf courses in Monterey County open.
“The new procedures are listed on our website (www.pebblebeach.com/health-and-safety). It is a requirement for all golfers to review them in detail prior to playing. While we focus on restarting our operation in a safe manner, the Company has made the decision to open our courses in phases, beginning with Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. We know that many Del Monte Forest residents are eager to get back out on the golf course, and we are pleased to offer these special rates at Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill for the month of May.”
While Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill are open for golf, the Links and Inn at Spanish that also are owned by the Pebble Beach Company will remain closed until June 1. That’s the same day that the Lodge at Pebble Beach is scheduled to open, and reservations are being taken at both establishments.
Under the Monterey County order, golf courses and driving ranges are allowed to open provided the facilities leave clubhouses, pro shops and locker rooms closed, take reservations and payment in advance, provide sanitizing wipes, face masks, scorecards and tees in a plastic bag for each golfer’s use, observe social distancing rules and regularly clean all surfaces.
Caddies are not allowed but golf carts are with a limit of one person per cart, unless the players are from the same household. All ball washers, closed-lid trash cans and bunker rakes will be removed from the course and flagsticks will not be touched. Marshals are required to monitor compliance. Two beverage carts are allowed on a course.
Others courses on the Monterey Peninsula that are open include Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach, Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Club in Monterey and Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Course, with Laguna Seca Golf Ranch in Monterey and Quail Lodge and Golf Club in Carmel expected to open soon.
San Francisco County also allowed its golf courses to open on Monday, including TPC Harding Park, The Olympic Club and Presidio Golf Course, as did Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Marin County, San Mateo County and Santa Clara County.
In addition, Placer County, Stanislaus County and Napa County in Northern California; Kern County and San Luis Obispo County in Central California, and Ventura County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County in Southern California have allowed courses to reopen courses in recent weeks.
Sacramento County has allowed its courses to remain open throughout the Cornoavirus pandemic, and all counties have restrictions in place.
