Mark Poirier

Golf customer update: 04.29.2020

Mark Poirier, PGA, Golf Manager, 509.625.4653

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 3:35 p.m.

Golf customer update: 04.29.2020

Updated 5/20/2020

May 18, 2020

Dear golfers,

Governor Inslee announced updates to COVID-19 operations for golf courses in our state. Here are the changes you’ll see:

  • Foursomes: We are happy to announce that foursomes will be allowed to play, effective immediately!
  • Carts: The single rider cart rule is still in place, but you may now share a cart with a member of your household.
  • Practice facilities: If you would like to sharpen up your golf game, visit our wonderful practice facilities, you can now do so, without having a tee time.
  • Garbage: All trash receptacles will be returned to the playing grounds for your convenience. However, bunker rakes and other high touch point furniture will stay absent for safety purposes.

April 29, 2020

Dear golf community,

We are delighted to welcome you back to City of Spokane golf courses beginning May 5!

Our focus remains on supporting the health and well-being of our customers, staff, partners, and the community. As one of the first industries to re-open, we take seriously the responsibility to provide an environment that aligns with the Governor’s requirements and recommendations for slowing the spread of COVID-19.

We are finalizing COVID-19-specific protocols that alter our operations, in alignment with Governor Inslee’s restart plan. These protocols are being developed in partnership with Spokane County golf courses and will follow recommendations from the CDC. We will share the final policy prior to opening May 5.

Golf Re-Opens Tuesday, May 5 with revised protocols

Downriver, The Creek at Qualchan, Indian Canyon, and Esmeralda are opening under revised protocols on Tuesday, May 5.

Here are a few operational changes you can anticipate, in place to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

  • Tee times and payment: please call the course to book your tee time. (Online tee times are a bit complex amidst these new protocols, so tee times are only available via phone at this time. We will offer online tee times again in the future.)  Cards will be accepted; no cash please. Plastic “sneeze guard” barriers will be placed at each terminal.
  • Twosomes: Per the Governor’s order, twosomes have become the current standard as we reopen for play. Please call the golf course for “Family Play” times. 
  • All carts: one rider per cart, unless a minor is playing.
  • Driving range and putting green: please visit within 30 minutes of the start your tee time to avoid large numbers of people in these spaces. There will be 10 feet between driving range participants.
  • Leave the stick: for the time being, we are leaving the flagstick in the green. This is a USGA-approved tactic to limit touch points.
  • Cup liners: we’ll have cup liners in place to prevent people from reaching in to retrieve their ball.
  • No rakes or garbage cans: we’re removing rakes and other frequently touched items under the Governor’s guidelines. If you pack it in, please pack it out.
  • Increased cleaning: High-touched areas, restrooms, range balls, and carts cleaned frequently.
  • Food and beverage: providing to-go orders only.
  • Six foot rule: And of course, please keep at least 6’ between you and those outside your household.
Thank you for your role in supporting the health of our community

When we re-open, we ask that participants please not attend golf facilities if you experience symptoms or have been in contact with someone experiencing symptoms; our staff will do the same.

Book your tee time!

Please call the course to book your tee time for May 5 and beyond. Given the intricacies of scheduling protocols right now, tee times aren’t available online, only by phone. Please have your credit card available to book your time.

Esmeralda: 487-6291

The Creek at Qualchan: 448-9317

Downriver: 327-5269

Indian Canyon: 47-5353

Next steps

Thank you for your patience while we all adapt to a new normal. It will take time and care from our entire golf community working together. Protocols may change based on new information or evolving best practices. We will continue to follow the recommendations of local and state public health experts in collaboration with the City of Spokane leadership. The health of our community is number one, and we appreciate your support of City of Spokane golf while following CDC guidelines.

We can’t wait to see you (at a distance) on the course!

Mark Poirier, PGA
Golf Manager
City of Spokane

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