Golf Courses Remain Open Amid Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

Oklahoma City leaders are asking everyone to stay home if you can to stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

All non-essential businesses have closed their doors and playgrounds are now closed in Oklahoma City.

Yet public golf courses remain open after the governor stepped in.

“This is the only outlet I have,” said 79-year-old Joe Davis, who was playing golf Thursday at Lincoln Park.

The golf course has made several changes.

Only one person rides in a cart, which is sprayed and disinfected each morning and after every round.

You can pay for your round outside.

Only 6 people are allowed in the pro shop at one time.

The cups themselves on the course are also lifted up to prevent players from having to reach into the hole to retrieve their golf ball.

“They can play with their friends. They don’t have to rub shoulders with their friends,” said Lincoln Park Director of Golf Steve Carson.

Oklahoma City planned to close its courses originally only to find out Wednesday they are protected from the governor's executive order.

Lincoln Park believes it is still seeing 60%-70% of its normal play.

“This is a lifesaver. I don’t get to volunteer at the hospital,” said Mary Griffith.

The governor has declared a “safer at Home” order for those over 65 and other vulnerable members of the community.

But older golfers said with the changes at the course, they feel healthier than at home.

“I think if you are stuck at the house all day, you get depressed,” said Davis.