Des Moines golf courses are open again for the season — and offering a way to get outdoors while staying socially distanced.
While the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Iowa and nationwide is in process, the pandemic isn’t quite over yet. Over the past year, that’s meant golf courses were favorite spots for people hoping to play a game safely during warm weather.
“The game itself (is) a great way to social distance, and that’s why I think the numbers were so high last year,” Des Moines Parks and Recreation spokesperson Jen Fletcher said.
At Des Moines courses, 104,000 rounds of golf were played in 2021, Fletcher said — higher than the average year — and leaders hope to see the courses used as much in 2021.
Blank Park Golf Course opened Sunday, and Bright Grandview and Waveland Golf courses opened Wednesday. The courses are open each day, with options available to run the courses with or without a golf cart.
Other private courses, such as Willow Creek golf course in West Des Moines, are also open for the season.
The Des Moines city courses are fully open and operational just like they would be any other year, Fletcher said. However, if COVID-19 rates surge in the region and health safety protocols are re-implemented, golf courses could be affected just like other city services.
“We are following all local, state and federal COVID guidelines that are currently in place — as numbers go up and down, as any changes are announced, we’ll change accordingly,” Fletcher said. “Player safety and staff safety is the most important thing.”
Robin Opsahl covers trending news for the Register. Reach them at ropsahl@registermedia.com or 515-284-8051.
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