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Can you still play golf in Arizona?
For now, the answer is yes.
The coronavirus has put most of life around the world on hold, restricting activities in which groups of people gather, especially indoors.
With 45 confirmed cases as of March 19 – but zero deaths – Arizona has taken many measures to combat the pandemic. The number of reported cases in the state is likely much higher than the numbers reflect because of limited testing availability.
The City of Phoenix has declared a state of emergency, forcing the closure of bars and moving restaurants to takeout, delivery and drive-thru but statewide, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has not shut down on-site consumption at restaurants and bars, as leaders in California, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Ohio and Washington have. Nor has he shuttered state parks and museums, like New Mexico’s governor, or said he’s weighing a statewide curfew, like New Jersey’s top executive.
As for the golf, in Tucson, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe has closed down operations until April 13 of its Casino Del Sol and Sewailo Golf Club, home of the University of Arizona’s men’s and women’s golf teams. A statement on its website says:
“We are taking these steps because our priority (our community) is our team members, our guests, and the wider community of Tucson, Southern Arizona, and the State of Arizona. We believe that by doing this we will help to reduce the impact of the virus in our community, and that makes this the right thing to do.”
Tee it up
March is one of the prime times for golf in the state, which typically draws countless out-of-towners, many of whom pay upwards of $200 to enjoy the better courses in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area.
A check of the different city websites shows that municipal courses have available tee times. Those include Papago Golf Course, home to Arizona State’s men’s and women’s teams, and Grand Canyon University Golf Course, home to the GCU men’s and women’s teams.
That appears to represent the response of the overall Arizona golf community: We’re open for business.
Grayhawk Golf Club, which has two 18-hole courses – Raptor and Talon – was set to host the 2020 NCAA men’s and women’s golf championships in May for the first of three consecutive years. Those championships are off, canceled along with all other spring sports championships by the NCAA. But Grayhawk is still open for business and taking daily tee times, including a 36-hole special.
Troon, which operates 55 golf properties in Arizona, including Quintero Golf Club, a high-end course course ranked No. 2 on Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play, hasn’t closed any facilities. Other courses on Troon’s roster include Troon North, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, Boulders Resort, Talking Stick and Kierland. A statement on its website says:
“We remain positive and hopeful as to the ultimate outcome of this situation, and recognize it will take time to resolve itself. We will continue to evaluate and adjust our approach in accordance with direction from the relevant federal, state and local health authorities and medical professionals.”
RELATED: Courses that host PGA Tour, LPGA tournaments in Arizona are taking tee times
San Marcos Golf Course in suburban Chandler, built in 1913, the year after Arizona achieved statehood, is remaining open. The course holds the distinction as being the first green grass golf course in Arizona.
Arcis Golf, which operates 61 clubs in eight states, including six daily-fee courses in the Phoenix area, sent an email on Wednesday night declaring that its facilities will remain open.
“We believe that we can make the greatest positive impact by doing what we do best – serving our community. … by keeping our golf courses and other outdoor recreational amenities open for play and relaxation. Whether on the range or course, social distancing protocols will be continually implemented to allow families to enjoy a little fresh air and the games that they truly love.”
Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play in Arizona
All courses, as of March 19, 2020, are open, unless noted below.
1. We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro)
2. Quintero GC, Peoria
3. Ritz-Carlton Golf Club at Dove Mountain (Saguaro/Tortolita), Marana
4. Wickenburg Ranch, Wickenburg
5. TPC Scottsdale (Stadium), Scottsdale
6. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, Maricopa
7. Troon North (Monument), Scottsdale
8. We-Ko-Pa (Cholla), Fort McDowell
9. Troon North (Pinnacle), Scottsdale
10. Ventana Canyon (Mountain),Tucson
11. Verrado GC, Buckeye
12. Boulders Resort (North), Carefree
13. Sewailo GC, Tucson CLOSED UNTIL APRIL 13
14. Laughlin Ranch, Bullhead City
15. Boulders Resort (South), Carefree
16. Apache Stronghold, San Carlos
17. Grayhawk (Raptor), Scottsdale
18. Talking Stick (North), Scottsdale
19. Grayhawk (Talon), Scottsdale
20. La Paloma GC (Ridge/Canyon), Tucson
21. Gold Canyon Golf Resort (Dinosaur Mountain), Gold Canyon
22. Papago Municipal Golf Course, Phoenix
23. SunRidge Canyon, Fountain Hills
24. Victory at Verrado, Buckeye
25. Los Caballeros Golf Club, Wickenburg
26. Kierland GC, Scottsdale
27. Camelback GC (Ambiente), Scottsdale
28. Wigwam Golf Club (Gold), Litchfield Park
29. Ventana Canyon (Canyon), Tucson
30. Wildfire at Desert Ridge (Faldo Course), Phoenix
Local associations reaction
The Arizona Golf Association did announce that tournaments scheduled through the end of March have been canceled but that players can still play the courses they signed up to play, just not as part of a tournament. The Southwest Section PGA announced on its website that events through April 15 have been canceled.
azcentral.com contributed to this report.