Yes, you can still play golf.
Both of UNM’s Golf Courses, the UNM Championship Golf Course and the UNM North Golf Course are open for play. Tee times start as early as 8:30 a.m. at each course.
“We are fully committed to playing it safe at our facilities and we are taking precautions to help promote healthy activities during this time,” said Adam Roybal, director of UNM Golf Courses.
To prioritize the health and safety of customers, and to comply with the current federal, state, and local guidelines surrounding large gatherings, UNM has implemented the following safety measures at both courses:
- Tournaments and events have been postponed until April 30.
- Outings that exceed 30 people or that would require a shotgun start are postponed or cancelled until April 30.
- Tee times are available in 10-minute intervals to limit the amount of traffic through the golf shops.
- While our doors are open figuratively, they are also open literally – to eliminate hands from touching entryways and door handles.
- Hand-sanitizer is available at the counter for customers to use.
- Pins/Flags will be left in the hole while putting so fewer hands touch the flag stick.
- Between usage, our staff works to disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- UNM Golf Courses use disinfecting spray to wipe down carts between turnover.
- Effective, Thursday, March 19, the Lobo Grill at the UNM Championship Golf Course will limit operations, or close completely to comply with new series of health orders announced by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday, March 18, limiting bars and restaurants to serving take-out options or providing delivery services only.
“We’ve seen a slight uptick in rounds, with everyone being off and the cabin fever setting in due to social distancing,” said Roybal. “Our patrons have made many comments about how safe they feel being on the course and how nice it is to get fresh air and sunshine. We are hopeful to remain open and provide this service as long as it is safe to do so.”
It’s currently still reasonable to golf and golfers can help by following the proper guidance. Other precautions golfers can take while patronizing courses:
- If you’re playing with friends and family, check that they’re feeling well. If you’re playing with strangers, keep your social distance.
- Skip the driving range, practice tee and other warm-up areas where it’s difficult to keep your distance from others.
- Skip the handshakes – try an elbow bump or a foot bump. Or, since it’s golf, a club tap.
- Use the extra space in your golf bag next to your tees or balls for hand sanitizer. And frequently use it.
- At tee boxes, fairways and greens, practice “social distancing” with groups outside of your own — keeping a least 6 feet of distance.
- Wipe down the edges of your golf the bag, the handle of the club, and any parts that touch the golf cart.
- If you’re picking up random golf balls, don’t touch your mouth – or leave them behind.
- Though not ideal, you may use hand sanitizer for your glove too – it will help to disinfect your glove but may also create some slickness.
- Walking the course might be the way to go, but if you choose to ride, wipe the seats, steering wheels and other frequently touched areas.
- Wait to use your cell phone until after you are done golfing. If you have to keep it accessible, keep it on you personally – so not leave it on the dashboard of the cart. Sanitize your phone if possible.
- Avoid time in crowded clubhouses. Sit outdoors with that 6-foot radius from others, if possible.
- Most importantly, DON’T GOLF IF YOU ARE SICK.
The extra precautions being taken at the UNM Golf Courses are expected to remain in effect for the foreseeable future. UNM Leadership is actively monitoring federal, state and local guidelines. UNM Golf Courses also encourage customers to keep checking UNM’s dedicated COVID-19 website for up-to-date information on decisions at UNM that could affect our business operations in the future.
