That came after a reversal at the state level late Sunday.
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“If your golf course is operating as an outdoor recreation opportunity and abiding by all of the order’s social distancing requirements, there is likely not a health concern,” Ohio Department of Health press secretary Melanie Amato told the News-Sun via email Monday morning. “However, if the golf course is operating other businesses as part of the operations (restaurants, clubhouse, spa, driving range, putting and practice greens, etc), then you should be prepared to explain why you deem those business operations essential.”
A letter of opinion published by Clark County Combined Health director Charles A. Patterson described the state’s position as “evolving” and confirmed local clubs may reopen.
“In light of the new Ohio Department of Health position and in an attempt to provide uniform enforcement across the state of Ohio, the Clark County Combined Health District will allow the opening of golf courses,” Patterson said via a release. “This does not allow any other non-essential business functions to occur.
“The evolution does not make the business essential but emphasizes the ‘outdoor recreation’ section of the (stay-at-home) order.”
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The state’s stay-at-home order went into effect March 23 and extends until at least April 6. It includes exceptions for numerous businesses dubbed essential as well as outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, running, biking and going to public parks.
While the state and county appeared to focus on the “essential business” aspect of the order, others suggested golf is akin to those physical activities specifically allowed.
By noon Monday, Locust Hill and the Elks Lodge No. 51 course had already announced they were open while Rocky Lakes announced it will open Wednesday.
Jim Kincaid of Reid Park Golf Course said they planned to open Wednesday with the restrictions imposed by the state.
Those include a strict limit of one person per cart.