Fore!
The 2020 golf season in Alaska officially opened in Palmer and locally the Birch Ridge Golf Course opened Monday, March 27th with modifications to allow for playing under the current state mandates for social distancing and re-opening of businesses.
Birch Ridge will incorporate numerous rules and changes, but it will be golf in April. The Palmer Golf Course, notorious for opening early and once opening for at least one day every month, opened on Saturday, April 25th with 12 holes ready for play. The Anchorage Golf Course plans a May 1st opening for the course and driving range. Information on the Kenai Golf Course and Bird Homestead Golf Course has not been made available.
Birch Ridge Golf Course
The Birch Ridge Golf Course in Soldotna will open for 9 or 18 holes of golf abiding by social distancing restrictions on Monday, April 27th. Course hours will be noon until 6 p.m. for the early opening. Regular greens will be used with some hole modifications.
From the Birch Ridge Golf Course…
Here is what we will have for you:
Greens fees: $15 for 9 or 18 holes (walking only)
Push Carts: $5 (although I wouldn’t recommend it yet, carrying will be a better choice)
Range: $5, 7 and 10 buckets available (limited based on handpicking the range but we will be able to drive the picker out there soon.
Snacks, chips, sodas and beer are available for purchase to consume on the course or driving range.
NO CARTS AT THIS TIME! Sorry, but the frost is still coming out and it will get wetter before it gets better.
Now, let’s talk about what we have put in place for the virus.
Social Distancing Practices: We will be putting into effect a number of preventative measures to ensure we follow the mandates posted by the government. The policies put in place are going to be consistent with other courses in the state.
Staff interacting with customers will wear masks and wash their hands between each transaction.
The pro shop will currently be closed to customers, but we have a check-in counter setup just outside on the deck, and the staff can get anything you need for you. We have a display set up in the window of our current inventory. This will help with overall exposure to products and common areas.
The lounge is currently closed. We will have tables set up on the deck and yard in time, but for now, we are starting simple.
Range balls and baskets will be disinfected after each use, as well as pushcarts, drive carts and rental clubs.
At scheduled times, common areas will be wiped down (i.e. counters, door handles, and other common touch surfaces.
Foam noodles will be in each cup and touching the flag is prohibited. If your ball hits the yellow foam, congratulations you made it! No, it’s not traditional golf, but it is golf.
Social distancing needs to be in effect at all times. This means keeping 6 feet distance and keeping hands and equipment to yourself. While we believe we are getting closer to this event being over, these rules are in effect in order to protect the golf courses, as well as the customers. We do not want a lack of preventative procedures to lead to exposure or the shutting down of golf courses in the state.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during all this. This is new to us as well and we will be learning as we go.
Season passes and punch cards: The great thing about the season pass is that you don’t need to come into the pro shop to check-in for golf. Because of the circumstances, I will be extending the early bird discount to May 15th, and it can be handled over the phone. The discount will also be increased from 5% off to 10% off. All punch cards will also be eligible for the 10% discount.
Tee times will be taken by phone at 262-5270 or online at birchridgegolfcourse.com