As we reported Monday, the State of California issued a massive overhaul of “Outdoor and Indoor Youth and Adult Recreational Sports” protocols last Friday, effective this Friday (2/26). We noted that with respect to golf in even the “Purple Tier” counties, much of what has been proscribed can now be permitted, particularly with respect to high school competitive golf and certain adult competitive activities.

USGA Green Section Research - Ecosystem Services Provided by Golf Courses

One and one-third human beings is what a maxed-out golf course puts on one acre of open space under current COVID restrictions, a 1.3 to 1 ratio that has been the game’s ticket to spectacular success during the pandemic. It’s the unshakable fact about the game that persuaded public policy makers that golf is among the safest forms of outdoor recreation; indeed, the safest when one considers that unlike other outdoor recreational activities, the business model of golf involves strict control over ingress and egress.

LA County will realign with the state's reopening plan.

The California Department of Public Health lifts the Regional Stay at Home Order statewide.

Golfers - Rounds Played - Golf Course Supply

As we begin a year that promises to get worse before it gets better, and it will get better, here is a quick snapshot of where some key matters stand.