COUNTY NEWS
The Los Alamos Golf Course will re-open on Friday, May 8 as part of the announcement last week from Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham’s office indicating that golfing is now a permitted activity under her amended public health emergency order related to COVID-19.
Hours of operation will be shortened, and golfers must have a tee time in order to play. Tee times will be in 15-minute intervals from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice. Golfers must pay with a credit or debit card at the modified check-in window at the Pro Shop; no online payments. No retail sales from the Pro Shop will be available.
“While we are excited to be able to offer Los Alamos golfers this opportunity for recreation, we are taking all of the appropriate precautions,” said Mike Lippiatt, Recreation Programs Manager/Golf Course Manager, adding that no play will be allowed before 8:30 a.m. and the driving range will remain closed until further notice.
“We are working hard to monitor the course while keeping our employees and members of the golfing community safe,” Lippiatt said, “This means that the Pro Shop is closed and there will be no access to the building.” He said the outdoor restroom located near cart storage will be accessible to golfers.
Cottonwood on the Greens, located at the golf course, will provide an option for golfers to purchase food. Although indoor and patio dining is closed, the restaurant is operating from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily, subject to change at any time, and will be providing beverage cart service on the course which includes alcoholic drinks and soft drinks, along with snacks and sandwiches. The hours of beverage cart service will be available based on demand until all restrictions are lifted for both the golf course and restaurant operations; social distancing and congregating rules will be strictly enforced near the cart.
Other restrictions during play on the course will apply:
- Golfers must maintain social distancing at all times
- Golfers are encouraged to bring hand sanitizer and wear a face covering
- Only groups of five or less will be allowed on the course
- Drinking water will not be available on the course; golfers should bring their own water bottles
- Golfers are reminded that bringing alcohol from outside the course is not permitted
Lippiatt said that golf cars will be available for rentals, but only one rider with one golf bag will be allowed per car; golfers will be responsible for removing all articles and trash from the golf car upon completion of their round.
“As always, we encourage those who are vulnerable or at risk for contracting COVID-19 to stay home and continue to self-isolate,” Lippiatt said, “Golf course staff will be proactively monitoring for any violations of these guidelines with regular Staff patrols on the course occurring throughout the day.”
Golfers can call (505) 662-8139 with any questions beginning Friday morning at 8:30 a.m. Additional signs regarding parking with some parking restrictions will continue to be in place, with no access to the overflow lot until further notice.
Cottonwood on the Greens offers phone and on-line ordering with curb-side takeout, providing a convenient option for golfers to place “orders to go” that they can pick up at the end of their round of golf. Customers can choose from both lunch and dinner menus. The restaurant also offers free home delivery. Details are available on their website at www.cottonwoodonthegreens.com or by calling the restaurant at 662-0404.