By Diane L. Borden
Rancho Bernardo Inn reopened its golf course to restricted play on Friday, May 1. The course was closed in mid-March because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Members of the RBI Women’s Golf Club will resume weekly play on Tuesday, May 5.
“The Inn staff has worked hard this past month to be ready (for golf reopening), and the course is in excellent condition,” said Jamie Lemon, general manager of the resort.
COURSE READY — Lush, green rough and mown fairways surround water hazard on RBI’s No. 18. (Photo by Sherri McGhee)
The County of San Diego has issued a list of safe-play guidelines for all golf courses in the county. The guidelines are subject to revision as Covid-19 conditions change. JC Golf, which owns and manages the RBI resort and golf course, also has issued a list of protocols for its member courses. Among the new restrictions at RBI are the following:
- Face coverings are required at all times in common areas, but as long as players maintain six-foot distancing on the course, masks may be removed while playing.
- Staff must check the temperature of each guest upon entry to the facility.
- Social distancing is in effect; keep a six-foot distance at all times.
- Only credit-card payments will be accepted; cash will not be accepted.
- Golfers may only walk the course, with one exception: Players with an ADA handicap placard issued by the DMV may utilize a single-person cart.
- Only the restrooms on-course will be open and available for use.
- The driving range and practice areas will remain closed.
- The Golf Grille will open at 11 a.m. for grab-and-go food/beverages only.
- No outside food/beverages will be allowed.
- Golfers should not arrive more than 30 minutes prior to their scheduled tee time.
A full list of all JC Golf safe-play guidelines may be found here.
“These restrictions are to guard the health of our members, friends, staff at RBI and others at the Inn,” said Romona Smith, president of RBIWGC. “Resuming golf in this measured way means that our 80 Club members are one step closer to being together again as a group.”
The RBIWGC Invitational, originally scheduled for May 12, was rescheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 29. The Club’s Board of Directors will continue to monitor news reports and state and county health directives regarding the Covid-19 outbreak and will provide more information as events warrant.
During the last two months without golf, RBIWGC members have been participating in online-games competitions and have engaged in a members-only website project to share photos taken during their daily walks or as they spend time on their patios or in their backyards.