Three golf courses operated by the Forest Preserves will open gradually over the next three weeks in compliance with the state's stay-at-home order extension.

Countryside Golf Club in Mundelein will open Friday, May 1; Brae Loch Golf Club in Grayslake will open Friday, May 8; and ThunderHawk Golf Club in Beach Park will open Friday, May 15.
 
The state's modified order permits golf and some additional recreation areas to reopen with operational restrictions, and additional safety and social distancing guidelines in place. 
 
“The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has specific restrictions and guidelines for play that will be strictly followed at each of our golf courses,” said Alex Eichman, superintendent of golf course management.

Some of the safety restrictions and guidelines for play include: 

• Online or telephone booking is required. No walk-in play allowed.
• Only twosomes are allowed.
• Social distancing must be maintained on tees, greens and throughout the round.
• Golfers must walk and carry their own clubs or use their own push cart.
• 15 minutes between tee times. Spreading out the bookings will ensure people do not congregate at tee boxes. Spacing out the tee times also limits the number of people on the golf course. 
• Information will be distributed outlining the operational changes including: no congregating, increased frequency of cleaning, no handshakes, and maintaining social distancing between players.  
• Clubhouses and pro shops will be closed.
• Bring your own water/sports drink, towel and snack. 
• Bring your own supply of balls, tees, ball markers, and any other equipment needed to play golf. 
• Restrooms will be open and sanitized regularly. 
• No practice ranges, chipping greens, or putting greens to limit gatherings of individuals. 
• The “bottom” of the cup will be elevated.
• Flags cannot be removed from the cup. 
• Sort out the sand in the bunker with a club 
• Golf shoes must be put on in your own vehicle.
• Bring hand sanitizer with you and use during the round and at the end.
• No tailgating before or after play. 
• Player restrictions: Any players with any symptoms of COVID-19, should not play. In addition, any players from a household with someone with symptoms of COVID-19 should not play. 
• Pack it in, pack it out, and leave no trace. Take all trash with you and dispose of it at home. Maintenance will be at a minimum at this time. 

Ty Kovach, Lake County Forest Preserves executive director, said it is crucial that golfers adhere to these guidelines, and continue to follow social distancing rules and other safety precautions at all times while at the courses. “If a specific course is not maintainable due to golfers not being compliant with Forest Preserve rules and the state’s restrictions, the course will be closed."

Media Contact
Alex Eichman, Superintendent of Golf Course Management, aeichman@LCFPD.org, 847-968-3102

Photo Requests
Kim Mikus, Communications Specialist, kmikuscroke@LCFPD.org, 847-968-3202

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