New Jersey golf courses, which have been closed since April 7 because of the coronavirus crisis by order of Gov. Phil Murphy, are going to be permitted to reopen as soon as Saturday.
One day after saying reopening golf courses was “on the list of things” he and other state officials “look at regularly,” Murphy announced on Wednesday that he’s ready to allow golf courses and state parks to reopen as part of an executive order, provided proper social distancing practices are utilized.
This is considered a victory for New Jersey golfers, who have watched with frustration while golf courses in neighboring New York and Connecticut have, for the most part, remained open.
New York public golf courses, after being ordered to close briefly, were allowed to reopen more than a week ago under the rules of social distancing. Pennsylvania golf courses have been given the option to resume operation on Friday.
“This will bring us in line, broadly speaking, with our neighboring states. I did not want to see us in a situation where residents were needlessly crossing state lines in either direction,” Murphy said Wednesday. “Now, to be clear, we cannot have everyone rush out to a park or a golf course. Social distancing will be strongly enforced. We expect golf course personnel to enforce this requirement. All parks, state county or municipal, will have parking capped at 50 percent of capacity.”
Murphy said he strongly suggests people wear a face covering, but that it is not mandated by the executive order.
“We will be looking very closely this weekend as to how people adhere to social distancing,’’ he said.