NE Valley Times

In Arizona, golf courses are considered an essential business while other states have deemed them non-essential. 

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic revenues originally plummeted, but revenues are flattening out in April as residents are looking for safe ways to exit their homes and participate in recreational activities.

On March 11, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey declared a state of emergency. Since then Ducey has issued several more executive orders, some stating which businesses are deemed essential and can, therefore, keep their doors open. Although first received with criticism from Arizona mayors, the decision to make golf courses an essential business is sure to help the Arizona economy during these unprecedented times.

Golf courses are key contributors to the Arizona economy, especially during the high season (Easter through summer). According to a study by the University of Arizona, the golf industry contributed $3.9 billion in sales to the Arizona economy in 2014.

Some local courses have voluntarily closed their doors. Some golf resorts, such as the Gold Canyon Resort, have decided to close their hotels, but keep the golf course open. According to David Bataller, a spokesman for the Arizona Golf Association, the decision to stay open or close is being made on a case-by-case basis. 

"The messaging has shifted from 'Hey, come play golf!' to, 'If you do decide to come play golf, we’re ready for you,'" Bataller said. "But people need to do the right thing themselves.”