Golfing still open in Ritzville, Harrington

RITZVILLE - Despite the state shutting down recreation venues, golf courses remain open here and in Harrington.

The Ritzville Municipal Golf Course, 104 E. 10th Ave., is open, weather permitting.

"The clubhouse is closed and we're just relying on the honor system for payment, as there won't be any face-to-face interactions," manager Dan Duff said. "If people aren't complying with the 6-foot social distancing, we will have to shut it down."

Some area residents are taking advantage of the opportunity to spend time as a family on the course.

"This is a great way to do social distancing," Kayla Meise said.

"We got the tunes going and the kids in the cart and we get to golf all day," David Meise added.

The couple hit the course March 21 with children Eli Meise, 8, and Avery and Reggie, 6-year-old twins.

At Harrington Golf and Country Club, officials also noted social distancing is the key to staying open.

"We're going to be open as long as we are allowed to be," manager Melissa Gilmore said. "When you are on the golf course, you aren't within 6 feet of one another, unless you ride on the cart."

Golf carts are not available for use.

"We have the walking cart available," she said of the course at 700 S. Second St., Harrington.