Coronavirus: Westchester To Close County Golf Courses

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Westchester County will be closing its golf courses after weeks of saying they will remain open as a recreation alternative. County Executive George Latimer said the county made the decision to close its public courses effective Saturday morning.

The county's announcement came after Empire State Development updated its definition of essential businesses Thursday morning to exclude golf courses, under Gov. Andrew Cuomo's PAUSE order.

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Private, as well as public golf courses, are no longer considered essential services, according to the state.

Marinas and boat launches for recreational vessels are no longer deemed essential and will have to close as well.

"When the state opens the courses, then the county will open them," Latimer said.

Golf courses had put restrictions in place in order to maintain social distancing, including only allowing one person per golf cart.

During his daily coronavirus updates, Latimer defended keeping golf courses open as a means for recreation akin to hiking trails, as long as social distancing was maintained.

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