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Golf guide: Hitting Idaho’s links during the coronavirus pandemic

Some area golf courses are closed, but others are open to the public with limited services. We have a full list of what to expect.

BOISE, Idaho — As temperatures climb into the upper 60s and low 70 this week, many golfers are getting back on the links.

Most of the courses in the area we contacted said they prefer online or over the phone reservations.

Some of them are renting carts - with most restricting them to one golfer per cart.

Several valley courses we talked to said they were packed this past weekend - a sure sign that people are getting restless with the stay-at-home order.

As for the four private clubs in the valley, all of them have closed their clubhouses and pro shops but have not closed their courses. But they have made modifications.

For example, they have inserted foam water noodles cut to one inch below the surface of the cups so golfers never touch a flag stick and easily retrieve their ball.

The rakes have been removed around the bunkers and golfers are instructed to maintain the mandatory 6-feet separation throughout the round.

Here's what's happening at courses in southwest Idaho:

Banbury -- The golf course is open 7 days a week. The restaurant is closed. There is food and beverages available at the snack back. The driving range is open.

Boise Ranch -- The course is open to the public. Tee times are available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Players should call ahead and pre-pay for tee times and carts. Only one rider per cart is allowed.

Centennial -- After a temporary closure, the city of Nampa has reopened the course to the public. The clubhouse and restaurant remain closed. There is no food or beverage service at this time. Carts are available for rent. One person limit unless from the same household.

Crane Creek CC -- The course is open for walking only. No golf carts. The clubhouse and the restaurant are closed. 

Eagle Hills -- The course is open. All tee times must be paid in advance. Clubhouse, driving range, restaurant and food service are closed. Beverage service is prepaid only. No power or push carts are available for rent. Pin sheets are available online and are holes changed weekly. No flag sticks.

Fairview -- Following the governor's revised stay-at-home order on April 15, the city of Caldwell announced that Fairview and Purple Sage golf courses will reopen beginning on Friday, April 17. Clubhouses will be open only for golf transactions and limited concession purchases. Cart rentals are limited to one persona with additional riders.

Hillcrest CC -- Clubhouse and pro shop are closed. The course remains open.

Indian Lakes -- Must pay with credit card in advance. Course is open, driving range, clubhouse and restaurant are closed.

Lakeview -- The course is open 7 days a week, the greens are being plugged so winter rates are in effect for the next two weeks. The bar and grill is open - to-go orders only.

Pierce Park Greens -- The course and driving range are open. Golfers are encouraged to practice social distancing and keep 6 feet away from each other.

Plantation CC -- The course is open. The clubhouse, pro shop and restaurant all closed. You can still get food and drinks. No bunker rakes and pool floaties in the all cups. 

Purple Sage -- Following the governor's revised stay-at-home order on April 15, the city of Caldwell announced that Fairview and Purple Sage golf courses will reopen beginning on Friday, April 17. Clubhouses will be open only for golf transactions and limited concession purchases. At Purple Sage, the back nine holes will be open Monday - Friday, and all 18 holes will be open on Saturdays and Sundays. Cart rentals are limited to one persona with additional riders.

Quail Hollow -- Temporarily closed.

RedHawk -- The course is open to the public. 

Ridgecrest -- The city of Nampa has reopened the course. The clubhouse is closed. Tee times must be made online or by phone (208-468-5888). Players must adhere to the “Social/Physical Distancing” guidelines and maintain at least six feet apart. Golf carts are available for rent with the condition of one person per cart unless living in the same household. Flags at each hole are required to stay in place.

River Birch -- The golf course in Star is open to the public. The clubhouse is closed. Credit card only. No cash. Carts are one person only. Food and beverages are still being sold through a window.

River Bend -- The course in Wilder is open. Only person per cart unless from the same household. No cash. Credit card payments only. No hot dog or sandwiches, but snacks and drinks are available. Tee times are filling up.

Scotch Pines -- The course in Payette is open. However, the clubhouse is closed to the public. There is a window open for golf payment and for people to get food and drinks via take-out. Carts are available for rental. 

Shadow Valley -- The course is open to the public with limited services. The clubhouse is closed. There is no food or beverage service. The driving range is open. Cart are limited to one person only. Players should call ahead and pay with a credit card.

Spurwing CC -- Open 6 days a week. Not open Monday. The pro shop is closed. Play is being limited and only one golfer per cart, unless using a private cart. The restaurant is serving to-go orders only.

Terrace Lakes Resort -- The front nine is open. The greens are being plugged. The back nine is closed. The motel and pool are closed. The restaurant is open for take-out only.  

Timberstone GC -- The course and driving range are open to the public. The clubhouse is closed. Golf carts and pull are available for rental.

Warm Springs -- The city of Boise will reopen the course at noon on Friday, March 20. Tee times must be booked in advance over the phone (208) 343-5661 with a credit card.

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