Amid the growing Coronavirus threat, golf has shown it can provide an escape. Here’s a rundown of efforts and protocols to keep golf courses open and provide a safe environment for customers and employees.

With more golf courses throughout the U.S. than Starbucks stores and an appeal that that spans generations, the game has shown it can offer valuable physical and mental respite during the coronavirus pandemic with safe operation and proper protocols. That said, the situation is changing continually, and often rapidly.

Del Ratcliffe fully appreciates the benefits of a Par 3 golf course. He grew up playing one his father built in 1960 on a farm about 10 to 15 miles outside of downtown Charlotte. Today, Ratcliffe owns or operates five facilities in the Charlotte area – four of which feature a Par 3 layout of some fashion.

Rounds of golf for January rose 11.1% nationally compared to a year ago, a strong start for 2020 attributable in part to warmer weather around the country.

Topgolf CEO Dolf Berle discusses the company’s new one-floor venue concept that will debut in Augusta during Masters week, including what prompted the approach and how it will impact engagement in the golf industry.