Two of the South Coast’s most popular golf courses aren’t open yet, despite Gov. Gavin Newsom allowing golf courses to do business more than a month ago amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Montecito Club alerted its members on Wednesday that its closure would continue.
“Our objective is to be thoughtfully cautious and to get the members back in the club to a safe and healthy environment as soon as possible,” a letter to members states. “With the recent surges in local COVID-19 cases, we have made the decision to keep the club closed with an anticipated reopening date in fall.”
The statement says the club, at 920 Summit Road, is working to prevent COVID-19 cases.
“We are anxious to get our membership back into the club to enjoy all the incredible amenities, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon,” according to the statement. “Our team at the club is continuing to work on all safety guidelines and newly required protocols to have firmly in place and learning how to manage these new procedures to support that the occurrence of a positive case does not occur from our members or employees, which could have dire consequences long term.”
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department announced 81 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday. Of those, 14 were in Santa Barbara, 41 were in Santa Maria, four were in Isla Vista, and one each in Goleta and Montecito, Carpinteria or Summerland. The county doesn’t distinguish cases in those three areas. For a full breakdown of cases reported on Friday, click here.
Owner Ty Warner has again waived all recurring charges until the reopening of the club, which includes membership dues, all member lockers, bag storage and wine locker fees.
Sandpiper Golf Club in Goleta also remains closed. The company did not return Noozhawk calls or emails on Friday, but a statement on its website states, “Sandpiper Golf Club is temporarily closed until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding during this time.”
Golf courses were allowed to reopen May 24.
Also in Montecito, Lucky’s Steakhouse, 1279 Coast Village Road, announced Thursday that it would close temporarily because an unidentified employee tested positive for COVID-19. The entire staff is being tested.
“We are committed to adhering to the most stringent health and safety measures recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the local health authorities, and continue to implement the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness at the restaurant,” Lucky’s stated in a note.
The closure also affects Tre Lune, 1151 Coast Village Road, which, like Lucky’s, is owned by The Montesano Group. The restaurant has closed temporarily so that all employees can get tested.
— Noozhawk staff writer Joshua Molina can be reached at jmolina@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.