Coronavirus shelter-in-place: San Francisco's Presidio Golf Course re-opening to golfers

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- On a sunny Friday, the bunkers at San Francisco's Presidio Golf course could have been mistaken for the world's largest sandbox. From the fairways to the greens, the course was jammed with families, and not a golf ball in sight. Just plenty of beach towels, frisbees and even the occasional kite.

"It's kind of surreal being out here in the middle of the fairway, and you've got people playing soccer and frisbee and having picnics and all that, but I don't know, I think it's beautiful," said one dad.

RELATED: Bay Area shelter-in-place: County health officers answer 5 confusing questions

The Presidio has maintained a much appreciated good neighbor policy, and worked to maintain a safe and fun environment for cooped up families.

But in a few days, being safe will mean honoring the rules and staying off the course itself.

"Unfortunately, walkers and flying golf balls don't mix too well, advises PGA Managing Director Don Chelemedos.

RELATED: Gov. Gavin Newsom says California may be 'days, not weeks' from further reopening

He says the course will be returning to its mission of providing recreation, golf being one of the few sports that is able to control social distancing.

"We're taking reservations and payment over the phone," explains Chelemedos. "The clubhouse will still be locked down, so nobody will be allowed in the golf shop. People will come out after they've already paid, they'll check in with the starter, the starter will get em off the first tee."

He says crews hit the turf a little after 4:30 a.m. Mowing lawns, smoothing greens and getting the course back in playing shape.

The green fees golfers pay will also contribute a welcome boost to the budget, which includes maintenance and upkeep.

RELATED: California shelter-in-place: State issues weirdly specific list of allowed outdoor activities

Parents like Bridget Cannata-Denning are grateful for being allowed to play through as it were, these past few weeks.

"I know my husband probably does not like it because he'd rather be here golfing. But it's just great getting out with the kids, you know we're cooped up all week and these sand traps have been great for the kids," she says laughingly.

While the golf course will be limited to golfers, managers want families to know they're still welcome to use the miles of trails and other open space areas all around the Presidio.

If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.

Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:

• Live updates about coronavirus outbreak in US, around the world
• Coronavirus data: See how the curve of COVID-19 cases is bending in each Bay Area county
• Everything you need to know about the Bay Area's shelter-in-place order
• Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic
• Stimulus calculator: How much money should you expect from coronavirus relief bill
• WATCH: ABC7's interactive town hall 'Race and Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation'
• What Bay Area tenants need to know about rent payments, eviction amid COVID-19 outbreak
• Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
• Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area
• Coronavirus and the new normal of living in the San Francisco-Bay Area -- COVID-19 Diaries
• Happy hour goes virtual as people try to be sociable while social distancing during COVID-19 crisis
• Coronavirus Outbreak: Here's why you should practice 'social distancing'
• DRONEVIEW7: What the Bay Area looks like during the coronavirus shelter-in-place
• ABC7's drive around San Francisco shows empty streets, businesses shuttered
• Symptoms, prevention, and how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in the US
• List of stores, companies closing due to coronavirus pandemic
• Canceled late fees, free services available amid COVID-19 crisis
• Here's how you can help during COVID-19 pandemic
• How to maintain learning during school closures
• No masks but here are 100+ products that may help protect you against novel coronavirus germs
• Here's a look at some of history's worst pandemics that have killed millions
• Asian community fighting racism, xenophobia, bigotry as world fights COVID-19