Update as of 11:45am on Sunday, November 22
Member Protocols
Dear Member,
I hope this email finds you well and healthy. We are off to a wonderful start to the season even with the current restrictions. However, as you well know, the virus is now spreading at an exponential rate in California as well as all over the country. Given that, it may come as no surprise that a couple of members, as well as staff, have tested positive to the virus. The Club has implemented strict policies per the Cal/OSHA and CDC work place guidelines for the staff and are adhering to those protocols.
Since we have received some questions as it relates to what happens when a member tests positive, below please find protocols for the membership:
CONTRACTING COVID-19:
- If you unfortunately contract COVID-19, please immediately notify any member or guest with whom you may have been in close contact.
- Quarantine at home for at least 14 days from when symptoms first appeared or from positive test date. Additionally, you should be symptom free for at least 3 days prior to returning back to Club.
- Please contact Bruce Zahn, General Manager/COO, to let him know the date of your first symptoms or positive test. Also please let him know if you may have been in close contact to any staff member.
IF YOU ARE EXPOSED TO SOMEONE WHO TESTS POSITIVE:
- If you have been in close contact to this individual, we suggest you get tested.
- You may also choose to self-monitor symptoms and self-quarantine for 14 days prior to returning to Club.
TRAVEL ADVISORY:
A travel advisory has been issued for the State of California requiring all individuals to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival (including returning residents).
SELF-SCREENING:
Please do not come to Club if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Temperature of 100.4F/38C or higher
- Frequent cough or sore throat
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Muscle or body aches, headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
MASKS:
Masks must be worn at all times in and around the Clubhouse - no exceptions. Masks may be removed only while seated at your dining table. It is not necessary to wear a mask while on the driving range, practice putting green or while playing golf unless you are unable to maintain at least 6 feet of social distance.
SOCIAL DISTANCING:
Please adhere to social distancing guidelines with other members, guests and staff.
FREQUENT HAND SANITATION:
We all know the importance of this health measure and thus there are numerous hand sanitizers located throughout the Club.
These certainly are challenging times. However, I continue to be confident that as long as we all do our part to ensure the safety of each other, as well as staff, we can have a very enjoyable and succession season.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. As always, if you have any questions or if there are issues you would like to discuss, please feel free to contact me (213-400-0696 or dickkrell@mac.com).
Thank you,
Richard Krell
Club President
La Quinta Country Club
Update as of 9:00am on Friday, November 20
Limited Stay at Home Order
Dear Member,
Last night, Govenor Gavin Newsom announced a mandatory overnight stay-at-home order that will be instituted throughout most of California to combat a surge in new Coronavirus cases.
The order issued by the California Department of Public Health will prohibit most non-essential activity outside the home from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. in counties in the strictest tier of the state’s re-opening road map - the purple tier. As you are aware, Riverside County is currently in the purple tier.
The restriction goes into place on Saturday and lasts through December 21, though it could be extended.
Click here to read the order.
Thank you,
Bruce Zahn
General Manager / COO
La Quinta Country Club
Update as of 5:00pm on Thursday, November 19
California Travel Advisory & Face Covering Update
Dear Member,
I hope this email finds you well. We have had a good opening week and it has been nice to see many Members on site. Unfortunately, just like in all other parts of the country, COVID-19 cases continue to increase at an alarming rate. With that, this week California issued a travel advisory for non-essential travel.
The advisory states:
1. Persons arriving in California from other states and countries should practice self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival.
2. Californians are encouraged to stay home and avoid all non-essential travel.
Additionally, there has been an update for the use of face coverings. Face coverings are required when outside of your home, unless one of the exemptions below applies:
• Persons in a car alone or solely with members of their own household.
• Persons who are working in an office or in a room alone.
• Persons who are actively eating or drinking provided that they are able to maintain a distance of at least six feet away from persons who are not members of the same household or residence.
• Persons who are outdoors and maintaining at least 6 feet of social distancing from others not in their household. Such persons must have a face covering with them at all times and must put it on if they are within 6 feet of others who are not in their household.
• Persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service.
• Workers who are required to wear respiratory protection.
• Persons who are specifically exempted from wearing face coverings by other CDPH guidance.
We will continue to update you as more information becomes available.
Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!
Bruce Zahn
General Manager / COO
La Quinta Country Club
Update as of 5:00pm on Tuesday, October 27
Returning back to LQCC: What to Expect
Dear Fellow Members,
What a year 2020 has been. When COVID-19 hit the nation, and our club in March, we had no idea of the significant impact it would have on all of us. While there is encouraging news on the horizon regarding vaccines and therapeutics, we still have to recognize that the pandemic is not over. Thus, as you prepare to return to LQCC, either at the beginning of our season or early next calendar year, the Board and Management team feel it is important for you to know what to expect and the precautions and protocols that will be in effect; at least for the near future. Rest assure that the safety of members, staff, guests and vendors has governed all of our decisions regarding the operation of the Club and will continue for the entire season.
California has instituted a four-tier, color-coded classification system that will determine how counties in the state can move forward with re-opening businesses. Without getting too granular, how a county is categorized depends on the number of new daily coronavirus cases and the testing positivity rate, or the proportion of those tested who test positive for the virus. Click here to view the detailed “Blueprint For A Safer Economy”.
Additionally, on October 9, the state issued the following mandate: Gatherings that include more than 3 households are prohibited. Click here to view.
Last week, Riverside County moved back into Tier 1 (Purple) from Tier 2 (Red) where we had been for the past month or so.
GUEST POLICY:
Guests will be permitted in and around the Club, with the exception of personal care services and the fitness center (explained below).
FOOD & BEVERAGE (Dining, Take Out & Groceries):
Inside dining is prohibited in Tier 1 but is permitted outdoors. Thus we will have food and beverage service on both the Upper and Lower Terraces and the Pavilion. Lunch is available daily on the greatly expanded patio at the Tee House. Plated dinners will be served on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evenings. Chef Bradd will continue the practice of offering special takeout dinners, known as our Curbside Cuisine, on Monday and Tuesday evenings along with the Pub menu. You can also order groceries from the club.
When we move back into Tier 2, inside dining will be permitted indoors but will be limited to 25% capacity of the specific dining room. Given the limited capacities (in all tiers), the Lounge this season will be utilized for dining purposes and cocktails will be available at your table. Additionally, given the limited capacities, reservations will be required this season for all dining (breakfast, lunch, ala carte dinner, pub night) to ensure availability.
GOLF:
Golf will be permitted with the existing protocols in place, including: no rakes in the bunkers, flags will remain in the hole, no ball washers, etc. We will continue to have all member-related golf activities, such as Ladies Play Days, the Niners events, the weekly Couples Cup competition, the Q-Cup, Club Championships, member-member events, the organized members’ golf groups as in the past seasons, the Fiesta Alegre, the Roadrunner and more. Shotgun starts will be limited and only utilized as necessary. Daily golf will be operated with sequential tee times.
Carts must remain on the cart paths (no exceptions) until Sunday, November 22. Per state guidelines, single rider carts are permitted - unless players are from same household. If two unrelated individuals consent to riding in a cart together, this will be permitted. The Club’s fleet carts have a plastic divider installed allowing for two players to ride in one cart. If any member wishes to have one of these dividers in his/her cart, dividers can be purchased in the golf shop.
FITNESS CENTER:
The Fitness Center is closed with the Tier 1 restrictions. However, socially distanced morning exercise classes will be held Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the Pavilion. Guests will not be permitted in the exercise classes due to space limitations. We ask that each participant bring his/her own mat, towel and water bottle to the class. While masks will not be required in this “outside” area, please feel free to cover your face if desired.
When we move into Tier 2, county regulations limit participation in the fitness center to 10% of capacity, which means that only 4 people will be allowed in the center at one time. Because of this strict limitation, guests will not be permitted in the Fitness Center. Anyone planning on using the Fitness Center will need to sign up for an appointment with a specific time slot. Sign ups for the 50-minute exercise periods will be made on sign up sheets outside (on golf course side) the Fitness Center. All exercise times will begin on the hour, with the final 10 minutes reserved for the maintenance team to come in and properly clean for the next appointments. Participants will be asked to wipe down his/her equipment after its use.
PERSONAL CARE SERVICES:
Under the current regulations, personal care services (hair, nail, facials and massage services) are available by appointment for members only, no guests.
WHAT WE ASK OF YOU (Members, Families & Guests)
SELF-SCREENING:
please do not come to Club if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Temperature of 100.4°F/38°C or higher
- Frequent cough or sore throat
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Muscle or body aches, headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
MASKS:
Must be worn at all times in and around the Clubhouse - no exceptions. Masks may be removed only while seated at your dining table. It is not necessary to wear a mask while on the driving range, practice putting green or while playing golf.
SOCIAL DISTANCING:
please adhere to social distancing guidelines with other members, guests and staff.
FREQUENT HAND SANITATION:
with soap and water or using hand sanitizer located throughout the Club.
CONTRACTING COVID-19:
If you unfortunately contract COVID-19, please contact Bruce Zahn, General Manager/COO, immediately for the safety of anyone who many have been exposed.
I know some of the restrictions and protocols in place may seem onerous and perhaps excessive, but they are necessary in order that we are not in violation of the State or County regulations. If not followed by all, we run a real risk of authorities closing down all activities at the club, including golf, as happened back in March.
We look forward to the upcoming season, even with restrictions in place, and to renewing old friendships and to welcoming the 21 new members who have recently joined the club since March.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Team at LQCC,
Richard Krell, President
La Quinta Country Club
Update as of 3:30pm on Tuesday, October 20
Moving back to Tier 1 (via text message)
Riverside County reverted back to the most restrictive operating tier (purple). Starting tomorrow, the fitness center and indoor dining are no longer permitted. Personal care services (hair, nail, massage, facials) will remain open with modifications.
Update as of 4:00pm on Tuesday, September 22
Moving to Tier 2 (via text message)
The mandate has changed for Riverside County. Starting tomorrow the various services are now allowed: indoor dining in the Lounge (25% occupancy), fitness center (10% occupancy or 4 people max), nail salon.
Update as of 4:00pm on Monday, July 13
Closure Update (via text message)
Effective Immediately! Due to the state mandate, the fitness center, nail, and massage are now closed until further notice. The hair salon is now open again.
Food will continue to be available on the terrace as well as the food "to go" option. Hours of operation will remain the same: Wednesday - Saturday, 11am-3pm.
Update as of 4:00pm on Wednesday, July 1
Dining Update (via text message)
Effective Immediately! Due to the state mandate, indoor dining is no longer permitted (approximately 3 weeks). Food will continue to be available on the terrace as well as the food "to go" option.
Hours of operation will remain the same: Wednesday - Saturday, 11am-3pm. Updated menus for both food to go and grocery items are now available under the "menu" tab on our website.
Update as of 1:00pm on Thursday, June 18
COVID-19 Update
Dear Member,
Governor Newsom has just issued (1:00 P.M. Thursday, June 18) a statewide order requiring all people in California to wear face coverings under certain conditions.
Taken directly from the Governor’s order are the “high-risk” situations in which everyone must wear face coverings:
- Inside of, or in line to enter, any indoor public space.
- Obtaining services from the healthcare sector in settings including, but not limited to, a hospital, pharmacy, medical clinic, laboratory, physician or dental office, veterinary clinic, or blood bank.
- Waiting for or riding on public transportation or paratransit or while in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle.
- Engaged in work, whether at the workplace or performing work off-site, when:
- Interacting in-person with any member of the public.
- Working in any space visited by members of the public, regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time.
- Working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others.
- Working in or walking through common areas, such as hallways, stairways, elevators, and parking facilities.
- In any room or enclosed area where other people (except for members of the person’s own household or residence) are present when unable to physically distance.
- Driving or operating any public transportation or paratransit vehicle, taxi, or private car service or ride-sharing vehicle when passengers are present. When no passengers are present, face coverings are strongly recommended.
- While outdoors in public spaces when maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible.
The full order contains information about definitions and exceptions. To read the order click HERE.
Thank you and stay safe & healthy,
Bruce Zahn
General Manager / COO
La Quinta Country Club
Update as of 3:00pm on Wednesday, June 10
Fitness Center Re-Opening
Dear Member,
I am happy to announce that the Club’s Fitness Center will re-open this Friday, June 12! The summer hours of operation for the Fitness Center are 6:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. daily.
In order to re-open, the following guidelines are required:
- Face masks are required in and around Clubhouse. You do not have to wear mask when working out.
- Fitness center will be limited to 12 people maximum at any given time and will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
- Please wipe down equipment before and after each use along with any surfaces touched.
- Please adhere to social distance guidelines and refrain from gathering.
- Cardio equipment has been designated as available or not available in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
- Please bring your own water bottle and work out towel.
- PLEASE DO NOT ENTER ANY FACILITY IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY INFECTED WITH OR, WITHIN THE LAST 14 DAYS HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH SOMEONE INFECTED WITH COVID-19, OR HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS SUCH AS FEVER, COUGH OR DIFFICULTY BREATHING.
Thank you and stay safe & healthy!
Bruce Zahn
General Manager / COO
La Quinta Country Club
Update as of 5:00pm on Tuesday, May 27
We are Open!
Dear Member:
More good news to report as the State and County move into Phase 3 to reopen business activities. With that, beginning tomorrow, we are opening the following services:
Golf Pro Shop
a. Hours of operation are 6:30AM – Noon daily.
b. No more than 8 people, including staff, are permitted at one time. As a reminder, all apparel is 50% off right now.
c. Face coverings are required.
d. Please observe social distance guidelines.
e. Online tee times are still required as are all other current golf protocols.
In-House Dining Lunch & Drinks Service
Upstairs Lounge & Terrace
a. Hours of operation are 11:00AM – 3:00PM for drinks.
b. Lunch service is available from Noon – 3:00PM.
c. The Club is open Wednesday through Sunday, CLOSED Monday and Tuesday.
d. Face coverings are required in and around Clubhouse and may be removed when seated.
e. Reservations are requested and may be made by emailing receptionist@lqcc.org or clicking HERE.
f. No more than 4 people, unless seated with immediate family, per table.
g. Please observe social distance guidelines.
Hair Salon
a. Please contact Norma (760) 702-7825 or Leticia (760) 895-3603 to book your appointment.
b. No more than 2 people, including staff, in the salon are permitted at one time.
c. Face coverings are required for both the patron as well as the stylist.
d. Please observe social distance guidelines.
Club’s “Take Out & Grocery" Service
a. Hours of operation remain 12:30PM to 7:00PM Wednesday through Sunday.
b. Please note the Club is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
c. Daily specials are texted by 11:30AM.
d. Face coverings are required in and around Clubhouse for pick up.
e. Please observe social distance guidelines.
We will continue to update you with any new information and re-opening guidelines as they become available.
Thank you and stay safe & healthy!
Bruce Zahn
General Manager / COO
Update as of 5:30pm on Thursday, May 14
COVID-19 Update
Dear Member:
Good news! The Riverside Board of Supervisors approved the County of Riverside Readiness and Reopening Framework. This plan is being submitted to the State to acknowledge that the County is ready to accelerate through the Governor’s Stage 2, with special consideration for specific industries the county determines ready to reopen, in accordance with the criteria identified in the plan. The county is requesting regional variance in the Governor’s Accelerated Stage 2 to apply to religious services, personal care and grooming services, hospitality services and wineries. We will monitor to see if the State accepts the plan in order to determine what the Club can re-open which would include in-house dining and possibly the hair salon.
Please click HERE to view the full report.
Also, the City of La Quinta has issued an amended Executive Order which continues the safe distancing practices for golf use but now permits the opening of driving ranges and practice facilities with social distance guidelines. Also, professional teaching may resume. We have added a couple more hitting stations on the range along with the yellow practice balls in the short game areas.
Please click HERE to read Amended Executive Order.
The Club’s “Take Out & Grocery Service” continues to be a popular choice for those still here, thus we will continue to operate Wednesday through Sunday from 12:30PM to 7:00PM. The Club is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Daily specials are texted at noon.
We will continue to update you with any new information and re-opening guidelines as they become available.
Thank you and stay safe & healthy!
Bruce Zahn
General Manager / COO
La Quinta Country Club
Update as of 10:45am on Monday, May 4
Clubhouse Reopening & County Update
Dear Member,
I am pleased to announce that no other employee has tested positive for COVID-19, thus we are reopening the Clubhouse with our Take Out and Grocery Service this Wednesday, May 4.
New hours of operation will be Wednesday through Sunday from 12:30pm - 7:00pm. The Clubhouse will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Additionally, the County of Riverside is meeting tomorrow to rescind previously approved public health orders in order to address re-opening guidelines for the county. Click HERE to read agenda. I am not clear what effect this may have on our current operation, however I will update everyone once more information becomes available.
We certainly wish all members and staff will remain healthy and safe.
Respectfully,
Bruce Zahn
General Manager / COO
La Quinta Country Club
Update as of 12:30pm on Tuesday, April 28
Clubhouse Closure
Dear Member,
Oh how I look forward to passing along good news to the membership but, unfortunately, that is not the purpose of this message. Yesterday one of our four clubhouse maintenance staff tested positive for COVID-19. Late last week he had a mild cough and recognizing that a cough is one of the symptoms associated with the virus, he went to get tested. The results came back yesterday indicating that he had tested positive for the virus. He is resting comfortably at home and the last word we have from him is that he does not have any other symptoms and is doing well.
While this is certainly not what anyone wanted to hear, rest assured that we have thought through the protocol to follow should someone on staff become infected with the virus. Everyone still working in the clubhouse will be tested today or tomorrow or will need to self-quarantine at home for 14 days. We should have all the test results back by Friday.
In an abundance of caution, we will have to shut down the clubhouse immediately through at least Friday, May 1st. Thus, there will be no food service or grocery pick up today. Hopefully, this will be but a brief hiatus and we will be back to our limited business as soon as possible.
However, if any additional employees test positive for COVID-19, we will have to shut down the clubhouse for two weeks. Obviously if this occurs, take-out meals and grocery service will not be available.
The course will remain open for play under the same conditions as have been in place for the past several days.
We certainly wish our employee a very rapid recovery and hope that the rest of the staff and all members will remain healthy and safe.
I will update you as soon as more information becomes available.
Continue to stay safe and healthy,
Richard Krell
President
La Quinta Country Club
Update as of 6:45pm on Monday, April 20
Golf Course Re-opening
Dear Member,
Finally, some good news - effective immediately all golf courses in Riverside County are open for play! Yes, that means LQCC will open for golf tomorrow, April 21 in a restricted fashion, most of which we saw when we had to abruptly stop all play on March 23rd.
The County restrictions include:
• All golfers shall follow social distancing practices at all times.
• No more than four persons in a group.
• No bunker rakes or ball washers will be on the course.
• Flags must not be removed.
• Only single riders in a cart except for family members.
• Fleet carts will be available in front of the Golf Shop. Please return the cart to the cart barn and drop key in slot when finished.
• Face covering must be worn at all times (this is a new restriction).
• No guests except family members.
• Driving range and putting green open for “warm-up” only, no lingering or practicing.
• Short game and chipping areas remain closed.
• The Pro Shop and Cart Barn will remain closed.
Tee times must be made online HERE (through the Members Only site) and will be spaced to ensure there is adequate separation between groups. If the tee sheet does not come online this evening, Chris will take times on a first come, first serve basis in the morning at the first tee. If you need help logging into the Members Only section, email Tana by clicking HERE.
The Executive Order was issued jointly by the Riverside County Health Officer and the Director of Emergency Services and is very specific and is written in a forceful manner. It states that “violation of this Order is subject to fine, imprisonment or both” and that “the Health Officer requests that the Sheriff and all Chiefs of Police in the County ensure compliance with and enforcement of this Order.” Whether that is actually done remains to be seen but remember that the County has made an app available for individuals to take pictures of offenders and forward those to the County. Sounds a bit like Big Brother in George Orwell’s 1984.
Given the reopening of golf, the Club’s Rules and Regulations will be in place including access to the course. Walking on the course is available to members only until 8:00am and after that time cart path access will be limited to going to the Clubhouse to pick up meals or groceries. No random joy riding, biking, walking, or dog walking will be allowed. Individuals who are not members of LQCC will not have the right to be on the course, as we have allowed during the closure because of the COVID-19 virus. We will have staff drive the course monitoring access and compliance. I imagine we will have compliance issues as we make the transition to golf again but those issues should diminish over a few days.
Last week Tim started the annual transition process from Rye grass to Bermuda grass since we believed the course would remain closed until mid-June, as per the previous Executive Order. Thus, you may find that the fairways and roughs have been “punched,” small areas on several holes have been scalped and the greens and green surrounds may turn brown earlier than usual since they have been sprayed. It’s all part of the annual process, just that it began earlier this year.
It’s wonderful to have access to our course once again and I encourage all members to comply with this new mandate in order that we will continue to have this limited access to our golf course until all restrictions are finally lifted.
• Click HERE to read Amended Golf Order
• Click HERE to read NGCOA Park & Play Guidelines
On behalf of your Board of Directors, I thank you and our terrific staff for your past cooperation and resolve during the past five weeks. We are not yet in the clear from COVID-19 so please help us all to “flatten the curve.” It seems to be working!
Continue to stay safe and healthy,
Richard Krell
President
La Quinta Country Club
Update as of 8:00pm on Thursday, April 2
Riverside County Executive Order
Dear Member,