Staff photo by Jeremy Behnke Top: Workers at the New Ulm Country Club took the golf carts out from storage after it was announced by Governor Tim Walz on Friday that golf courses across the state of Minnesota can re-open beginning on Saturday morning. Courses were closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NEW ULM — After weeks of being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Ulm Country Club will open Saturday for normal golf activity.

Governor Tim Walz announced on Friday that expanded outdoor recreation for the State of Minnesota. This includes the re-opening of golf courses along with allowing Minnesotans to take part in hiking, hunting, and boating activities that include fishing. The order begins at 5 a.m. on Saturday.

The issue calls for the continuation of practicing social distancing.

While the order allows for more outdoor opportunities, campgrounds, charter boats, guided fishing and the rental of recreational equipment businesses will remain closed.

The country club in New Ulm will resume normal business hours on Saturday.

The following rules will now apply for the New Ulm Country Club:

1. All golfers must practice 6-foot physical distancing at all times.

2. No group gatherings before or after rounds.

3. All tee times must be called in and all charges must be paid by credit card at the time of reservation.

4. Only one person will be allowed in a cart unless immediate family living together.

5. The hallway bathrooms in the clubhouse can be used. No one will be allowed into the bar-restaurant or pro shop area.

6. Beer and wine are available by calling the clubhouse. Two six-packs of beer or two bottles of wine.

7. Any alcoholic beverages consumed on New Ulm Country Club property must be purchased from the New Ulm Country Club.

8. Food is available by calling the clubhouse.

9. Golf equipment is available by calling the clubhouse with credit card payment.

10. No touching the flag stick.

11. Only one group at a time on any tee box.

12. To comply with social distancing measures we are encouraging you to walk rather than ride if possible.

13. The practice range is open and each person should be separated by a minimum of six feet.