Des Moines residents turn to golf as COVID escape

Des Moines' three golf courses experienced a significant surge in business in 2020, a financial report sent to the city council last week shows.

The reason is no surprise: It’s an activity where social distancing comes naturally, Parks and Rec director Ben Page said in a memo to the DSM City Council.

The big picture: DSM’s increase in rounds played — 31% — was more than double the national figure (14%), according to The National Golf Foundation.

This story first appeared in the Axios Des Moines newsletter, designed to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news unfolding in their own backyard.

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