Golf courses throughout the state may be forced to close this week, based on a statement by Gov. Greg Abbott in a conference call with local government officials Tuesday.

Abbott told the officials that golf courses are not essential businesses, which means they are not allowed to remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

That would be in line with Denton County Judge Andy Eads’ order that all courses in the county close until further notice.

In a letter posted on Facebook and Twitter, Eads addressed the confusion of residents, particularly those who live along the county lines. As of Wednesday, Dallas County, Tarrant County and Collin County allowed golf courses to operate as long as they followed CDC guidelines. The executive order by Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins referred to golf as an “essential activity.”

Citing Abbott’s April 2 executive order, Eads pointed out that “Nowhere in that document are Golf Courses listed as an Essential Business or service.”

Abbott’s order says, “This executive order does not prohibit people from visiting a variety of places, including grocery stores, gas stations, parks, and banks. ...”

“Please know that we are working hard for ALL citizens in Denton County to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” Eads said in his letter. “We ask you to adhere to the current orders the County and State of Texas have in place, be patient, and we will reach out as soon as possible if there are any modifications on this issue as it relates to golf being an Essential Business. The science community agrees, our current efforts to stay at home other than for essential services will provide us with a better outcome for the health of our community and the health of our economy.”

According to a National Golf Foundation survey, 44% of the courses in the United States remain open. The foundation reported that 82% of the courses in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas remain open.

NTPGA names captains: The Northern Texas PGA announced Perry Arthur will captain the NTPGA team for the Texas Joe Black Cup Matches against the Southern Texas PGA team on Nov. 9-10 at Trinity Forest Golf Club.

Also, the NTPGA announced the Tangle Ridge duo of director of golf Mark Viskozki and assistant pro Thomas Devanna will serve as co-captains for the Levy Cup Matches. The teams for those matches with the STPGA consist of six NTPGA assistant pros and six NTPGA senior members. The matches are set for Nov. 2-3 at Pine Forest CC in Houston.

Find more of The Dallas Morning News’ coverage of the coronavirus here.