GAME ON: Golf in the time of COVID-19
IBy Andrew Livingstone n the provincial government’s Re-open Saskatchewan plan, golf was amongst the first recreational activities to resume in the wake of the Coronavirus—just in time for some beautiful spring weather. Golf clubs and players are observing a few restrictions to prevent any new outbreaks, but, with some adjustments, playing the game can be as enjoyable and enriching as ever. The restrictions that have been implemented are the result of a dialogue between the Government of Saskatchewan and the National Allied Golf Association’s Saskatchewan branch, which considered the government’s initial proposals and recommended changes based on the expertise of its member organizations. “Our industry thanks the Government of Saskatchewan for working with us,” said Brian Lee, executive director of Golf Saskatchewan. “We’re happy that golf can be included in this, that it’s safe to play, and we hope everyone can do their part to help flatten the curve.” As a physical distancing measure, the time between groups of players setting out on the course has increased to 12 minutes, and Lee is pleased that the allied group was able to negotiate for that interval. “Prior to May 8, it was 20-minute tee time intervals, and, on May 8, it was updated, and that 20-minute increment tee time period was reduced to 12 minutes,” said Lee. Before the outbreak, courses operated at sevento ten-minute intervals. “So, 12 is not that far out of the norm for most operations.” When those groups do set out, they can expect courses to rigorously enforce a maximum of four players per group. As players reach the green, they may notice that the hole is no longer a hole at all. Because the flag stick and the hole are common points of contact between players, they may easily become contaminated, so courses have taken pains to either modify or eliminate them. Some “holes” have become raised cups that the ball must hit; some have been made shallower, allowing the ball to be retrieved without touching the edges; and others may have more elaborate devices to bring the ball out of the hole without requiring hands-on contact. “It will vary by facility as to how they do it,” said Lee. “That’s kind of neat, and that is a change, because, in the former draft, it was that all holes had to be raised above the surface.” Concerns regarding physical distancing and common points of contact have affected the facilities that players have come to enjoy around the course. “Obviously, social distancing and safety of staff, and patrons, and those who are at the golf course is first and foremost,” said Lee. “There are restrictions to people in the clubhouse—so washrooms, for instance, are available only in the clubhouse or the clubhouse area.” Unfortunately, tournaments and leagues have been eliminated for the foreseeable future. “What they would call a ‘shotgun start’ or a ‘mass start’—that can’t operate,” said Lee. “Group lessons and tournaments are prohibited, but league play and one-on-one lessons may occur if all the other criteria that are laid out in the Reopen are adhered to. “What we’re trying to make sure is that those who are coming to the game understand that this is for recreational activity at the moment, so really big organized tournaments and fundraisers for charity, that’s not what this start is at the beginning of the golf season,” said Lee. “Traditionally, what we’ve had is big fundraisers or charity-run tournaments, but that might come at some later point in the summer, or it may not happen at all in 2020.” Although these restrictions have limited the culture around golf, Lee said that the sport retains its recreational value. “We want people to be safe, get a chance to escape by going out and playing a round, supporting your local golf course and facility, have a great time … and just get out there and enjoy the facility and the fresh air, because it’s great for your mental and your physical health. We just hope people adhere to the rules and make sure that golf stays open.”