Golf courses will be set to open May 15, city says

The City of Regina says golf courses will be ready to open for the season on May 15, as part of the Reopen Saskatchewan plan.

“In collaboration with Western Golf Management, an independent firm that manages the courses, the City is ensuring that appropriate safety measures and cleaning protocols are in place as outlined in the Re- Open Saskatchewan plan,” said the city in a Thursday news release.

Regina has four city-owned courses that offer low-cost golfing: Tor Hill, Murray, Joanne Goulet and the Lakeview Par 3.

For the health and safety of visitors and employees, the following measures will be in effect at all courses:

All tee times must be booked in advance at www.lakelandgolfmanagement.com and no walk-on players will be permitted

Locker rooms will be closed. Players may change footwear in the parking lot

Only one person at a time will be permitted in the clubhouse washrooms

Driving ranges and putting greens remain closed

Only one person per cart unless golfing with members of the same household

Food and beverage services is suspended, except for curbside pickup or delivery

Washroom facilities on the course will be closed

To help contain the spread of COVID -19, other physical distancing and public health orders must be observed.

Tee time booking starts on May 10 and can be made up to five days in advance. Tee times will be spaced 20 minutes apart in accordance with provincial guidelines. Fees for full season passes will be pro-rated to adjust for the later start of the season.

The Government of Saskatchewan announced its five-phase Re-open plan on April 23. It included the opening of golf courses in the first phase with restrictions that range from golfers following self-distancing protocols at all times to flags remaining in place to rakes and ball-washers being removed. Cups are to be elevated so play is concluded once the ball makes contact with the cup.

Although there is an allowable limit of one person per cart unless both golfers reside in the same household, walking is encouraged.