GStill swinging:


olf courses operating under new COVID-19 guidelines


RYAN MCCRACKEN


Getting into the swing of things is a little diff erent this season.


The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted plenty of changes on golf courses across the province — from a strict six-foot rule to guidelines designed to limit or eliminate contact points — so make sure you’re familiar with the new measures before pulling out that driver.


“It’ll be a little bit of a learning curve and a work in progress,” said Desert Blume Golf Course general manager Trevor Ellerman. “We won’t have rakes in the sand traps, they won’t be able to touch the fl ags. We’ll leave the fl ags in at all times and we’ve come up with a way to pull the ball out of the hole so there’s no touching of the fl ag. There won’t be any garbages on the golf course. The clubhouse won’t be open for sitting but we’ll have take-out available.”


Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club


general manager Cam Jacques says the goal is to cut down on contact points like rakes, steering wheels, garbages and more while maintaining at least six feet of distance between participants.


“We’re just trying to eliminate contact points, as many contact points as possible,” said Jacques. “There will be lots of signage on the golf course showing people the proper social distancing and all that kind of stuff that was talked about.”


Golfers must stay home if they are feeling ill, experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or live in the same household as someone experiencing symptoms. It is also strongly encouraged that participants book their tee times in advance to help ensure capacity control and limit interaction.


According to provincial guidelines, golfers should remain in their vehicles until 15 minutes prior to their tee time. Scorecards and pencils are available by request only,


which will eliminate potential spread through self-service.


Power cart rentals are restricted to one per person unless it is being shared by members of the same household, and all power and pull carts must be disinfected after each use.


The provincial guidelines also state that all rakes, ball-washing stands, water stations, coolers and sand containers must be removed, while benches must be removed or blocked off . All courses have also instituted a “pin stays in” rule that prohibits golfers from touching the fl ags.


The guidelines suggest courses assign a greeter or marshal to inform all golfers of the club’s COVID-19 measures. The province has also requested that courses frequently change HVAC system fi lters, regularly clean and disinfect any surfaces and equipment touched by patrons or workers and create a daily cleaning log.


2020 GOLF GUIDE | 3


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