(submitted photo/Northern Meadows Golf Club Ltd.)

By Nicole Reis

LOCAL GOLF COURSES

New rules for golfers and golf-green owners

Apr 27, 2020 | 2:33 PM

The Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan allows golf courses to open on May 15 which means the spring pass-time has radically changed.

One local golf course owner said he’s still trying to decipher the rules leading up to re-opening.

Ken Olan, co-owner of Northern Meadows Golf Club said information is quickly changing though there are plans to abide by the provincial guidelines.

OIan said Alberta residents currently occupying his residential cabins since the beginning of the pandemic may be out of luck when it comes to using provincial parks and some re-opened services. His resort has 40 cabins built around the golf course, and another 400 cabins along the lake which are 90 per cent occupied by tenants from Alberta.

“They’re not happy they won’t get a fishing licence this year, they’re not happy their friends and family can’t come and camp in the park but they’re here and they’re going to be golfing,” Olan said.

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According to the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, in order to limit travel between provinces, camping in provincial parks will be restricted to Saskatchewan residents starting June 1, until further notice.

The golf club owner said the moment the province announced re-opening of golf courses, he was approached for employment opportunities by some of the residents.

“Everyone who has a cabin up here, every one of their kids is applying because the summer jobs in the city are gone,” he said. “We have regular staff to bring back and we’ve brought back our superintendent first so far.”

Olan expressed an additional concern about alcohol consumption on the green as refreshment carts and bar services must be closed. Golf courses are permitted to sell alcohol through a ‘special use permit’ which is the commercial permit used for organizations other than bars and restaurants. There are no permits which would allow individuals to bring their own alcohol.

“Does that mean [golfers] cannot buy [alcohol]? If they can’t buy something [to drink], they’re going to bring it in and that’s illegal,” he said.

Page 35 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan provides golf course specific COVID-19 protocol, including all food and beverage service being suspended, except curbside pick-up or delivery, as well as no drink or snack carts. Businesses operating in Saskatchewan must operate according to the COVID-19 response guidelines.

According to a government of Saskatchewan spokesperson, this is no different than usual when any business, golf courses included, would ensure that outside food and beverages, including alcohol, are not permitted on the premises.

As for other services including the restaurant dining room and pro-shop, those will remain closed aside from take-out only.

“We’re going to lose Mother’s Day. Not so much on the green, but the dining room would have been wall-to-wall busy,” he said.

Olan said with restricted group guidelines, he hopes the people who do choose to play are golfers who abide by the rules, pre-book in advance and come with the stipulated amount if golfing in groups.

“We get a lot of groups who book as a group of four and show up as five and there’s no walk-ons allowed'” he said. “They’re going to realize that. If you walk in, you’re not going to get on the course.”

Northern Meadows Golf Club’s policy toward refunds and cancellations requires 48 hours notice in advance.

In order to use parks and golf greens responsibly, use the self-assessment tool here to ensure you are not sick when using public spaces.

New Rules

According to the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, new rules for golf courses effective May 15 are:

• Expand cleaning and disinfection of common/high-touch surfaces in accordance with the public health order.
• Physical distancing must be observed at all times, with a minimum of two metres between individuals.
• Employees must have access to gloves and sanitizing wipes, and are required to stay home if they are unwell or symptomatic.
• Signage must be posted to caution players about the risks of COVID-19.
• Players exhibiting signs of illness will not be permitted to play.
• All players must have a tee time, no walk-on players will be permitted.
• Payment must be made in advance by telephone or online – cash cannot be accepted.
• Tee times must be a minimum of 20 minutes apart to avoid congestion on the course.
• Flags must remain in place and cups elevated so the ball does not drop into the hole. Play is concluded when the ball makes contact with the cup.
• All rakes and ball washers must be removed from the course.
• Washroom facilities on the course must remain closed to players and the public.
• Driving range and practice putting/chipping greens must remain closed at all times.
• Walking is encouraged.
• Limit of one person per golf cart, unless the occupants reside in the same household.
• If rental golf carts are used, they must be fully sanitized between uses.
• Golf club and pull-cart rentals are prohibited.
• Remove bulk scorecard, pencil and tee holders from starter areas.
• Retail sales must be restricted to curbside pick-up or delivery.
• All food and beverage service is suspended, except curbside pick-up or delivery. Call-ahead for pick up.
• Washrooms at the clubhouse will be sanitized regularly, with only one individual allowed at a time.
• Drink/snack carts may not operate.
• Locker rooms must be closed. Players can change footwear in the parking lot.
• The clubhouse (with exception of the washrooms) and common spaces (decks, gazebos, and picnic areas) must remain closed.
• Private/group lessons, league play and tournaments are prohibited.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722