Golf courses in Alberta don’t have a history of being especially lucky.
Between the ravages of winter, bad weather in summer and a short season overall, taking a financial pounding simply comes with the territory.
But this COVID-19 thing could destroy them.
“Every industry is impacted in a significant way by this, and I feel for everyone in this situation on a personal level and a business level,” said Murray McCourt, general manager at The Ranch Golf and Country Club.
“But I am terrified for what the future might look like for the golf businesses. We really don’t know what it’s going to look like on the other side of this.”
That’s why, with less than a month to go before most Edmonton courses begin teeing off, they are crossing their fingers and holding their breath that golf can somehow survive the shutdowns.
“It’s not too far away in Alberta that the government is going to have to take a stance on it,” said McCourt. “Courses in southern Alberta are very close to being open, maybe as early as next weekend. I’ve talked to some of them and they don’t know what’s going to happen. They want to open, but we will find out soon enough whether the province allows that to happen.”
The Ranch employs a staff of 70 during the height of the season, similar to the more than 50 courses in Edmonton and area. Working from home is not an option. There are a lot of people in limbo right now.
“Everything is truly up in the air,” said McCourt. “We’re all on pins and needles to see if we can see the health scare though and have our business and staff be able to survive this, as well.”
With people going stir-crazy from self-isolation and desperate to get out and do something, it could be a goldmine if golf isn’t banned.
