In a world where strict lockdowns and physical distancing have become par for the course, many B.C. golfers are still enjoying some tee time.
Of the roughly 2,300 golf courses in Canada, only around 100 of them are still open. All of them are believed to be in B.C.
The reaction to these golf courses remaining open has been mixed. While some health officials advise against it, golfers in B.C. are thrilled to have an outlet during the pandemic.
Tom Monaghan, president of the Monaghan Golf Group, told CTV News that he’s seen an “overwhelming positive reaction.”
“I mean, you can imagine you’ve been cooped up in your house for a month,” he said. “People just want things to do.”
Club owners are adamant that they’re following the rules to prevent contamination and a COVID-19 outbreak. At Shadow Ridge Golf Club in Kelowna, which reopened this week, efforts to limit contact are in full force.
The pro shop is closed, players have been told not to touch the flagpoles and staff have removed the rakes from sand traps. They have also reminded players to observe physical distancing.
One golfer, Clay Atkinson, told CTV News that there have been some close calls.
“There were a few times someone would kind of start walking to you,” he said. “And you’d have to put your club up and point it at them and say ‘stop’ or ‘stay away.’”
