After months of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canora Golf and Country Club opened its doors to golfers on May 15, just in time for the Victoria Day long weekend.
Donna Rock, clubhouse manager, welcomed the start of the new season.
鈥淒ue to COVID-19, it is fantastic that we are able to open at all this year,鈥� said Rock. 鈥淲e are very fortunate to have Peter Stranko back as the course superintendent. The opening is a little later than most years, by about 10 days, but we will take it.鈥�
Rock said, in general, golfers are just happy for the opportunity to get back on the golf course.
鈥淐OVID-19 is stressing everyone out, so to be able to get out in the fresh air and golf is great, even if it is a little different than other years.鈥�
A number of changes had to be made to the operation of the course due to COVID-19 and the regulations put out by the government of Saskatchewan for public safety.
鈥淵ou must have a tee time booked in advance, there will be no walk-ons allowed,鈥� explained Rock. 鈥淭here will be a maximum of four golfers per group, no exceptions. Only people residing in the same household may ride on a cart together. We are fortunate to have a device in place in the green cups to raise the balls out of the cups, so golfers do not have to touch the flag pole.聽 Only two people are allowed in the clubhouse at a time. The washroom in the clubhouse is open, but the one on the course is closed.鈥�
Social distancing is a must even out on the course, keeping at least six feet from other golfers. Some golfers were heard to say that 鈥渢wo club lengths is a quick and accurate social distance measure.鈥�
Rock said it was good to see that the course was fairly busy over the holiday long weekend, even though 鈥渦nfortunately the wind on Sunday and Monday kept some people away.鈥�
The upcoming scheduling for regular weekly events is uncertain.
鈥淎t this time we are not sure about Men's night and Senior golf, we are hoping to be able to figure something out for June,鈥� said Rock. 鈥淒ue to COVID-19 there will be no Fun Nights or tournaments scheduled at this time.鈥�
Golfers with any questions regarding the new regulations or any other aspect of the new season are encouraged to contact the Canora Golf and Country Club.
