Manitoba Golf Guide

03 GOLF GUIDE 2020 M A N I T O B A BY TO D D L E W Y S On May 4, golf courses in Manitoba opened for business. However, it won't be business as usual this spring and summer. That's because just as the coronavirus has forced us to change the way we live our daily lives, it is also forcing changes to how we play the game. Golf Manitoba executive director Jared Ladobruk says that golf course operators are doing their part to make the game safe for golfers. "The industry made a presentation to the province about best practices and safety solutions, and that presentation was well-received," he says. "It satisfied all their questions, so golf courses were given the go-ahead to open." Not surprisingly, golfers are going to have to deal with a new set of rules and regulations when they ven- ture out to tee it up during the 2020 season. For start- ers, players will be encouraged to book tee times online to minimize contact with pro shop staff. Then, players will be encouraged to show up about 15 to 30 minutes in advance of their tee time (times will differ from course to course) to avoid creating excess traffic in the pro shop and around the first tee. As might be expected, golfers must now stay two metres (or more) apart at all times, and only one golfer is allowed to ride in a power cart at a time. While there will be flagsticks on greens, golfers can't touch them. Harry Brotchie, president of Lakeland Golf Manage- ment and vice-president of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), says so far, so good. "At Tuxedo, for example, we have a greeter in the parking lot, and traffic is one way in and out of the pro shop. Our patio isn't open yet, and we aren't using any plates to serve food. We encourage people to book tee times online, and tee times have been spaced 12 min- utes apart to guard against congestion." On the course, meanwhile, the definition of holing out is taking on a new meaning, Ladobruk says. "Unlike in the past, golfers won't be able to reach all the way down into the cup to pull the ball out of the hole. Course operators have gotten creative in this area, either raising up the cup or using a pool noodle or other devices so you can easily pick the ball out. There also won't be ball washers, water fountains or rakes for raking out bunkers, all to minimize contact." Granted, playing under the new guidelines and re- strictions is going to feel awkward. That said, there is some good news: golf is a game that's perfectly suited to social distancing. "With the proper steps and measures in place, you can still play and be safe," Ladobruk notes. "There's plenty of room to spread out on the tee or on a fair- way, where you can stand or walk six, maybe 10 feet from each other. Yet, you can still enjoy a great walk, be outside and spend four hours enjoying the com- pany of friends in a great setting." At the same time, there's a certain responsibility that accompanies being allowed to play golf, Lado- bruk adds. "Golfers must understand the new rules and do their best to follow them. We're fortunate that golf courses were allowed to be open, so everyone needs to take the new course guidelines seriously. It's a privilege to be able to play, so we need to take things seriously." Adam Boge, executive director of the Manitoba Open and owner of Golf Mentor Teaching Academy, says that golf could experience a resurgence due to the opportunity for golfers to simultaneously socialize and exercise while maintaining a safe social distance. "I think it's a huge opportunity for golf and all the facilities here," he says. "There could be a big boom for golf. A lot of people could come to realize it's the total package – fun, active, and perfect for enjoying time with friends in a safe, beautiful setting." Ladobruk agrees. "My hope is that people will discover golf and what a great sport it is. Because it allows you to socialize safely, I think there's a good chance it will become an option for more people. Casual players will play more, and both casual and avid players may end up bringing more new players out to the course." Brotchie says the key to everything working will be how well golfers respect the new rules. "We'll have to see how the new rules evolve, how courses can operate and if people abide by the rules. If they don't, things could go the other way and cours- es could close. So far, things have gone really well." "I think there's a huge opportunity for golf and all the facilities here. There could be a big boom for golf." - Adam Boge, Manitoba Open

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