Golfers are rejoicing as both local golf clubs are cheering that the season can finally start.
On April 30, the province announced that Alberta golf courses could open as soon as May 2 if they were ready. It was something that courses and Alberta Golf had been lobbying for since the chief medical officer of health had stated a few weeks ago that golf courses were not essential and must wait to be given the all-clear to operate.
Wolf Creek Golf Resort was the first to get off the tee, with the first groups hitting the Links course on May 2. Meanwhile, the Ponoka Golf Club has begun booking tee times with its opening set for May 8.
Ponoka Golf club’s interim general manager Randy Gallant was more than pleased with the province’s reopening plan. He was, however, a bit surprised with the rather short notice that was provided.
“We were certainly ready and very pleased with the announcement,” Gallant said in a phone interview.
“We have been preparing things to be ready for an opening, though a bit shocked at the such short notice we got.
“Historically, the club has had a bit later opening due to snow and frost holding on, so the extra week provides us with the time to clean up some things and ensure all our ducks are in a row.”
Golfers will also be pleased to know that the reconstruction done on the ninth hole has been completed and is ready for play, while the rest of the course has wintered very well.
As for the response from members and other golfers, Gallant stated that calls for tee times have been very steady.
“Friday and the rest of the weekend are very close to being filled up and the people calling seem ecstatic that they can get out on the course,” he said.
Both courses have some new standards of play in order to conform to the COVID-19 restrictions that are in place.
Anyone with symptoms or who has travelled in the two weeks previous to their tee time or lives with someone that has symptoms are to stay home. Both courses have also implemented strict cleaning protocols to protect everyone.
Only debit or credit card payments are being accepted. Players are to stay two metres apart, groups are not to bunch up or play through and no touching items of other players, stray golf balls or pins.
Driving ranges, putting greens, ball washers and on-course washrooms are unavailable. The ‘lift and place’ rule is in effect in bunkers with players asked to use their foot to tidy up after a shot.
Differences included tee time arrivals (Wolf Creek allows 2o minutes ahead, Ponoka club is maximum 15 minutes); booking is done only online at Wolf Creek with the Ponoka club is done by phone; while scorecards and pencils are not available at Wolf Creek (online cards can be printed) while cards and a pencil are available upon request at the Ponoka club.
For more information, go to the Ponoka Golf Club’s Facebook page or check out www.wolfcreekgolf.com.