Image Credit: ADOBE STOCK
March 21, 2020 - 2:30 PM
So far, it seems golfing is still an outdoor activity that affords proper social distance and some golf courses are adapting a few rules of play while trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Some golf courses have already opened for the 2020 season and it appears they are taking proper steps.
"We are planning on opening… next Friday," said Garret Brinker from Harvest Golf and Country Club in Kelowna. "That gives us a little more time to put more precautions in place."
The clubhouse will be closed, and there will be some changes on the course.
"There won't be any rakes on the course," said Brinker. "We're going to push online scoring so you don't have to use scorecards or pencils."
The course will be encouraging golfers not to touch the flags on the course, leaving them in the hole. Golf carts and pull carts will be frequently sanitized.
The Bighorn Golf & Country Club in Kamloops is taking very similar precautions.
"The flag is to be left in the hole," said Kanesha Reeves from Bighorn Golf. "Be super generous with gimme-puts. So anything within six to seven feet."
They have also removed rakes from the bunkers, and are disinfecting carts from top to bottom. Their clubhouse and restaurant will be closed as well.
"It's not mandatory for two people to be on one cart anymore," said Matt Jones from Penticton Golf and Country Club.
All rakes and putting green flags have also been removed, and golfers are told not to touch the flags on the course. Carts and high touch areas are being frequently sanitized.
As golf is outdoors and already a self-isolated style sport, now may be a great time to hit the greens.
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