Golf season to kickoff May 20th in Quebec
The Government of Quebec, through senior Minister Isabelle Charest, has authorized on Wednesday the official opening of golf courses starting on May 20.
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, the Quebec Golf Industry Standing Committee, a lobbying group including main institutional and facility stakeholders in the province, had initiated discussions with Public Health authorities in view of creating standardized operating procedures, resulting in a protocol for operators and golfers that would allow the sport to resume its activities. This protocol, which focuses on the health and safety of patrons and employees, has received Public Health approval and can now be deployed at the facility level. All golf facilities in Quebec have had the opportunity to review this protocol and are now working towards implementing the recommended guidelines as they prepare to welcome golfers on May 20.
With this announcement, golf courses will be allowed to make their playing facilities accessible to their eager clientele – albeit under close supervision and rigourous monitoring from course operators.
Ongoing industry and government discussions throughout the lockdown have established that the practice of golf procures mental and physical health benefits to its participants. The utmost cooperation of golfers will be essential in order to apply the prescribed guidelines that are being implemented province-wide following the announcement.
Quebec golfers that are members of Golf Canada will be able to resume the tracking of their handicap and scores through the national association’s online and mobile scoring tools as Golf Canada recently issued updated guidance regarding COVID-19 Rules of Golf & Rules of Handicapping
The Quebec Golf Industry Standing Committee is eager to demonstrate that the return of the game of golf will contribute greatly to another of the government’s objectives, which is to get workers back to work and help local economies recover.
“Golf has a great opportunity to be a leader in the sport. We are going to operate according to the criteria established by the provincial health and safety authorities so that the green light stays in place, ”said Dominic Racine, General Manager of the PGA of Quebec, who chaired the golf industry committee in its efforts.
The golf industry in Quebec is estimated to contribute 52,000 jobs and add $2.4 billion annually to the gross domestic product of the Belle Province.
Saskatchewan revises COVID-19 course regulations
The Government of Saskatchewan has worked extensively with the National Allied Golf Association – Saskatchewan branch when it comes to playing golf in a safe manner amid COVID-19.
Golf in Saskatchewan was announced in the “Re-Open Saskatchewan” plan back in March with restrictions. The government has made alterations to the rules last Friday and released additional updates this afternoon including.
- A maximum of four players per group is permitted.
- Tee times must be a minimum of 12 minutes apart to avoid congestion on the course.
- Flags must remain in place and measures must be taken to prevent the ball from dropping in the hole, eliminating the need for players to contact the pin or cup. This may include such measures as leveling the cup, elevating the cup or installing a touch-free ball removal mechanism.
- Driving ranges and practice putting/chipping greens can open if physical distancing (minimum of two metres) is maintained. Range balls must be cleaned and disinfected between customers. For the practice putting/chipping greens, flags must remain in place and measures must be taken to prevent the ball from dropping in the hole. This may include such measures as leveling the cup, elevating the cup or installing a touch-free ball removal mechanism.
- Retail sales must follow the Clothing and Retail Guidelines on P. 35.
- Group lessons and tournaments are prohibited. League play and one-on-one lessons may occur if all other criteria are met.
More details can be found in the government’s announcement today. Golf course guidelines are now located on page 42.
Golf Saskatchewan, along with the Canadian Society of Club Managers Saskatchewan Branch, National Golf Course Owners Association Canada, Professional Golfers Association of Canada Saskatchewan Branch, and Saskatchewan Turfgrass Association want to thank the Province of Saskatchewan for their cooperation through the COVID-19 pandemic.
IGF announces cancellation of 2020 World Amateur Team Championship due to COVID-19
LAUSANNE, Switzerland – The International Golf Federation announced today that the 2020 World Amateur Team Championships scheduled for October have been cancelled due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision follows the IGF’s announcement in February that the biennial event for men and women, originally to be held in Hong Kong, was moving to Singapore due to ongoing social unrest in Hong Kong.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IGF continued to work with the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) to host both competitions at Tanah Merah Country Club and Sentosa Golf Club on the same dates as planned, with the Espirito Santo Trophy for women scheduled from October 14-17 and the Eisenhower Trophy for men from October 21-24.
“This unprecedented decision was due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty that this has caused to ensuring that the 2020 WATC could be staged successfully,” said IGF Executive Director Antony Scanlon. “But most importantly, it was made to safeguard the health and safety of all athletes, officials and volunteers at the 2020 WATC, to which there was no certainty that this risk could be mitigated to an acceptable level.”
“I would also note that we gave thoughtful consideration to postponing the Championships to 2021,” Scanlon continued. “However, this would have created considerable scheduling and logistical issues that were insurmountable, plus we still could not say with absolute certainty that we could hold it without risk next year. Therefore, it is preferred that the IGF look forward to focusing on and delivering a wonderful 2022 event in France.”
Dating back to 1958, the World Amateur Team Championships include up to 72 countries competing in 72 holes of stroke play competition. Each country fields two or three players with the two lowest scores counting per round.
Ontario golf courses can begin preparations to open
TORONTO ― The Ontario government has announced it is allowing certain businesses and workplaces to reopen as long as they comply with strict public health measures and operate safely during the COVID-19 outbreak.
As part of the announcement which took place this afternoon, Ontario golf courses were granted the ability to prepare their courses for the upcoming season, but not open to the public. The resolution takes effect Monday, May 4 at 12:01 a.m. EDT.
Prior to the announcement, golf facilities could complete essential work that allowed them to preserve their courses, such as mowing and brush clearing. As pointed out in this article by TSN’s Bob Weeks, additional work such as bunker preparation, gardening, stump removal, hiring of seasonal staff and more, will now be permitted.
There is no specific timeline set for Ontario courses to open their doors for play.
On April 27, the government released A Framework for Reopening the Province, which outlines the criteria Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts are using to advise the government on the loosening of emergency measures, as well as guiding principles for the safe, gradual reopening of businesses, services and public spaces.
Alberta relaunch strategy says golf courses can open on May 2
Alberta Golf (Calgary) – Alberta’s Covid-19 relaunch strategy will see golf courses open across the province as early as Saturday, May 2nd. The news delivered by Alberta Premier Jason Kenny during a Thursday afternoon briefing.
Courses will operate under the NAGA-AB protocol document created over the past month. NAGA-AB consists of Alberta Golf, The PGA of Alberta, along with golf course General Managers, Owners and Superintendents.
NAGA-AB President Robert Rousselle said the hard work this past month of the entire golf course industry led to the good news.
“We are excited and support the Government of Alberta position on this afternoon’s announcement. The National Allied Golf Association of Alberta (NAGA-AB’s) role from day one was to be part of the solution at all levels.” Rousselle said.
“We worked closely with all segments of our industry and government to support them with the proper tools to be successful with the prevention of COVID-19 challenges. The opening of the Golf Industry is a positive step forward in helping Albertans with mental health, physical activity and the recovery of our provincial economy. I have to congratulate the NAGA-AB team for the determination and accomplishment for the past month of hard work to develop a robust document to protect our guests, members and industry employees.”
Quebec pro shops welcome to open doors as of May 4
MONTREAL – Golf pro shops will be able to open their doors as of May 4, with the exception of those in the Montréal Metropolitan Community (MMC), which will be able to reopen as of May 11.
This news follows the Québec government’s announcement of April 28 stating that retail businesses with direct access to the outdoors will be able to resume operations.
It is important that shops have a customer entrance that faces a street, parking lot or public road. In addition, health and safety measures for workers and customers will have to be implemented and respected.
The golf industry eagerly awaits the opening of golf courses and practice areas for the benefit of Québec’s numerous golfers. All golf enthusiasts are looking forward to the progressive deconfinement so that they can enjoy the physical and mental benefits associated with the practice of golf.
This first wave of opening will allow golf clubs to implement best practices within their businesses and contribute to the recovery of the local economy.
The Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) has made available a toolkit for the retail sector.
Information links:
Service Québec – Procedures for reopening some sectors of the economy (in French)
Manitoba golf courses receive permission to open on May 4
The government of Manitoba has announced that the golf season may begin effective May 4, 2020. Click here for more on the today’s announcement.
For more information on today’s announcement, please click below:
New Brunswick golf courses get green light to open
On Friday, April 24th, New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs announced that golf courses will be included in the first phase of business reactivation in New Brunswick.
In his statement, Premier Higgs confirmed golf courses would be able to resume operations under specified restrictions as early as April 24th, 2020.
- CLICK HERE for the latest COVID-19 Update from the Province of New Brunswick
Golf NB is currently in consultation with the Province of New Brunswick, member clubs and partner associations to ensure the health and safety of players and staff remains a top priority as golf courses in the province open in the upcoming weeks.
Golf courses named in phase one of Saskatchewan “re-open”
Golf courses in Saskatchewan will be allowed to open for play on May 15.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe made the announcement on Thursday during part of the province’s plan to “re-open” following shutdowns brought on by COVID-19.
On March 26, courses were named as “non-allowable” businesses and told to close. No courses were open to play but several across Saskatchewan closed their year-round restaurants or banquet services due to the spread of the virus. Moe said during the announcement the government is trying to find balance of health and safety.
“We have to find the middle ground that continues to keep our case numbers low and keep Saskatchewan people safe while at the same time allowing for businesses to reopen and Saskatchewan people to get back to work,” Moe said.
Every province across Canada had shut down golf except British Columbia. Courses could use their own discretion. The clubs were allowing play with conditions regarding social distancing and other measures, the same will be for Saskatchewan.
Courses will need to adhere to these mandates:
- Physical distancing
- One person to a cart (walking encouraged)
- Raised cups with flags in
- No walk-ons, all players must have tee times
- Tee times 20 minutes apart
- Rakes and ball washers removed
- Public washrooms will be closed
- Driving ranges and putting greens closed
- Locker rooms closed
The Government of Saskatchewan has their five phase plan laid out here and distributed a “Re-Open Plan.” More golf course guidelines can be found on page 35.
Courses will need to keep their restaurants closed for seating, curbside pickup will be allowed. Eating and licensed establishments such as clubhouses are included in phase 3 of the reopen plan but no date was given. Public gatherings are still restricted to under 10.
Golf Saskatchewan, as part of the allied golf associations, has been working with the government (Canadian Society of Club Managers – Saskatchewan Branch, National Golf Course Owners Association Canada – Prairie Chapter, Professional Golfers Association of Canada – Saskatchewan Zone, and Saskatchewan Turfgrass Association) with the hopes of reopening the sport of golf safely during the pandemic. Golf Saskatchewan executive director Brian Lee said he’s pleased the announcement, but safety is still top priority for the people of the province.
“We are pleased with the outcome of today’s announcements. The Government of Saskatchewan’s Business Response Team was great to work with during the lead up to the announcement today. The allied golf associations look forward to working with the Government of Saskatchewan in the days ahead to ensure the health and safety of all the stakeholders and participants as our sport reopens, under the COVID-19 procedures and guidelines,” Lee stated.
Golf Saskatchewan’s provincial championship schedule has not been modified as of today, but will review our procedures and rules for our events in the coming days and weeks. The start of the official season was April 15, scoring for the new World Handicap System will begin when courses open.
Parks and campgrounds will be open on June 1.
Click here to view Golf Canada’s COVID-19 Resource Page.
Golf Canada announces event cancellations and postponements
With heightened uncertainty and global concern related to COVID-19, Golf Canada continues to evaluate all aspects of our business to operate and make informed and responsible decisions within the best interests of our athletes, staff, volunteers, host clubs, partners and other stakeholders health and well-being.
Today (March 30, 2020), Golf Canada is announcing its decision to cancel or postpone the events listed below.
Golf Canada has cancelled the following 2020 NextGen Championships:
- NextGen Pacific | May 14-17 | Pheasant Glen Golf Resort, Qualicum Beach, B.C.
- NextGen Ontario | May 21-24 | Listowel Golf Club, Listowel, Ont.
- NextGen Western | May 27-30 | River Spirit Golf Club, Calgary, Alta.
- NextGen Québec | June 4-7 | Owl’s Head Golf Club, Mansonville, Qué.
Golf Canada has postponed the following 2020 RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifiers:
- Ontario Qualifier | May 14 | TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, Caledon, Ont.
- British Columbia Qualifier | May 19 | Meadow Gardens Golf Club, Pitt Meadows, B.C.
- Québec Qualifier | May 21 | Club de golf Pinegrove, St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Qué.
Golf Canada has also decided to postpone the 2020 Canadian University/College Championship:
Canadian University/College Championship | May 24-28 | Club de golf Les Quatre Domaines, Mirabel, Qué.
Golf Canada has cancelled all National Rules and Course Ratings Seminars:
- National Rules Seminar (BC) | March 27-29 | Marine Drive Golf Club, Vancouver, B.C.
- National Rules Seminar (NB) | March 27-29 | Royal Oaks Golf Club, Moncton, N.B.
- National Rules Seminar (ON) | April 3-5 | St. George’s Golf & Country Club, Toronto, Ont.
- National Rules Seminar (QC) | April 24-26 | Elm Ridge Country Club, Montreal, Qué.
- National Rules Seminar (SK) | April 24-26 | Riverside Country Club, Saskatoon, Sask.
- National Course Rating Seminar April 26-27
The USGA previously announced the cancellation of local (first stage) qualifying for the 2020 U.S. Open in its current form. They are working with their Allied Golf Association (AGA) partners and International Federations to redesign qualifying going forward.
The decision to cancel or postpone these events was not taken lightly, but given unprecedented times, we believe it is the best course of action. The safety and well-being of our championship competitors, tournament staff and volunteers along with our host site members and staff are paramount to Golf Canada. We also appreciate that all Canadians are dealing with health and travel concerns along with more pressing matters of uncertainty.
We share in the disappointment of those affected and thank all for their understanding during this extraordinary time.
A complete list of Golf Canada’s competitions is available here.