‘It feels good’: Golfers hit the links for first time

After months of social distancing and strict restrictions in place, golfers finally were able Friday to experience a few hours of normality during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Golf courses officially opened Friday as a part of Phase 1 of the province’s Re-Open Saskatchewan plan.

Almost all businesses and recreation activities have been closed since March, when Saskatchewan saw its first confirmed COVID-19 case.

Garry Sterna was in the second group of the day to hit the links at the Royal Regina Golf Club.

“It feels good. We’ve all been cooped up but for all the right reasons and so forth,” Sterna said. “Because we did that, I think it afforded us the opportunity to be able to come out and do this today.”

“I’m so excited. I’ve been waiting for so long,” said Chanthy Yang.

The opening of the courses brought out golfers young and old.

“I’ve been really bored lately, not much to do. I’m just super excited about it,” said 16-year-old Jacob Semchuk.

As golfers traverse the fairways and hazards of the course, there will be some new restrictions in place from previous years.

Golfers are encouraged to remain six feet apart on the course, only one person is allowed on a power cart unless they are from a shared household, there will now be 12 minutes between tee times, there won’t be rakes in the bunkers, and golfers will not be allowed to touch the flag pole while putting.

But golfers said the new restrictions didn’t change the experience much for them.

“It was good. The way it was spaced out, the groups were nicely spaced out between each other,” Sterna said after playing a few holes. “It exceeded my expectations.”

“The ball retrieval system they have at the holes is fantastic. They can stay in there all the time,” Ben Ryan said.

The biggest changes to a lot of golfers’ rounds will come after they finish up on 18 and can no longer sit around, enjoy a beverage and converse on the 19th hole.

“It’s going to be a bit difficult not going in for a drink after but on the course it’s pretty similar to normal, I’d say,” said Jonathan Kushneriuk. “With golf being naturally social distancing, I think it was a great move and it’s going to be good for everyone for physical and mental health.”

For many, the chance to hit the links allows them to get back to doing something they love in these crazy times.

“It’s fun to be outside, fun to be outside with friends. We can still maintain our distance and have a great time,” Ryan said.

“It feels so good (to be out). Being cooped up for five, six, seven months, now we get out and just have some fun finally,” said Pat Nishnik.

Phase 2 of the reopening plan begins Tuesday with retail stores and certain personal services set to open.