COVID-19 uncertainty puts golf season on pause

People looking for ways to stay active while staying away from others might have to cross golf off their list this spring.

The provincial government clarified Thursday that golf courses are not an essential business and must remain closed for the time being.

That leaves courses in limbo with the start of the season just weeks away.

“As a person who is a complete golf nut, I’d love to see the start, if it could, be instantaneous, but ultimately it might not be the correct time,” said Brian Lee, executive director of Golf Saskatchewan.

“It’s pretty much at a standstill at the moment.”

Any delay would hurt golf courses, which already have a short window to make their money in Saskatchewan. Lee said it’s too early to assess the impact, but clubs already have started to cancel and postpone events.

The provincial restrictions don’t prevent courses from preparing for the season.

“There’s not a delay in that. They can be ready to receive pro shop merchandise (or start) cleaning the lounge and restaurant,” Lee said. “The maintenance staff can be on site to get the equipment ready and begin to maintain a golf course.”

Some golf courses in the U.S. and British Columbia have opened to see if safe physical distancing can be achieved. Lee said discussions in Saskatchewan are premature until more is known about how the virus is impacting the province.

While it’s too early to write off the season, Lee said golfers may want to start preparing to get their fix elsewhere.

“They might have to putt on the kitchen floor into a Solo cup,” he said. “Until we can get this curve flat, we’re just wishing everyone to stay safe (and) stay positive.”