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Golf during COVID-19

Melfort Golf and Country Club ready to open to public on Friday

May 14, 2020 | 3:18 PM

Golf courses are permitted to open in Saskatchewan starting on Friday as part of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan.

The Melfort Golf and Country Club (MGCC) are excited to finally open on re-open plan’s first day.

General Manager Kevin Ryhorchuk said it’s been busy to prepare for what is expected to be an even crazier May Long Weekend.

“As of right now, our weekend is booked fairly solid,” Ryhorchuk told northeastNOW. “Starting at 7 a.m., all through the weekend.”

Tee times are mandatory right now for golf courses and Ryhorchuk said he encourages people to call for a tee time, and they will try and fit them on.

When golf courses were initially told they could open on May 15, facilities such as driving ranges, putting greens, and chipping greens were not allowed to open. That has since changed and those spots will be open at the Melfort course. Social distancing rules will still apply, and there will only be four golfers allowed on the driving range at one time.

Another major change for golfers will be a different way of putting. To limit the transmission of germs by putting your hand in the hole to grab your ball after holing a putt, there will be a foam insert at the MGCC to make sure the ball still goes “in the hole”, but it will be high enough where you won’t have to bend over to grab it, but rather knock it off with your putter.

Meanwhile, the pro shop will be running at a limited capacity as various restrictions are in place to help limit the spread of the coronavirus. The kitchen and lounge will be closed for the time being, but there will still be an opportunity to purchase refreshments.

“But you are still able to get a beverage,” Ryhorchuk said. “Pop, juice, water, or a cold beverage from the lounge side.”

Curbside pickup will be used to facilitate the purchasing of beverages.

Ryhorchuk said the course is currently running at about one-quarter of their normal staff, but they hope to be able to bring the rest of their employees back as restrictions are eased.

Other courses in the area are also set to open on Friday. Tisdale Riverside, and the Humboldt Golf Club have said they will open on Friday, as well as the Waskesiu Golf Course. The Nipawin Evergreen has said they will open on Saturday.

mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6

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