COVID-19 FAQ
Dear Friends of GolfNorth,
We hope that you and your families are well and staying safe during these unprecedented and difficult times. We would like to take this opportunity to send a shout out and a heartfelt thank you to our first responders currently on the front lines, for your heroic work during this crisis.
Our current focus is on the health and well being of our employees, members and guests; while we follow direction from the Ministry of Health, and the various levels of government within the areas that we live and operate.
We have compiled answers to a list of frequently asked questions that we hope will address most of your concerns regarding the upcoming golf season, as it relates to the COVID-19 crisis. As you know, this situation is currently changing on a regular basis, sometimes by the hour.
The answers to the questions below are subject to change at any time, based upon the most recent information available:
Q. When do you anticipate opening the courses?
A. The opening of our courses historically ranges from mid-April to the first week of May – depending on location, weather patterns, and course conditions. With the current COVID-19 circumstances and protocols in place, it appears that our historical timelines will be delayed.
Q. Would you consider opening just the golf courses even if the clubhouses remain closed?
A. Once governments allow the public to return to playing golf, our plans are to open the courses without clubhouses if necessary, adhering to any restrictions and protocols. In the meantime, we will assess the situation on a regular basis and keep everyone up to date as the situation changes. Our priority is to ensure the safety of all our staff and patrons.
Q. What is currently happening at the various courses?
A. All courses are currently closed with a limited number of employees on the property performing only essential duties for turf maintenance to protect the course and prepare it for opening day.
Q. Can I currently visit any of the courses?
A. Because of the current situation, and for the safety of our employees, patrons and the general public, our courses are closed for play and clubhouse visits. In accordance with the Provincial mandate, being anywhere on the property at this time is strictly prohibited.
Q. What will happen with my membership if the season is delayed by months or if there is no season at all?
A. Opening dates historically range from mid-April to the first week of May, depending on location If there is an extreme delay to the start of the golf season, we will revisit our policies and do what is reasonable under the circumstances.
Q. Once the courses open will Food and Beverage be available?
A. Although this is currently a possibility, we need to follow any future government protocols. Our first priority will be to get our customers onto the courses safely. Other amenities will follow accordingly in due time.
Q. Once the courses open will there be power carts and pull carts available?
A. This will depend once again on the protocols and guidelines from the Ministry of Health and our government agencies.
Q. What will the course conditions be like when you open?
A. Our turf crews are continuing with maintenance practices through this crisis. We have no concerns that the courses will be in normal playing conditions once we are able to open.
Q. What steps will be taken to protect the health and safety of golfers amid the COVID-19 crisis?
A. Once we are permitted to open, there will no doubt be strict guidelines and protocols handed down by the government. We anticipate these protocols will revolve around the messages of self-distancing and no contact. Certain changes will be implemented based on these protocols, such as modified putting cups, no bunker rakes, no ball washers or any other fixtures on the course. Courses around the world who are already operating in the world of COVID-19, are constantly finding better ways to make the game safer for participants to enjoy. The modifications, for the most part, will be subtle and will in no way hinder the enjoyment of the game itself.
We hope to see you on the greens soon.
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