Thursday was a great day for golfers in Saskatchewan, as the province announced the likely return of golf courses come May 15, offering a the light at the end of the fairway. (Facebook/Rustic Nine Golf Course Par 3)

By Martin Martinson

Fairway Foresight

Local golf course reacts to potential May opening

Apr 23, 2020 | 3:21 PM

It was a great day for golfers in Saskatchewan Thursday, as the province announced their plan to reopen courses next month.

Saskatchewan Premier, Scott Moe revealed the news in his much anticipated provincial address, noting that – should the COVID-19 ‘curve’ continue to flatten – golf courses across the province will be able to reopen their doors for business May 15.

The news comes as music to the ears of golf course owners and operators across the region, such as Elaine Liebaert, of Rustic Nine Golf Course in North Battleford.

“We were very happy to hear that golf courses can open this season,” Liebaert said. “We realize we have to make some changes on the courses for everyone’s safety, and we also understand the [remaining] guidelines in place are necessary for sure.”

The Rustic Nine is a family-run business that Elaine and her husband, Victor opened in the community back in 2008. Liebaert said the news of the season potentially going ahead came in good time. The roughly three weeks’ notice will allow the family to make the adjustments needed ahead of opening, to accommodate the remaining restrictions, in respect to social distancing and other tweaks to the course.

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“Normally we don’t open until May 1, so we we’re kind of waiting on this kind of news,” she said. “We have until May 15 to make sure the greens and everything are where we want them to be, and we’ll just take it day-by-day and go from there. We look forward to having golfers come back. It will be different for everyone I think this year, but we have to do what we have to do.”

Liebaert said among the adjustments to be made, will be adding additional signage – both on the golf course and in the parking lot – as well as a temporary closing of the canteen and rental items available.

This means golfers will need to bring their own equipment and supplies with them. Those interested in hitting the links will also be required to book their tee-time in advance, and of course, abide by proper social distancing protocol and group number restrictions.

While large group gatherings will not be permitted for the time being, Liebaert also said she is hopeful that before the season ends, the opportunity to host such events once again will return.

“Normally we have large functions out there like staff functions, family get-togethers and that sort of thing so that won’t happen for the time being; but hopefully as things improve, those kind of events can happen again eventually,” she said.

For a full rundown of Thursday’s provincial announcement, click here.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1