Melfort Golf and Country Club expects to open on first day permitted as part of ‘Re-Open Saskatchewan’

On top of normal preparations for the upcoming golf season, this year all golf courses will have to adjust and follow numerous restrictions and protocols set out by the government, including the following:

Physical distancing
One person to a cart, unless living in the same house. Walking is encouraged.
Tee times will be 20 minutes apart.
All rakes in bunkers, and ball washers will be removed.
Flags will remain in place with cups elevated, preventing the ball from dropping in the hole (Play is concluded when the ball makes contact with the cup).
All washrooms on the course will be closed.
Driving ranges, putting greens, and chipping greens will all be closed.
Locker rooms and club storage will be unavailable
Steps will be taken to increase cleanliness of all golf club facilities, especially in high traffic areas.

Ryhorchuk said the safety of their staff, members and guests is paramount and extra cleaning will be a focus.

Staff will clean “anything that’s being touched or whatever by our staff or by a patron,” he said. “We will make sure that you’ll feel safe and secure.”

Ryhorchuk said he hopes to put together some signs with guidelines for out on the course as well.

Relating to the new, adjusted rules on the green and an elevated cup, Ryhorchuk said every golf course is doing it a bit differently. He said some have decided to use foam inserts as well as contraptions to lift the ball out of the cup without having to touch the flag.

Once golfers can hit the links in Saskatchewan, Ryhorchuk said he hopes everyone works together to make sure everyone feels safe and can enjoy the game.

“With the procedures that are set in place, if everybody can abide by them, and just use common sense,” he said. “I hope we can keep this going forward and have no negative effects to it.”

Tee times for May 15 are already being accepted by the golf course and golfers can book between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily for the time being by calling the pro-shop at 306-752-3279.

As for tournaments, and other events at the course, things don’t look good in that department for now.

“No tournaments, men’s nights, ladies’ nights, mixed nights for the forseeable future, unfortunately,” Ryhorchuk told northeastNOW.

The course posted on Facebook, mentioning the 35th Annual Gary Brandon Left Right Team Championship is cancelled.

One piece of the course that will continue to remain closed for the time being is the lounge and restaurant. Ryhorchuk said for now, they are unable to do so in a feasible manner. However, he said they hope to figure out some sort of way to serve beverages out of the pro-shop until they can re-open the lounge and restaurant portions of the club.

Ryhorchuk added they don’t think the pandemic will cause them to lose any days of golf this year. Last year, by April 20, the course was completely open, but most years May 15 is usually a good target open date, he said.

Patrons are encouraged to continuously check the Melfort Golf and Country Club’s Facebook page. Ryhorchuk said updates will be posted there as he finds out about new rules or regulations.

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6

by Mat Barrett

Melfort Golf and Country Club expects to open on first day permitted as part of ‘Re-Open Saskatchewan’

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