Golf could help slay 3-headed COVID-19 monster
- Details
- Category: Industry
- Published: 2020-04-20
BY GORD MONTGOMERY - Inside Golf / CALGARY — The Alberta government finds itself facing a 3-headed monster in these days of COVID-19, but there is one way to slay that beast says a spokesman for NAGA (National Allied Golf Association) Alberta — with golf clubs.
Speaking on the phone from Calgary, Bruce McAllister, the lead voice in having the sport of golf put back onto the tee sheet stated, “Even in New York State, which has been like an epicentre for COVID-19, they are playing golf now. They get it.”
The reopening of those courses came about after a closure order had been issued on April 9th by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. That directive was then changed this past week (April 17th) allowing tracks across the state to once again open their gates, but at the same time asking golfers to follow strict social distancing guidelines.
That’s what should be happening here, says the NAGA Alberta, through McAllister. After all, this recreational shutdown is harming citizens, not only physically but mentally and financially as well. Teeing this issue up a bit closer to home, British Columbia now has over 100 golf courses, both public and private, open for play with the backing of government officials.
“We appreciate the (Alberta) government has difficult decisions to make,” said McAllister. “The reality is they have crazy problems on their hands — COVID-19, a mental health pandemic and an economic sinkhole the size of the Grand Canyon. British Columbia is fine right now. All the stories coming out of the golf courses are positive. How exercise is good. People understand if you social distance you can play golf. Going to the grocery store, walking on the sidewalk, you can have more close contact there with people you don’t know than going from your car to the first tee.
“I appreciate the (Alberta) government has a lot on its plate, but if we’re going to open up this economy, if we’re going to get people back to some sort of normalcy …. look, people are prepared to play golf, overwhelmingly. Let’s let them go!”
Speaking to those safety measures and how they are being adhered to, Ian Robertson, the general manager of the Kelowna Springs GC, said they opened to the public on Wednesday, April 15 and there have been absolutely no issues with golfers doing what they are supposed to. The strict guidelines put in place at this course, and others, include 11-minute tee times with no walk-up players allowed; allowing limited people access to the clubhouse/first tee area; no cash payments; washroom doors in the clubhouse being left open (on-course facilities are closed); there are no rental clubs or power carts; ball washers, sand and seed bottles and bunker rakes have been removed; golf holes have been adjusted so no one has to touch any part of the finish to each hole; and players are asked to leave the premises immediately after finishing their round. In other words, this course and others across the province are doing all they can to give people a break from the harrowing health issues facing everyone.
As to how his clients are reacting to these strictly enforced measures, Robertson said everyone is, “Following the protocols that are outlined on our home page of our website,” and doing exactly what is needed in order to keep things up and running.
In regard to the situation in B.C., where divot diggers are happily plying their skills on the grass and greens, McAllister said, “I really just think it’s the lens they view the problem with. In B.C. they’ve said, ‘No doubt, we have a serious problem here, so here are the measures we’ll put in place and we’ll look at the big picture. Here’s the measures we’ll put in place to allow social distancing, to allow people to use the great outdoors, allow them to be with their families and get some exercise.’ "
“This is the lens they’ve looked through and made the decision they did. The important thing is, the stories coming out of B.C. and the States (are that) this is helping the economy and the entire mental state of the region. Alberta is sucking wind right now, in several areas! The public needs a positive shot of adrenaline right now and hopefully they will (get it) this week.”
When asked how the NAGA - Alberta was being received by elected officials McAllister noted, “We have a good, respectful relationship with the Alberta government and we understand they want to do this right. They want to put Albertans first, make good decisions. I think what’s happening is Dr. (Deena) Hinshaw (Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer) sees things through a medical lens, which she should. But at the end of the day, that ’s why we elect people. They have to see the entire picture.”
When asked about an online petition that has been circulated widely in Alberta on change.org, that as of Monday, April 20th had over 45,000 signatures, McAllister said the NAGA - Alberta is aware of it, and supports it, but hasn’t put their signature on the document simply because he feels it isn’t needed. After all, its momentum is huge and continues to grow. And yes, such a non-verbal plea does hit home.
“Yes, it absolutely does have an impact,” he said of making impressions where they count most. “What that petition does is shows the court of public opinion is saying, ‘Let’s go! This is safe. This is healthy. Let’s go!’ And don't think that the government doesn’t notice,” he clearly stated before adding, “and we should point out that we have not pushed out or promoted that petition in any way. If we did, the numbers on that petition would skyrocket! That’s your ordinary Albertans saying, ‘Hey! What’s going on here?’ ”
One of the major hurdles that has hampered efforts to get the game off the ground is that “non-essential service” tag. McAllister feels that is, “Completely inappropriate. Golf is trying to be part of the solution because it can be. You’re outside. It permits social distancing. Following the proper protocols it is one of the safest things people can be doing. I am hopeful that the province is going to make some changes this week.”
So if, and when that happens, golfers can help slay the 3-headed monster with anything from a driver to a putter and lay this beast that is wreaking havoc in so many ways to rest.
About the writer: Gord Montgomery is a member in good standing of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada. He is now in his 12th year of writing for Inside Golf. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. He’s also on Twitter at @Gordinsidegolf and on Instagram at gordinsidegolf2.