Hello all, trust everyone has been ticking all the boxes and staying healthy, I know many of you are itching to get back to playing golf, we usually are here in Canada at this time of year !
Today word came out today that Manitoba will be opening up courses as of May 4. That means by mid May golfers in PEI, NB, Sask, and BC will be joining them allowing golfers to tee it up for the first time since the pandemic raged across the world. Alberta is getting close.
It must be said that these provinces, perhaps BC not quite so much have the lowest numbers of positive tests for COVID-19, in fact PEI has only had 27 since it started.
Ontario continues under Emergency lockdown until May 12 and while numbers of daily cases is slowly coming down, the medical staff have been advising us consistently that there will be no gradual slackening of the lockdown until they are sure we are safe enough to do so.
Recently Japan had to put the entire country back on complete lockdown after the virus spiked again after they lifted restrictions too soon.
We all have our own opinions on this topic from the avid golfers, to those who condemn the discussion from even being considered when they have lost their jobs, can't visit or have lost loved ones, can't take their children to park playgrounds.
I must admit I tend to lean that way, I'm all in for staying the course until I'm told by the doctors it's ok.
On the other hand I know we have to keep exercising out in the fresh air in isolation from others, and I would walk the trails of my local golf course every day if it were close by.
To be fair courses who are open are doing everything to encourage play while staying isolated. On line bookings, no practice before rounds, no touch take out food, clubhouses closed, one person per cart, no ball washers, flags left in with raised cups.
Courses are also in the best shape I've seen, perfectly groomed grass, not a divot to be found with no play.
Many of us I'm sure would adhere to the golfing rules, but then again, we can't even trust everyone to stop socializing in groups in our parks, or tearing down tape surrounding playgrounds, and we know, as soon as people start to relax, social distancing which has saved Canada compared to other countries including the USA, will go right out the window!
I watched a documentary on magnificent Muslim gardens on TV0 last night with host Monty Don as he traveled through Morocco, Iran amongst others and they were spectacular. You could also see how important a part of their life revolves around gathering in large numbers in gardens, parks to socialize and worship.
My point is our country is as ethnically diverse as most any, and it is very difficult for many cultures who flock to our parks in the summer as they do back at home, to give that part of their lives up, but right now they have no choice.
Perhaps we should follow that lead where COVID-19 is still not nearly contained, like here in Ontario. Just keep the courses closed, don't give us the choice. Better safe than sorry.
Golfing is a wonderfully frustrating pastime, but is hardly a factor in the process of getting safe, and slowly bringing our lives, our economy back on track.
We are doing without a lot right now, golf should be no different.
Bryan Angus
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