Blind River’s popular golf course reopened to the public Wednesday with strict guidelines on social distancing to reduce the risk of spread of COViD-19.
Huron Pines Golf and Country Club reopened after its board of directors presented town council with a plan on how the facility will operate and reopen in stages to golfers. The plan was presented to council at its meeting Tuesday.
The guidelines are taken from the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada’s published series of recommended safety protocols. The move comes after Doug Ford’s provincial government announced that golf courses could reopen as part of a graduated reopening of some businesses in Ontario.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, health and safety remain our top priorities. Fortunately, golf courses are very well positioned to adhere to all physical distancing and sanitation measures while providing Ontarians with some much-needed fresh air, sunlight, exercise, mental stimulation and safe social time with family or friends,” the Huron Pines board report stated. “In effect, golf is a 10- or 20-km controlled walk through 150 acres of nature. During those four hours of enjoyable, healthy activity, each foursome of golfers is typically 500 meters away from the next group. Within the foursome itself, golfers have no trouble maintaining their distance in such open spaces.”
The reopening is categorized as Stage 1 of what will eventually see a three stage process to fully reopen the facility.
“The Huron Pines Golf and Country Club Board of Directors will do its fiduciary duty in respect to managing the golf course in compliance with policies and procedures put in place by the Town of Blind River, and the province of Ontario,” the board report said. “The first stage of our progressive plan enables us to utilize prepaid memberships as income rather than charity. This income enables us to open in a reduced capacity. Any additional income cannot be relied upon but will be more than welcome. This stage would implement a low level of course maintenance, with few employees. There will be very limited expenses in order to avoid resulting in a deficit situation.”
The board said the first stage could last a minimum of two weeks to several months depending on provincial government policies.
“The first stage of our progressive plan enables us to utilize prepaid memberships as income rather than charity. This income enables us to open in a reduced capacity. Any additional income cannot be relied upon but will be more than welcome. This stage would implement a low level of course maintenance, with few employees. There will be very limited expenses in order to avoid resulting in a deficit situation.”
In the first stage the course will be open only to members and residents of Blind River and includes residents of Mississauga First Nation. There will be no clubhouse entry to the public and the pro shop will have only one employee to receive calls for tee off times and payment. Golfers with approved tee time are asked to arrive 10 minutes prior to and to remain in their vehicles until tee time. There will be”absolutely no walk-ons.” Memberships and green fees must be prepaid.
The new guidelines include one-person keyless carts, handling for equipment, outdoor hand-washing stations, appropriately spaced tee times, outdoor washroom facilities, and an on-course beverage cart with takeout food.
Other guidelines for golfers can be found at Huron Pines Golf Club website.
The board is predicting full operation of Huron Pines will not take place until 2021.