Golf courses have reopened in Hamilton as some COVID-19 restrictions relax

Golf fanatics of Hamilton who have been eagerly practising their putt in the driveway for the last few weeks have something to look forward to, as Ontario has allowed the province’s golf courses to reopen as part of the Ford government’s gradual COVID-19 reopening plan.

As of this past Saturday, Ontario’s golf courses are permitted to be open for business for the first time since shutdowns of non-essential businesses went into place on March 23rd; restrictions intended to limit widespread public contact amid concerns regarding the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus.

Hamiltonians enjoy golf courses, trails and parks as city relaxes COVID-19 restrictions #HamOnt https://t.co/PFBnW5cD9o

— CBC Hamilton (@CBCHamilton) May 17, 2020

The opening of golf courses is part of the province’s first phase of reopening the economy – a move that has been met with controversy and plenty of public division on whether the reopening is happening too soon.

Even though golf is a game that has lots of natural built-in opportunities for social distancing, those eager to tee up should be prepared for their next round to look a little different than usual for the time being.

While protocols may vary depending on where locals choose to golf, new COVID-19 guidelines will be enforced on courses to ensure proper physical distancing and prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus.

Many golf courses are requiring visitors to call in and make an appointment in advance, ensuring that the courses don’t get overcrowded with users. Tee-off times are also being more widely spaced out to allow for ample distancing between groups, and players are encouraged to be mindful of others and respect proper physical distancing.

Other safety measures in place include straightforward policies like limiting payments and transactions to debit or credit only, and less obvious ones like blocking the holes on the course with obstructive material that prevents golfers from having to reach into the holes to fetch their golf balls after sinking a putt. Golfers are also instructed not to touch the flag poles.

Golf carts at many courses are being limited to one per golfer, and are thoroughly sanitized between uses.

Share post

Tags

• coronavirus
• COVID-19
• Golf
• golf course
• golfing
• Hamilton
• HamOnt
• Health
• Ontario
• pandemic
• Public Health
• recreation
• reopening
• social distancing
• Sports