Initially, I had plans to post a press release or two today but some much bigger news came to the forefront that placed those plans onto the backburner.
Well, I think the title says a lot. Golf is back in Ontario, and I cannot express how happy this makes me feel inside. While the announcement hasn’t officially come down from Premier Doug Ford’s government, and while I’m at it, that announcement will come later on today I found out shortly after 2 pm on Wednesday.
Not to toot my own horn, but golf resuming in Ontario has gone down exactly as I had predicted some time ago. I said mid-May and the course that I’m employed is opening on Saturday, May 16th. Right in line with the May Long Weekend, which is typically when things really get going at the golf course. Honestly, it doesn’t really matter which golf course I’ve worked at, this has typically been the case. Other than for the “die-hard” types.
So, I received the phone call today at 2 p.m. from my General Manager at Scenic Woods Golf Club, which is run by GolfNorth Properties. The message went a little like this.
“Alex, it’s Richard from Scenic Woods. We’re opening really soon, as then sooner than expected. I was wondering about your availability. Gimme a call, Please!”
At the time, we were already out and about driving, so I couldn’t take the telephone call. So upon hearing the message, and seeing that I was already halfway there. I drove out to the club with Crystal. Upon pulling in, crystal said to me. The course looks great!! It really did, and quite honestly, it was the tonic that my eyes needed. So I pulled up to my customary parking spot, got out, walked around to the front door, and then I heard Crystal call out to me, “Over here”.
So we called out to each other (“Yoo… Hooooo) and we met. He explained to me that there was a conference call with other GM’s and the “powers that be” for GolfNorth. It was determined that we were opening Saturday, May 16th. I’ve been mentally prepared for the call and to have to go into work on a whim.
I’ll be working that opening shift and I cannot wait to welcome golfers back to the golf course with a smiling face. I, no, we’ve been waiting for this for a long time. Of course, restrictions (golf restrictions) set out by the Ontario government will be in place. Things like and not limited to.
- Social-distancing being strictly enforced
- No range or putting green
- No congregating around the first tee
- Stay in cars until 10 minutes before your tee time
- Inverted or Pool Noodle/PVC in the cup.
- No rakes in bunkers
- No ball washers. (Soak a part of your towel with bottled water, water from a water hazard or similar)
- One rider per cart. Unless you’re from the same household
- Strict sanitizing in place
- Limiting areas of contact (including but not limited to no locker room access or bag storage)
Food and beverage will be limited to take out and a very limited menu. Also, to start we’re running with a total clubhouse staff of four. My GM and three others including myself. Unfortunately, this means that our serving staff who are all university students (except for one) will not be working. Hopefully, the lounge will be able to re-open soon for their benefit. Of course, we’ve lost events that were planned (Member and Corporate events alike) because of social-distancing but leagues will commence June 1st.
As we open, there might be some learning curves. Please be kind to the staff and others. Please be safe and respect social-distancing. Please don’t blow this for us. Things are finally looking brighter.
Ah yes, golf is back. Oh yeah, when my shift concludes on Saturday, you know where I’ll be. Right to the first tee.
Until The Next Tee!!
#fightandgrind #seeuonthenexttee
"The Next Tee (TNT)" 