[Dion]

Okanagan golf clubs stay the course but amp up COVID-19 cleaning protocols

“We’re limiting club house access, moving away from using cash, all those steps,” said Okanagan Golf Course general manager Dan Matheson.

“You realize that golf courses are popular places to be during all this. Though we’re not open until April 9, cleaning has already taken place and we’re constantly messaging our members. Tee times will be staggered, certain touch points (golf carts, flags, rakes etc.) are being taken away for the limited opportunity of spread.”

At the Kelowna Golf and Country Club, general manager David Walker has extended protocols to mitigate the risks of coronavirus spread, including cancelling all events and limiting access to just club members.

“They’re extensive (measures) but for the most part the mood is fairly positive for our golfers. They enjoy being outside and it’s fairly safe and we’re doing our part to make sure it stays safe,” said Walker.

Details as obscure as decreasing the size of the cup on the greens have been taken as well as the main concerns of shutting down the pro shop, restaurant and increasing sanitation staff.

But with constant updates coming from government health officials, it’s tough to know where the golf courses will lay in a week’s time.

“There’s so much uncertainty,” said Walker.

“We’ll continue to restrict and monitor things until we’re told otherwise. You can’t make promises and we don’t know how long this will be, but we’ll do the best we can.”

https://www.kelownacapnews.com/sport...ing-protocols/