Golfers are flocking to courses in Kamloops as the last sport available to them during COVID-19 (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

GOLF IN KAMLOOPS

Golf remains last sport standing, presents opportunity to get outside

Apr 9, 2020 | 5:34 PM

KAMLOOPS — The sound of a club striking the ball has never sounded so sweet during this global pandemic.

Instead of being trapped at home, golfers are among the few amateurs that can get out to play a sport these days.

“Look at the weather. It’s great to get out of the house with this COVID-19 things,” said golfer Garth Roberts. “It’s just been awesome to be able to get out after being couped up for so long.”

Fellow golfer Lee Hayes added, “It’s good to be able to get out and get away from the family for a little bit and enjoy the nice weather.”

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Rivershore member Shawn Walton, “It’s fabulous. I’ve been able to get out since Mar. 7. While some other courses have been closed, Rivershore has been open.”

As golfers enjoy the sunshine on a gorgeous day, rinks like the Sandman Centre are empty — at a time when the Blazers would be making a legitimate run at the Memorial Cup. Many on the course are also sports fans themselves and miss not being able to watch.

“It’s a different world. It’s been no hockey, no baseball,” noted Roberts. “I’m a hockey player myself. Our season ended abruptly because of this virus. It’s been tough. I usually play three times a week and that’s all gone away.”

Round one of The Masters was supposed to tee off on Thursday, as Tiger Woods defends his 2019 title. It’s now rescheduled for November. The iconic golf event is usually a must-watch for everyone on the course.

“Yeah that’s a big hole, but there’s nothing we can do about it,” said Walton.

With BigHorn and the Kamloops Golf & Country Club re-opening on Wednesday, the majority of courses in the city are ready for golfers.

But all of them are taking all the necessary precautions. At Rivershore, there are signs all over the course, reminding golfers to keep their distance. Golfers are not to touch the flag stick and there is styrofoam in the cups to keep golfers from touching the pin. There also can only be one person per cart, unless you’re from the same household.

“We’ve got a lot of good rules out there, keeping people safe,” said Walton.

The image of golfers on every hole will likely be the scene for the foreseeable future with people playing more golf than they ever have.

“Pretty much. Already now, I’d say I’ve played more rounds this year than definitely last year or the year before,” said Hayes.

Roberts added, “Yeah I plan on it. I usually play hockey all summer, too, but we don’t know what’s going on with that, so yeah a lot of golf.”

“I tend to play quite a bit of golf anyway, so hopefully I can get out as much. Let’s put it that way,” said Walton.

ALBERTA CALLS GOLF COURSES ‘NON-ESSENTIAL SERVICE’

When asked about the status of golf courses, the chief medical health officer in Alberta said at her Thursday media conference they are a ‘non-essential service.’

Dr. Deena Hinshaw said workers can be there to maintain greens, but the courses should not be open to the public. That’s not great news for the golf community in B.C., as the province may follow suit.