An update from the corporate entity that manages my home course and more than 30 others here in Canada. It seems a little on the optimistic side of when they might open. On the positive side the course should grow in nicely without the early season idiots driving carts through rough, wet areas and around greens.
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Our focus right now is the health and safety of our employees, Members and guests, while performing only essential work (as regulated by the Province) to maintain the golf course and other assets in preparation for the season.
It has come to our attention that some Clubs have received visits from Municipal Law Enforcement Officers. The Officers have been making sure that the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act orders are being followed. This includes making sure the Clubs are in fact closed, that only essential maintenance work continues and that a skeleton staff of employees are practicing social distancing. To be in compliance with this provincial order, we must remain completely closed to Members, guests and general public. Even going for a walk on the golf course is not permitted at this time.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve been collaborating with industry associations, advisory groups and our local teams to develop a comprehensive set of standard operating procedures (SOP) that will allow us to keep our Members, guests and employees as safe as possible at all locations when we open.
Our expectation is that strict physical distancing and other safety precautions will be required for an unspecified timeframe. As a result, very limited services will be available initially. The SOP offers three phases of precautionary protocols that allow services to be ramped up on a graduated basis, as appropriate. Once the SOP are completed, and an opening timeframe is known, we will share all the details of the SOP and expectations for Members and guests when visiting the Clubs.
The fluidity of this crisis represents a great challenge for all of us. We will continue to follow the guidance of government and health officials with respect to the precautionary protocols deemed necessary.
We are grateful for the support, feedback and questions from our community of Members. The original list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) has been updated below. The FAQ can also be found on your Club website by clicking on the “My News” icon.
The answers to questions below are subject to change at any time based upon new information made available.
Q. What is going on at the Club right now?
A. All Clubs are closed and employees are working remotely. A very limited number of employees are on site daily to perform only essential maintenance work. We ask that Member and guests refrain from visiting our Clubs for any reason, including walking the golf course.
Q. When do you anticipate opening and would my Club consider opening just the golf course even if the clubhouse remains closed?
A. At this stage we are still hopeful that we will be able to open courses within our historical timeframes. It is a fluid situation with the weather, course conditions and COVID-19 virus suppression regulations. By the time our golf courses are ready to be open, it may be possible to open for just golf. We will learn more in the next ten days or so as to a realistic timeline and what is possible. Our top priority is to keep employees, Members and guests safe in all situations.
Q. What will happen with my fees if the season is delayed by months or if there is no season at all?
A. The opening timeline for our Member Clubs the last two seasons has fallen between April 26 and May 16, depending upon geographical location. We are still hopeful that opening dates will fall into this window of time. If there is an inordinate delay to the start of the golf season, we will revisit our policies and do what makes sense under the circumstances.
Q. If there is substantial delay that results in financial shortfall, will you reconsider your policy about assessments to Members?
A. No. It has always been our policy to not levy assessments to our Members.
Q. What will happen to my minimum during the Club closure?
A. Similar to other fees, no decision will be made until such time that the Clubs have firm opening dates. If at some point it is apparent that there will be an inordinate delay to the start of the golf season, we will revisit our policies and do what makes sense under the circumstances.
Q. Why doesn’t my Club open the kitchen and offer take-out food service to Members?
A. This service has been considered for our Clubs located in urban areas, but for now we have decided not to pursue this under current circumstances.
Q. Can I visit the Club to get something from my locker or to go for a walk on the course?
A. No. The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act orders the Club to be completely closed out of an abundance of caution, and concern for the health and safety of our employees, Members and guests. At this time we ask our Members and guests to not visit our Clubs for any reason.
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