Golf Canada Cancels Prairie NexGen and Skills Challenge Events
Photo Credit: Golf Canada
With ongoing uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic, Golf Canada continues to evaluate all aspects of our business to make informed and responsible decisions within the best interests of our athletes, staff, volunteers, host clubs, partners and other stakeholders health and well-being.
Golf Canada has made the decision to cancel the 2020 NextGen Prairie Championship that was scheduled to be held June 12-14 at Quarry Oaks Golf Club.
The decision to cancel this competition was not taken lightly, but we believe it is the best course of action. The safety and well-being of our competitors, tournament staff and volunteers along with our host site members and staff are paramount to Golf Canada. We also appreciate that all Canadians are dealing with health and travel concerns along with more pressing matters of uncertainty.
Golf Canada has also made the decision to cancel all 2020 Future Links Junior Skills Challenge Provincial Qualifier events and this includes the Manitoba event that was scheduled for July 5, 2020 at St. Charles Country Club. Golf is only beginning to get underway in most regions of the country and it was the lack of time for facilities to run local qualifying events, combined with the current provincial restrictions on group gatherings that led to this decision.
At this time, the Future Links Junior Skills Challenge National Event remains on the event schedule, set for August 30 at Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club in Vancouver, B.C. Golf Canada will continue to monitor the guidelines of government and health experts to assess any impact to the event. Should the National Event be hosted as scheduled, Golf Canada will operate under the previous qualifying structure whereby the top-ranked players from across the country on the online National Leaderboard, in each of the four age categories, will be invited to compete at the event.
PEI Golf Association names Alison Griffin as Executive Director
The Prince Edward Island Golf Association (PEIGA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alison Griffin as their new Executive Director.
Alison’s experience in sport, recreation and communication will be an asset to PEIGA that will allow the association to continue serving members and facilities while growing the sport of golf.
“I am very excited to be joining PEIGA in the ED role, I thank the Board of Directors for this opportunity,” said Griffin. “My predecessor implemented a variety of programs and built positive relationships with members, operators and partners and I look forward to contributing to the exceptional reputation PEIGA has provincially and nationally.”
Alison is originally from O’Leary, PEI and has a diploma in Sport and Recreation Management from Holland College. She was the Executive Director for the Western Region Sport and Recreation Council from 2011-2017 and most recently, the Manager of Communications for the Department of Health with the Government of Nunavut in Iqaluit. Alison also served on the Canada Games Mission Staff for Team PEI in 2015 and 2017 and managed the Team Nunavut Youth Ambassador Program for Arctic Winter Games in 2018 and Canada Games in 2019.
“Sean’s leadership and continued support has left PEIGA in a great place and although this golf season will be very different from any other, I’m looking forward to seeing what our association can accomplish with Alison as our Executive Director and our current board of directors,” stated PEIGA President, Melissa Castle
5 ways to support the Manitoba golf industry during COVID-19
The golf season in Manitoba was officially opened for business on Monday, May 4, 2020 as part of phase 1 of the province of Manitoba’s Restoring Safe Services action plan. Under the plan, golf courses and facilities may open under special operating guidelines such as requiring all golfers and staff to maintain physical distancing and by restricting food and beverage operations to take-out and outdoor dining only.
As the season slowly starts to open, there are a number of ways that golfers can support their favourite golf course while still adhering to the province’s social distancing rules.
1. Go out and play!
This goes without saying! In addition to the Rules and Guidelines mandated by the government for safe golf operations, many golf course operators and facilities have adopted additional Safety Best Practices to make golf safe for staff and the golfing public. So book that tee-time or sign up for a membership and enjoy all the physical and mental benefits of playing this great sport!
2. Buy a gift card
Consider purchasing a gift card for a family member, friend or even for yourself! Most public golf courses offer gift cards or pre-paid multi-game packs available by calling or emailing the pro shop.
3. Order take out!
Under current operating restrictions, golf course restaurants may offer service so long as the food and beverages sold are provided via take-out, delivery services or served at outdoor patios.
But while most facilities have closed their clubhouse dining, some are trying to get creative to draw in revenue to try and keep people employed. So if you’re tired of cooking at home or ordering food from a chain, call your favourite course or support your home club and place an order today!
4. Support your pro
The golf courses themselves aren’t the only ones suffering. Many golf professionals make a significant portion of their living off equipment and merchandise sales or lessons.
Consider contacting your local PGA of Canada professional and buy a lesson or two for now or for a later date. But paying for it now will give you something to look forward to and put some much-needed revenue into the pockets of those who earn a living during the already short Manitoba golf season.
Have your eyes set on some new gear or equipment? Again, contact your local pro or favourite club and find out what services they are providing. Some pro-shops may offer curbside pick-up.
5. Be a responsible golfer
The industry has implemented a number of safety best practices to ensure golfers can safely enjoy a round during the current state of public health. With the industry doing its part, the golfer also has a responsibility to observe and strictly follow the rules that have been mandated for safe golf operations. Failure to do so not only jeopardizes the health and safety of golf course staff and fellow golfers but may also result in fines, penalties and the chance your favourite course or home club could be shut down!
When you do play, do your part to keep golf safe buy adopting GOLFER BEST PRACTICES during COVID-19. Single rider to a cart only, keep your distance and save the high-fives for another time.
The golf industry in Manitoba has gone to considerable lengths to prepare to open the season during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the Rules and Guidelines mandated by the government for safe golf operations, many golf course operators and facilities have adopted additional Safety Best Practices to further minimize health risks to golf course staff and the golfing public.
With the industry doing its part, the golfer also has a responsibility to observe and strictly follow the rules that have been mandated for safe golf operations. Failure to do so not only jeopardizes the health and safety of golf course staff and fellow golfers but may also result in the closure of golf facilities and the potential for a shut-down of the industry.
As the season begins, golfers are being asked to do their part and adopt GOLFER BEST PRACTICES during COVID-19 as endorsed by the National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA) of Manitoba:
RESTORING SAFE SERVICES
Manitoba’s Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery is available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restoring/. Updates have been made to this document to clarify inconsistencies between the plan and the recent public health orders. Businesses with questions about how the new orders apply to them should visit: https://engagemb.ca/covid19-csp.
The golf season will look somewhat different when it opens and the industry has gone to great lengths to ensure it can comply with the required health and safety protocols. In addition to the fundamental rules and guidelines mandated by the government for golf courses and golfers, many golf course operators and facilities have adopted additional Safety Best Practices to help further minimize health risks to staff and the golfing public. Golfers are asked to do their part and consult with the facility they are planning to play at to ensure they understand that facility’s specific health and safety protocols.
For those golfers eager to get started during opening week, please visit our Member Club Directory for club contact information.
PGA of Canada professionals Dean North, Brian Guenther, Greg Hesom and Geoff Kehler demonstrate in the video below “social distancing golf”.
(Video posted with the permission of the Carman Golf & Curling Club, Minnewasta Golf & Country Club, Steinbach Fly-In Golf Club and the Winkler Golf Club.)
