The ongoing pandemic was running rampant throughout the country, and even though numbers were relatively low in Saskatchewan, caution was the order of the day as many of the mysteries of COVID-19 were still being sorted out.
That meant all activities were shut down, including golf, with no timeline for a return.
Then came the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan. And on May 15, players were back on courses throughout the province, albeit with a ton of restrictions designed to keep everyone as safe as possible.
This year, we know what we’re up against and what works. And with that, golf is returning right on time.
The Hillcrest Golf Club announced earlier this week that the course would officially be opening for the season tee-to-green on Monday, Apr. 26, marking a much-welcomed return to normalcy for the local 18-hole loop.
“Now we’re just waiting on Mother Nature,” said Hillcrest manager Jasmine Cameron. “Other than that, the course looks great, we took the tarps off yesterday and the greens are in great shape. Now we just have to get the water turned on and everything will be a go.”
The course is currently booking tee times, which can be done online at www.hillcrestgolf.ca or by calling (306) 693-1921. Members can book five days in advance, non-members three days.
Seeing things start up on time -- and what’s expected to be a tremendous amount of interest from returning players -- is a welcome sight for Cameron and her staff after so many questions last year.
“I think it’s going to be a great season,” she said. “We have a lot of protocols in place for COVID and cleanliness and keeping everyone healthy, but honestly, golf itself is one of the safest things you can be doing outdoors within the guidelines. You socially distance on a good day, so it’s all good.”
The way things are going to run will be very familiar to anyone who played last year, but you can visit www.golfsaskatchewan.org/covid-19/ to review all those guidelines.
The one difference is the Hillcrest plans to continue with the 10-minute tee times put in place last year, just to help maintain that extra bit of separation.
There’s also extra good news in that tournaments are once again being allowed, meaning the massive slate of shotgun events and league nights the course hosts each summer are back on the schedule.
Patrons will also be able to enjoy the fully renovated and opened clubhouse, which will even feature some brand new menu items for folks to sample.
All in all, it’s a huge difference from this time last year, and Cameron looks forward to what a busy season will bring, especially as COVID-19 dies down.
“Things are changing, but we have to keep in mind that there are things we have to do to keep everyone healthy and safe,” she said.
For the latest updates on the Hillcrest throughout the summer, be sure to visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hillcrestgolfcourse15.
