Calgary is reopening some city-owned golf courses

Some good news for golfers in Calgary.

As the weather starts to improve and that itch to get back on the tee boxes increases, the City of Calgary has decided to enact the province’s relaunch strategy and open some city-operated golf courses starting May 14.

The Province of Alberta recently announced that golf courses could be opened as early as May 1 as the first part of easing the COVID-19 restrictions, but as Calgary has seen more cases than the rest of the province combined, officials decided for a more patient approach.

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Premier Jason Kenney also noted in the May 1 announcement that the first stage of the relaunch strategy — which would see restaurant reopenings and additional services like barbers being able to resume operation — could come as early as May 14.

The City of Calgary’s release states that online bookings for select city-owned courses will begin on May 11.

“The City will be opening of golf courses on May 14 with practices in place for physical distancing to protect the health and safety of both golfers and employees,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi in the release.

“The rules for physical distancing will be strongly enforced and will be shared on Calgary.ca and on golf course signage, and golfers must follow those rules. We’re looking forward to a safe and successful golf season.”

The first courses to open will be both courses at Shaganappi Point, Maple Ridge, and the 18-hole course at McCall Lake Golf Course, due to these seeing the highest customer demand.

Driving ranges, practice areas, lesson services, club rentals, on-course washrooms, and tournaments will remain restricted at this time, the release states.

Clubhouse washrooms will be limited to one person at a time, and power carts will be limited to one person only, unless being shared by members of the same household.

Golfers will be expected to abide by current physical distancing requirements of staying two metres apart while playing on city-operated courses.

More information on the reopening will be made available next week.