By Pete McIntyre

UPDATE: Golf season returns with COVID-19 safety rules in effect

Apr 13, 2020 | 3:51 PM

This is the week a number of local golf courses are planning to open, with special policies in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Coldstream Golf Course west of Lumby opened today with the clubhouse closed and using a cash box system for payment.

The Spallumcheen Golf Club’s executive and championship courses will open Tuesday, April 14 to members only with the following safety policies listed on the club’s website:

• Regular sterilizing of surfaces

• Augmenting the check in process to reduce or eliminate the need to que in the pro shop

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• No congregating near building entrances/exits

• No congregating in large groups

• Opening the season without the restaurant or with window service only

Hillview Golf will open their golf course and driving range on Wednesday April 15.

“We are basing the decision on Dr. Bonnie Henry saying golf is OK during the recent Global TV town hall,” said Hillview’s website.

“There will be significant changes to focus on safety and social distancing. In addition numerous restrictions will be in place and many services will not be available. The restaurant will remain closed of course,” said Hillview.

The Rise plans to open Friday, April 17 where staff members will be working in teams and isolated from other teams.

“This includes management. This is to protect staff and the operation in the case an employee becomes ill, we will be able to isolate teams and not shut down the entire facility,” said Chad Scott, executive professional/director of golf at The Rise on their website.

The Vernon Golf and Country Club is targeting April 24.

“This was a difficult decision and not unanimous, considering the current situation with COVID-19,” the VGCC’s board of directors said on its website. “A strict set of guidelines will be developed prior to this opening to assist in continuing to physical and social distance. This opening will start with members only.”

Predator Ridge does not have a projected opening date as yet.

“Due to the current heightened risk levels of COVID-19, we have no official golf course opening at this time,” said the resort’s website. “Despite the challenges that COVID-19 has brought, our courses are not ready to be opened. We had a very long and challenging winter and we are not seeing the overnight temperatures needed. We are doing everything we can to have the golf courses open as soon as we feel it is safe enough to do so. You may notice other courses in the area opening. Please keep in mind that we are a much different facility then others. With a community component we need to ensure we are being as responsible as possible. Please keep your eyes open for future member announcements.”

by Pete McIntyre

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