COVID-19 and Golf in Alberta
Normally, we aren't in the "news" business, but we are seeing a ton of misinformation being spread on golf and COVID-19 in Alberta. We are hoping to update this article on an ongoing basis to provide truthful facts around what is going on in the industry. Updates will only be added to the bottom and the article will not edit previous things so as to keep an accurate timeline, but please - that means you have to read to the very end to have up-to-date accuracy.
APRIL 4 NAGA-AB UPDATE (Please click on link for PDF Letter)
In summary, this letter provided basic information stating that NAGA-AB was going to be developing recommendations on how to safely move forward in operations.
APRIL 9 UPDATE
On April 9, Dr. Hinshaw provided clarity around golf courses not being essential services. She said workers may continue course prep and maintenance as long as they are following the social distancing guidelines for COVID-19 provided by the Alberta Government.
Several golf courses in the southern part of the province had either already opened or stated their intent to open within days. Those plans have now been washed away.
A large portion of the province is still covered in too much snow for this decision to have an immediate effect, but courses had been planning per NAGA (National Allied Golf Associations) which includes input from Golf Canada, PGA of Canada, Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA), National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), and the Canadian Society of Club Managers (CSCM).
Locally, there is a NAGA Alberta Board comprised of representatives from the PGA of Alberta, Alberta Golf, NGCOA Alberta, and Alberta Golf Superintendents Association (AGSA).
APRIL 10 UPDATE
Several news stories were done on this topic after Dr. Hinshaw's news yesterday. They are linked below:
All Global News stories in one article with video and text
Global Lethbridge (interview with Jae Maegaard)
Global Calgary (interview with Rob Ward)
Global Edmonton (interview with Jamie Driscoll and Jordan Jeske) (no direct link currently available but can be viewed in 1st link with all Global News stories)
Calgary Sun Wes Gilbertson article (quotes from Bruce McAllister, Scott Allred, Dale Tomlinson, Slade King)
If you have other news stories please send us the links and we will post them. We will NOT post the ones that are not the facts.
An online petition has been started for anyone who wishes to sign.
APRIL 10 NAGA-AB UPDATE (Please click on date for PDF Letter)
In summary, this update provides a comprehensive list of mandatory and recommended procedures and safety measures, both by Alberta Health, and the Alberta golf industry respectively.
APRIL 13 UPDATE
The online petition now has over 20,000 signatures. Click here to sign if you are interested.
Calgary Sun Wes Gilbertson article (about petition)
APRIL 15 NAGA-AB UPDATE (Please click on date for PDF Letter)
APRIL 15 UPDATE
Globe and Mail Article (interview with Barry Ehlert)
APRIL 17 UPDATE
Global Edmonton (interview with Alberta Golf's Kevin Smith)
APRIL 30 UPDATE
The Government of Alberta has announced its phased plan to re-open the province. Golf courses in Alberta are now allowed to open on Saturday, May 2. Protocols to follow on Friday afternoon, which gives golf courses half a day of turnaround time to open with skeleton staff, while following strict policies. An update will be provided on May 1 when the protocols are released.