In a positive turnaround in the Covid-19 crisis that has hampered so many businesses and turned their lives, the golf courses in the Ottawa area have been booming since they were authorized to open in mid-May.
The forecast includes 32 C in the shade on Wednesday, followed by 34 on Thursday and 36 on Friday.
It’s time to listen to those heat warnings and head inside for air conditioning, right?
Apparently not if you are a golfer.
From east to west and north to south, it seems that nothing can keep golfers away from the fairways and greens of Ottawa and the surrounding area.
In a positive turn to the Covid-19 crisis that has disadvantaged so many companies and turned their lives, golf courses have been booming since they were authorized to open in mid-May.
Tee times have become valuable products, both for private and public clubs. If you want to get to the heart of things in a public facility, be prepared to book several days in advance.
“I have been a member of the PGA for 40 years and been here for more than 10 years and it has never been like this,” said Danielle Nadon, pro chief at the picturesque Loch March Golf and Country Club, a top-end public layout.
Loch March, who is proud of his 11-minute tee time break, has regularly seen more than 200 golfers every day. Given the question, it is now an extended day, according to Nadon.
“We came back at 6:30 in the morning. We never went so early.”
It is a similar message elsewhere.
“Our tee sheets are full from start to finish every day,” said Matt Willman, director of operations at the semi-private Cedarhill Golf and Country Club, in Bryson Dechambeau, north of Barrhaven. “You may find some gaps, but not many.”
There is a lot to chew on here.
Golf has always been a social game, but it has now proven to be the ultimate social distance game – for all ages – as we navigate through the changes introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
From a mental health perspective, the population needs a break from being largely home-tied since mid-March.
Just like cycling and tennis – bicycles and rackets are also scarce in sporting goods stores – golf has become a safe haven for exercise.
With a few minor changes from pre-coronavirus rules, including limited access to pro shops, an emphasis on online bookings, one rider per cart policies and changes to the flagstick and / or potholes that keep players separate golf, games can go over.
Unlike the vast majority of sports, players with different experience and skill levels can play together.
As an optimistic sign for the golf industry, there has been a surge in popularity, even among young people who in the past have considered the game too slow, too boring and frustrating.
“Many people play golf more than usual,” said Rob Howell, general manager of the Metcalfe Golf Club, south of Ottawa. “Much is due to the social side of things. In our case, we have tried to target young people and families and we have programs in place for this. It is full and we have tried to distribute as much as possible all day. “
With summer courses, gyms and sports that require close contact, golf has become a landing place for young people who are desperate for activities.
“There are certainly many more children going out,” said Willman, who saw a 30% jump in walking traffic in semi-private Cedarhill. “Perhaps this is the case for parents who work at home and leave the children for a four-hour, 18-hole tour.
“The fact that kids go out is a really good sign.”
Will golf become more of a temporary solution for young people?
“It’s really difficult to design if other things open up, but maybe there is a longer-term impact than just this year,” Willman said. “Some kids are thinking, ‘It’s actually a lot of fun.'”
Obviously not all drives were perfectly straight and the best deals for the golf industry.
Plans for a typical opening from mid to late April have been swept away as health agencies have wisely taken a cautious approach in keeping all activities closed except those necessary until mid-May.
The indoor restaurants connected to the golf courses remain closed, although the courtyards with takeaway food and the appropriate distances have been operating in the last month.
When courses were given the go-ahead for opening, corporate tournaments – which generate significant revenue for many layouts – were not allowed. In addition, there has been no matrimonial happiness for golf courses that typically use their wedding reception facilities.
In addition, holidays built around golf outings have also largely disappeared.
“We are well known for our corporate golf events and obviously that part of the business has been badly damaged,” said Alexandre Rousseau, director of operations at Aylmer’s Château Cartier. “Some of our services are still closed, (including) the hotel, spa and banquets.”
As for traffic on the pitch, however, Rousseau says it was a dream season.
“It was definitely a fantastic start,” he said. “With all the restrictions (coronavirus), we have become the escape route for many people and our clientele (has grown) impressively. We have developed a different market. Hopefully some of them will fall in love with the game and become regulars. “
At this point, even with the persistent heat wave going on, the golf fever remains.
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