Revised - As spring moves into summer, it’s about time people start thinking about their warm-weather options. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are still in play, golf courses are making preparations for tee-off.

As reported by the Star on April 29, Dr. Brendan Hanley, the chief medical officer for the Yukon, ordered that bars and personal services be closed on March 22.

With that announcement, a large number of Yukon retailers also chose to close temporarily. Hanley said the onus is on those businesses to choose a date for reopening.

The ban on gatherings of more than 10 people still applies, and business owners should consider how many customers can be in an establishment while maintaining a two-metre distance and ensuring hand hygiene protocols are followed.

Both Meadow Lakes Golf Club and Mountain View Golf Club are taking extra steps to ensure that their members and the public can golf safely when it is time to step onto the links.

Johnny Enns, the general manager at Meadow Lakes, said when the course is ready, the plan is to open, but that is still a few weeks away.

“The pressure is off to start because we had a late spring,” said Enns. “In my 10 years, this is only the second time we haven’t opened in April.

“The course looks good; we just haven’t had the heat.”

When the course is ready to open, Enns said, there will be procedures in place so people can safely play.

“The lounge will be closed and check-in will be done via the take-out window,” said Enns. “There will be no walk-ins taken, and we are asking people arrive 20 minutes before their tee-time and leave afterward.

“The last thing we want is people gathering after their game.”

Enns said cash will also not be accepted; only debit and credit cards, with the tap method the preferred form of payment.

On the course, Enns said, there will be no rakes in the bunkers nor ball cleaners. Also, there will be no reason to touch the flag.

“We are going to adjust the cups and raise the rims, or, put a liner of styrofoam in the cup so you get the same effect as the ball going in,” said Enns. “There will be no reason to lift the flag.”

Derek Wirth, the golf course superintendent at Mountain View, said they are almost ready to open.

“We are about a week, 10 days away,” said Wirth. “The intention is to proceed with modifications to open. Right now, we are getting this ready, doing spring clean-up, and creating signage.

“When we do open, we want to be in control right away.”

The driving range will open today, by booking only, and Wirth said they have closed every other stall, leaving them with seven spots.

At Mountain View, they too will be closing their lounge, accepting only card payments, and not allowing walk-ins.

“We are discouraging any congregation,” said Wirth. “They can arrive 20 minutes before and are asked to leave afterward. We want to limit walk-in traffic and we want people to call ahead before coming.”

There will be no rakes nor ball wash stations, and they have modified their holes.

“There will be no touching of the flag,” said Wirth. “We will have something like a pool noodle wrapped around, and if it hits, it counts as in.”

Both courses are allowing groups of four, but are limiting carts to one per person. The carts will be properly sanitized and washed after every use.

Enns said both men’s and women’s league play will still be on once the course is open.

At Mountain View, Wirth said league play is still to be decided.

“I think we can have it as long as there is no congregation,” said Wirth.

“We will be suspending league play until June 7.”

Wirth said tournament-wise, there will be a rolling 60-day suspension of all tournaments and charity events with a decision made 30 days prior to their start date.

Enns and Wirth both said there is a growing excitement amongst their members about getting back playing.

“It’s coming along, and people can hardly wait,” said Enns. “The golfers are chomping at the bit. Most will go on trips to B.C. or Arizona to play, and most haven’t been able to do that this year.”

“I think people are excited to have a safe avenue to do something outside,” said Wirth. “It will probably be more recreational right now as it’s an avenue to have fun.

“There are lots of modifications, and people have to remember it’s a different time and it’s not going to be exactly how they were.”

The COVID-19 pandemic is still a fluid situation, and Enns and Wirth said they will be prepared to deal with whatever the CMO says.

Wirth confirmed Thursday that Mountain View has received notice from Hanley’s office and said they are pleased with their mitigation measures.

They are to work with Environmental Health in regards to the operation of the pro shop and food and beverage sales.