Golf restrictions being loosened in Saskatchewan

Golfers will once again be able to hear the sweet sounds of their birdie — or bogey — falling into the cup.

“For those who are true golf fans, the sound of a golf ball rolling in and banging around the bottom of the cup is something that has been missed for the past 16 months,” Golf Saskatchewan executive director Brian Lee said.

“It’s something that’s fundamental to the game. It’s something that brings a smile to your face especially if you haven’t heard it in as long as most golf enthusiasts have.”

Golf Saskatchewan said it has been told by the province almost all COVID-related restrictions out on the course will be removed effective immediately.

Restrictions inside clubhouses — such as social distancing and mask use — will still be in effect until all are lifted on July 11.

Lee said the organization was told restrictions regarding flag sticks and lifter systems could be removed if the golf course wanted to. Rakes and ball-washers will also return to the courses.

“This is, as far as we’re concerned, a step in the right direction,” Lee said.

Unfortunately for some golfers, that means they can’t blame something else for missing those easy putts.

“Now there’s going to be no excuses,” Lee said. “They can’t say they missed it because of a pool noodle or a lifter system. It will be squarely on them.”

Lee said with golf being one of the only sports to play during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has seen an increase in people choosing to play the sport.

“We have seen a good number of people continue to play in 2021 so it is a positive,” he said, “and the more people we can get playing, the sport will be in a more healthy position.”