Prince Albert area golf courses are facing an uncertain future with the COVID-19 situation. (File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Business and COVID-19

COVID-19 virus adds uncertainty for seasonal operations

Apr 5, 2020 | 12:00 PM

Golf courses in Prince Albert and the surrounding area are facing uncertainty.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has forced the closure of non-essential businesses and the current weather conditions in the area would have prevented courses from opening even if the virus wasn’t an issue.

Darcy Myers, head professional at Cooke Municipal Golf Course said any time they lose has a big impact on them as a business.

“Our season is short enough as it is, we have a small window to bring in revenues,” he said.

Myers said having a shorter season also leads to many employees having a shorter time for work. Currently, some staff members are doing snow removal to get the course ready for spring preparation.

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Myers added he has been in contact with colleagues from around the country and talked about what could be done to make things safer for golfers. He said it is important everyone in the industry be on the same page.

“We’ve got to make sure that message is clear with all operators that we’re all doing the same things and taking the safety of the staff and golfers as serious as this epidemic is,” he said.

Patty Kachur, co-owner of Kachur’s Golf Club said she has been in contact with the provincial government about the COVID-19 situation. Kachur said they are prepared to make changes to how they operate if needed.

“Most of our business is large groups, but we can conform to any rules they have,” she said.

Kachur said she they are staying optimistic, and even if they don’t get the all-clear until June or July they would be ready to go. Kachur guessed the latest they’ve ever opened in the past has been around May 1.

Kachur said they are working to get ready for spring preparations, this includes getting the clubhouse ready. She added not being able to open at all would be a big blow.

“It would be horrible because that’s our livelihood,” she said.

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn