In a difficult decision, the City of Prince Albert and Cooke Municipal Golf Course chose to hold the 99th Northern Men's Amateur Championship, and not host previously announced Golf Saskatchewan provincial events. (submitted photo/City of Prince Albert)

By Trevor Redden

Tough Choices

City of P.A. prioritizes pass-holders, Northern tournament in withdrawing from golf provincials

Jul 9, 2020 | 12:00 PM

A commitment to pass-holders during a difficult year ultimately led to Prince Albert city council’s decision to withdraw from hosting three provincial events at Cooke Municipal Golf Course this summer.

On June 17, Golf Saskatchewan announced that provincial individual competitions could go ahead in 2020, and Cooke would be hosting the Men’s and Women’s Senior Championships as well as the Mid-Master’s Championship from July 28 to 30.

As of last week, Cooke will no longer be holding those events as the city has prioritized the 99^th annual Northern Men’s Amateur that will run from Aug. 1 to 3.

Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne said the coronavirus pandemic led to a late start to the golf season, and longer tee-time increments under COVID-19 safety regulations have further limited the ability for members and the general public to get on the course. He said the city committed to those who consistently pay to use the course and stands by that commitment.

“If we were to do the provincials and the Northern, they were back-to-back [from July 28 to Aug. 3 with a one day gap in between], so that means we would have no local golfing for a week…our season ticket holders are our bread and butter and renew every year, and we committed to them that they would have time to play.”

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According to the mayor, the decision to host the provincial tournaments at Cooke would have likely been made at the end of last season, but weren’t announced to the public until mid-June when it was finally determined by authorities that events could be held. Up to that point, it was understood by all parties that provincial events were not allowed under Saskatchewan’s health guidelines.

Upon realizing that the 99^th Northern could be held, it forced a decision among three courses of action.

First, Cooke could host provincials and the Northern, which would tie up the course for the better part of a week and limit pass-holders ability to play. Secondly, they could stick with the provincial event and cancel the Northern, ending a run of 98 consecutive years hosting the event. Lastly, they could withdraw from hosting the Golf Saskatchewan events, which was ultimately the decision made.

“It’s our tournament. It’s P.A.’s tournament, and lots of our local people golf in the Northern. That’s why we picked it,” Dionne said.

Darcy Myers, head professional at Cooke, is supportive of council’s decision. He echoed the mayor’s sentiments about prioritizing pass-holders and the Northern tournament.

“It’s just tough to take three or four days away from the members and supporters as they’ve been with us from the get-go here. The Northern is more of a local flavoured event. It’s been 99 years in the running here, and we’ve switched the priority to that event.”

Looking back at the history of the tournament, Myers emphasized the significance it holds for all involved.

“It’s gone through World War II. Ninety-eight consecutive years is something pretty special, and even with the challenges presented today it’s something we know we can do safely and continue that run and really look to have a big splash next year for the 100^th,” he said.

As for 2021, Myers is optimistic a provincial event can return.

“Golf Saskatchewan was very understanding, and we’re hoping to host the event next year.”

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trevor.redden@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Trevor_Redden