Golf By David McPherson Lesson 3: Social distancing. Although the term “social distancing” was popularized by newscasters following COVID19 stories, this concept is not new to golfers. Golf, as a sport, already has social distancing built in. The playing field is a wide-open space of hundreds of acres, in which one can easily adhere to the recommended six-feet-apart rule. Most times, your tee shot and your playing partner’s land far from each other in any case. Golf also offers escape. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic − especially here in North America − it was important for people to enjoy this pastime. For many, it was a way to cope with anxieties, fears and all the uncertainty of this time, which a friend of mine described as “mutual incomprehension.” Some courses closed. Others became “Coronavirus getaways,” with golf advertised as the perfect place to practise social distancing. Lesson 4: Change is good. Traditions evolve. Just as change is constant, while traditions are ingrained into golf and our daily routines, this pandemic has already created some new routines and ways to enjoy golf that just might become new traditions. Imagine golf in the post-COVID-19 world and some of these new norms. No more shaking hands after a round. Instead, we wave from one side of the 18th green to the other. Only one person on a green putting at a time might lead to more gimmes and speed up play. To maintain the “social distancing” rule, people will not use as many carts and decide to walk My hope is that this unprecedented time in history teaches all of us to reflect on our greater purpose and how we can help spread more kindness. In the past, golf has survived wars, recessions and even epidemics. The sport and the economy will eventually recover. When they do, what can you do to help? Support your local businesses; especially the small mom-andpop-run golf operations and seasonal courses. more. Not a bad thing, right? It’s better for both the environment and your health. Maybe we will start to wear golf gloves on both hands, not to have a better grip on the club, but for health and sanitary reasons. Ridding bunkers of rakes permanently is not such a bad idea either. This is one change that would make most superintendents happy. There is a reason that bunkers are called hazards. Watch professionals on TV get out of these sand traps. For them, it’s a breeze, partly because these so-called hazards are smooth as a just-polished floor. As people learn to play in bunkers that Like every business, the COVID-19 crisis has had a serious impact on their operations. When things return to a new normal (whatever that is) and we can enjoy a game of golf again, make sure that you take some of the lessons I’ve shared above to heart, adopt some of these new safe practices and get out and support your local muni. I believe that as we emerge from are not raked, they will try that much harder to not find these hazards and/or adjust their game accordingly. The benefit to golf courses is a huge reduction in labour costs that they can redistribute to other parts of the course. Maybe recreational golfers will not use scorecards as often, just enjoying a round of golf for golf ’s sake. Finally, be prepared for possible increases in green fees. The combination of lost revenue from the extended course closures combined withmore spaced out tee times will most likely mean an adjustment in prices. this pandemic − whenever that is – we will possess a greater sense of perspective regarding what it means to be a human and share the land and our resources (including golf courses) responsibly in the 21st century. Until then, take care of each other, stay healthy and stay present. Lesson 5: Give more, receive less and support local: my new mantra. CSANews | SPRING 2020 | 41
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