THUNDER BAY – A golf season that began with uncertainty over whether courses could even open amid the COVID-19 pandemic is ending on a high note.
The city-run Chapples and Strathcona courses together saw traffic increase by more than 10 per cent over 2019, with a combined total of around 56,000 rounds played this year. That's 6,000 more than in 2019.
Pat Berezowski, supervisor of golf operations for city, says the courses attracted some newcomers and won back some former players, likely benefitting from a shutdown of some other team sports.
“People definitely came out that hadn’t golfed for a long time, started out kids that maybe weren’t able to do some of the other sports like soccer and baseball,” he said.
The season’s early weeks in May and June required adjustments for staff and some patience from players as operators smoothed out staggered tee times and other new rules.
“Golfers were a little reluctant at the beginning, but once they realized we could do this sport in a safe environment, they were all in, and we had an excellent season,” Berezowski said.
Ultimately, being able to offer safe play provided a valuable “mental health release” of exercise and time outdoors, he added.
City courses will shut down Wednesday, with staff performing final maintenance work on the greens before laying down tarps.
If weather co-operates, Berezowski hopes golfers can get in one or two more days of play before then.
