CLICK HERE FOR COVID-19 RULES OF GOLF AND RULES OF HANDICAPPING GUIDANCE

The COVID-19 global pandemic is an unprecedented and difficult time for Canadians and Golf Canada stands with our entire golf community during this unprecedented time.

We all love the game for the escape it provides and its positive impact on our physical, social and mental well-being. We look forward to better and healthier days and when the time is right for Canadians to return to recreational normalcy, clubs and courses will be ready to welcome golfers back to the tee.

We continue to urge golfers to follow the guidelines from health and governmental officials to keep you and those around you safe, and to minimize any possible exposure to coronavirus. This is especially true on a golf course, where golfers, workers and operators should heighten their level of awareness on exposure to surfaces like flagsticks, golf balls, bunker rakes, tees, carts and scorecards. We all need to do our part to respect expert advice and make the right decisions to protect each other.

It is not the intended purpose of the below guidance to either encourage or discourage anyone from playing the game, but rather, in our governance role, to help golf course operators, committees and golfers better understand how the Rules of Golf and Rules of Handicapping apply to the various questions received by the governing bodies.

The Modernized Rules of Golf were drafted to offer each Committee the flexibility to make decisions as to how golf is played at their course or in competition and the Committee Procedures section of the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf (available online here) offers a significant amount of guidance and recommendations on how to address circumstances unique to each course or competition.

This flexibility will prove to be very helpful as Committees look to address many of the challenges they are facing within the current environment. While the Committee Procedures section is a tremendous resource and has much to offer, many of the current questions were not originally contemplated under the Rules of Golf and therefore there is no history or guidance provided. To better address the questions that have come about because of these unique circumstances and the related challenges, additional guidance can be accessed by clicking here. This will continue to be updated as additional questions are received.

As active seasons start to open across the country, we would like to discuss impacts on Handicapping.  From the perspective of the Rules of Handicapping, the most frequent questions received are primarily related to the acceptability of scores for posting to a player’s scoring record. In particular, to modifying the hole and not requiring the player to “hole out” as required under the Rules of Golf. These are founded in a desire to minimize the possibility of exposing golfers to coronavirus and have included leaving the hole liner raised above the putting surface or placing various objects into the hole so the ball can be more easily removed. In these specific cases, ensuring guidance from health and governmental officials is being followed, a temporary measure is in place in Canada to accept scores played under these conditions for handicap purposes using the most likely score guidelines (Rule 3.3, Rules of Handicapping), even though the player has not holed out.

Please remember that this temporary measure is now in effect within Canada until advised otherwise by Golf Canada.

For more information and detailed guidance, please contact your Provincial Golf Association or Golf Canada.

Residence
Saskatoon, originally from Speers, Sask.

Home club:
Non-member but play Purdue Oasis Golf Course

Handicap factor:
N/A

Rounds per year:
About 20

Left/Right:
“Grossly right-handed.”

Years with Golf Saskatchewan:
Six

Area of service:
Course rating

How did you get involved with Golf Saskatchewan?
Perdue wasn’t with the Golf Association so to apply handicaps was a lot of work to apply handicaps and utilize them. The leader of our group, Bob Naconechny was also a course rater and he got me into it. I did it more to understand how the Handicap Factor works and how you apply your handicap when you play a round and understand you are a bogey golfer.”

What do you like about volunteering?
I enjoy the camaraderie and I get to do a little travelling around and the seeing of the various courses. Last year we did Loon Lake and Lashburn. It was an enjoyable trip. We got to see some new courses and new areas. I’ve got to see and play what I think is one of the gems in Saskatchewan being Northern Meadows.”

What would you say about volunteering, not only for Golf Saskatchewan but any organization?
Let’s face it, regardless of the sports, yes you need fans but you also need volunteers for any sport to run. Even semi-pro teams need volunteers. With times the way they are it’s tough to make it economically if you don’t have a lot of volunteers. It makes the sports grow and succeed. You get the mingling, the odd pint or whatever, the lies and stories you get to tell. Some of the stories I could tell from my career in fastball umpiring would either make you laugh or cry.”

*Dave has volunteered in curling and fastball for decades and traveled the world helping grow those sports as well as his time with Golf Saskatchewan. He grew up curling with two-time Brier champion and World Curling Champion Ed “Cool Hand Luke” Lukowich.

The 2020 Saskatchewan Summer Games slated for Lloydminster in late July are postponed due to COVID-19.

The organizing committee made the announcement on their social media channels on Tuesday. The games have been moved to July 18 – 24, 2021. Games Council Executive Director Mark Bracken said the work that has went into planning the event hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“The Saskatchewan Games Council wishes to recognize the ongoing hard work and passion invested by the City of Lloydminster and Lloydminster 2020 Host Society in planning these games, including the leadership from Games Manager Nicole Clow and Chairperson Kevin Kusch. We also want to recognize the Sport, Culture and Recreation Districts and Provincial Sport Organizations for all their efforts in preparing for the games. Though this is an unfortunate situation, it was the right decision to ensure the health and safety of all involved, and we look forward to working with all partners to deliver an exceptional experience for our province’s athletes in the summer 2021,” Bracken said in a news release.

Over 2,000 athletes will compete in the biennial games with many having a chance to move onto higher levels of competition such as the Canada Games or the Olympics. 

Up to 54 golfers were to compete at the the games plus coaches from each of the nine districts across the province.

Prior to Premier Scott Moe’s announcement that golf courses would open in Saskatchewan May 15, the golf community was on pins and needles regarding the 2020 season. During the downtime of March and April, the three people behind the Drive the Green podcast got the golf masses talking, and voting.

Through Twitter and Instagram, the trio created a 32-course bracket based on north and south courses and pitted them up against each other for 24 hours with the public voting the winners through. Thousands of votes and hundreds of comments and barbs later, Waskesiu Golf Course in Prince Albert National Park came out on top outlasting Golf Kenosee after nearly 1,500 votes on the two social media platforms. Waskesiu General Manager Tyler Baker admitted he was following along and thanked the membership for the participation.

“We had a lot staff and members following, it was good,” Baker said. “We were getting a lot of updates, a lot of retweets, a lot phone calls actually to remind people to vote. It was really good to see our membership and clientele to get close knit and move us through the bracket. It was a fun event.”

Waskesiu was the second seeded course in the north bracket behind Saskatoon’s Riverside Country Club. Waskesiu defeated Deer Park Municipal Golf Course, Holiday Park, Cooke Municipal Golf Course, and the Evergreen Golf Course to reach the final against the south champion. Baker said Waskesiu has the natural landscape and a legendary design to make the course stand out.

“Being a Stanley Thompson design, carved through the trees, such a different setting than the rest in the province. Every hole is different. Thompson didn’t move any dirt, he just cut trees and go play the way you are meant to,” he said.

Waskesiu, along with its neighbour, Elk Ridge Golf and Resort are popular across the country and see visitors from coast to coast. Getting their names on lists of marquee tracks isn’t new, but Baker still appreciates the time the Drive the Green managers and voters took to provide some positive publicity.

“Everybody is pretty happy to see Waskesiu come through in the bracket,” Baker added. “It was a fun month to follow along and I look forward to maybe doing something with them next year. It was definitely some good promotion material.”

For Golf Kenosee in the south, you could call the Moose Mountain Provincial Park course a Cinderella story. The course was the 13^th seeded club of 16. The 2018 Saskatchewan Senior Men’s Championship host site rolled through Katepwa Beach Golf Club and its friendly foe White Bear Lake Golf Course in the opening two rounds. Kenosee then out drove number one ranked Deer Valley Golf and Resort before taking down the historical Royal Regina Golf Club to reach southern supremacy. General Manager Brent Lothian said the passionate membership of their course allowed them to reach the final vote.

“There is a real sense of community here. Everyone is willing to come out and help with jobs that need to be done around the course. They really feel it’s their course, they take great pride in it,” Lothian said.

Both finalists provided a foursome pass to their clubs to a lucky voter, the winner was Sean Stefan. Jeremy Blais won a $100 gift card from PLYR Golf and a Drive the Green t-shirt.

Overall the campaign received over 15,000 votes.

(A view from Golf Kenosee’s popular first hole.)

Golf courses will be allowed to open for play on May 15.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe made the announcement on Thursday during part of the province’s plan to “re-open” following shutdowns brought on by COVID-19.

On March 26, courses were named as “non-allowable” businesses and told to close. No courses were open to play but several across Saskatchewan closed their year-round restaurants or banquet services due to the spread of the virus. Moe said during the announcement the government is trying to find balance of health and safety.

“We have to find the middle ground that continues to keep our case numbers low and keep Saskatchewan people safe while at the same time allowing for businesses to reopen and Saskatchewan people to get back to work,” Moe said.

Every province across Canada had shut down golf except British Columbia. Courses could use their own discretion. The clubs were allowing play with conditions regarding social distancing and other measures, the same will be for Saskatchewan.

Courses will need to adhere to these mandates:

• Physical distancing
• One person to a cart (walking encouraged)
• Raised cups with flags in
• No walk-ons, all players must have tee times
• Tee times 20 minutes apart
• Rakes and ball washers removed
• Public washrooms will be closed
• Driving ranges and putting greens closed
• Locker rooms closed

The Government of Saskatchewan has their five phase plan laid out here and distributed a “Re-Open Plan.” More golf course guidelines can be found on page 35.

Courses will need to keep their restaurants closed for seating, curbside pickup will be allowed. Eating and licensed establishments such as clubhouses are included in phase 3 of the reopen plan but no date was given. Public gatherings are still restricted to under 10.

Golf Saskatchewan, as part of the allied golf associations, has been working with the government (Canadian Society of Club Managers – Saskatchewan Branch, National Golf Course Owners Association Canada – Prairie Chapter, Professional Golfers Association of Canada – Saskatchewan Zone, and Saskatchewan Turfgrass Association) with the hopes of reopening the sport of golf safely during the pandemic. Golf Saskatchewan executive director Brian Lee said he’s pleased the announcement, but safety is still top priority for the people of the province.

“We are pleased with the outcome of today’s announcements. The Government of Saskatchewan’s Business Response Team was great to work with during the lead up to the announcement today. The allied golf associations look forward to working with the Government of Saskatchewan in the days ahead to ensure the health and safety of all the stakeholders and participants as our sport reopens, under the COVID-19 procedures and guidelines,” Lee stated.

Golf Saskatchewan’s provincial championship schedule has not been modified as of today, but will review our procedures and rules for our events in the coming days and weeks. The start of the official season was April 15, scoring for the new World Handicap System will begin when courses open.

Parks and campgrounds will be open on June 1.

Chase Porter has been golfing in Saskatoon most of his life and met Travis Jenkins through junior events, the two are still close. More on that connection later.

While working at The Willows Golf Club in the Bridge City, Porter and a co-worker thought the golf world needed a more casual look, especially away from the course, from the idea PLYR Golf was developed in 2015. A small line of t-shirts, hoodies, and hats to tee the line off. Five years later Porter said the initial support in Saskatchewan has allowed PLYR to spread nationwide.

“Two years in I probably would have thought we’d be bigger than we are today, if that makes sense,” he explained to Golf Saskatchewan. “Now you see how much work goes in behind the scenes, it’s a lot of work. We’re in about 75 courses across Canada. We went 10 courses in year one, 25 in year two, 50 in year three, you just think you’re going to keep doubling every year, maybe it’s realistic but it didn’t work out that way for us. I’m really happy with where we are at right now, local support in Saskatchewan is awesome.”

The brand is seen across courses in the province worn by mainly amateur players. Local golfers that play in college in the United States showcase PLYR when they aren’t suited up in school colours for tournaments. Symetra Tour player Anna Young is arguably Porter’s most famous advertiser. Young sported a PLYR hat for a week at the CP Women’s Open in Regina in August of 2018, Porter said his goal is to get more professionals wearing their logo. Overall the future is bright for his growing market.

“I do have to keep busy and make money other ways, but this is more than fulltime right now. I definitely work more hours than I should, but it is my passion. I see it for the foreseeable future being my career. I have some exciting stuff coming up and I’m excited,” Porter said.

One of the newest lines is the ‘Aly Jenkins Collection.’

As mentioned, Porter played more golf with Travis who is the younger brother of Scott Jenkins. Aly was Scott’s wife who tragically passed away in October of 2019 while giving birth to the couple’s third child. Aly was an avid golfer and competitive curler on the Sherry Anderson team. Porter said he couldn’t be happier that Scott approached him to help raise some money for a cause close to their hearts and keep Aly’s legacy thriving.

“It was 100 percent Scott’s idea, I am very glad he approached me with this, I’m happy to support his family anyway I can,” he said. “It is a terrible tragedy that did shock the golf world and especially the curling world. I knew Scott way better than I knew Aly, but every time I saw Aly at the course she was wearing a PLYR hat. When Scott did approach me about coming out with some items and it was a no-brainer.”

Aly; “a great mother and friend”

Scott met Aly playing junior golf in Saskatchewan. He said she had a “personality that stayed with a person forever.”

That was evident following her tragic passing. Support poured in for Scott and their three children including a tribute at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Moose Jaw.

“The Scotties in Moose Jaw and Curling Canada put on an amazing tribute for Aly and our family and treated all of us amazing,” he said. “That week was full of every emotion possible a person could feel. Had lots of laughs mixed in with lots of tears. Everyone at the event were so sincere and shared so many kind words with our family.”

Jenkins was chipping around ideas of how to keep Aly’s memory alive three months after her passing. He said he looked back on a photo of Aly in the hospital while giving birth to their second child. She was wearing a PLYR had and “a lightbulb” went off. He began conversing with Porter about creating the clothing line and in about a week the first order was placed. The stock was gone in days.

All the proceeds from the sale of the line that for now includes women’s and men’s golf shirts, a hat, hoody, and t-shirt are being directed to The Sandra Schmirler Foundation. Jenkins said the cause is very close to their hearts.

“What the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) did to save Sydney’s life was truly remarkable, everyone in that hospital are miracle workers,” Jenkins said. “The machines in the NICU are incredible and seeing them work first hand blew me away. Sydney had no brain function and her lungs were not working and for her to leave Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in nine days perfectly healthy speaks to the kind of work everyone there does. I got the chance to meet Sandra’s kids and husband at the Scotties and they are truly remarkable people. I couldn’t think of a better foundation to support as they are saving lives daily with the machines there are buying for the hospitals.”

Both Jenkins and Porter have ideas to expand the line to casual curling wear as well. They hope to release that in the fall. You can order from the current line up to April 30. More items will be released in October.

Jenkins said he’s still overwhelmed by the support shown not only in Saskatchewan, but across the globe.

“I really want to thank everyone across the world for the kind messages and support to our family. I have been blown by the curling community, fans, and media for wrapping our family up and giving us so much love and helping in anyway possible. I am still receiving books and gift cards and letters for the kids in the mail from families I have never met. I wish there was a way I could thank each one of you individually,” he added.

Residence:
Porcupine Plain

Home club:
Greenhills Golf Resort (Rose Valley)

Handicap Factor/Index:
14

Right/Left:
Right

Rounds per year:
50 plus

Favourite player:
Brooke Henderson

Favourite golf quote:
“I’d sooner have a good hit with a poor ball as a bad hit with a good ball”

Years with Golf Saskatchewan:
Six

Area(s) of Service:
Course Rating

How did you get involved with Golf Saskatchewan?
I got into course rating through Byron Harvie when he rated Greenhills Golf Resort.”

What do you like about volunteering?
The camaraderie. I’ve met lots of nice people.”

What would you say to someone on the fence about volunteering with Golf Saskatchewan or any organization?
“Give it a try you might be pleasantly surprised.”

The board of directors for the Weyburn Golf Club have hired an experienced course manager from Texas to oversee their operations.

Dru Bolen started working in the golf industry when he was 14 years old in his hometown of Dallas. He climbed the ladder in the industry but in 2009 he was the victim of mass golf course layoffs. Bolen fell back on teaching high school math but worked towards a master’s degree in business and finance. He was able to use that to get into management and was part of the team overlooking three Dallas area courses.

Bolen’s wife is from Regina and the couple have wanted to move back to Canada while their two boys were young. The Bolen’s have been living in the Saskatchewan capital for about a year but now have relocated to Weyburn following the hiring. He said the position is a perfect fit for him and his family.

“We were living with family, I had applied to work in proshops in Regina, it didn’t matter me. I just wanted to stay in golf more than anything and my wife was good with that,” he told Golf Saskatchewan. “This came open so it’s perfect. Everything is in storage since July, so we were open to moving anywhere. This is perfect to get out of the family’s house, have our own space again and for me to learn a lot of different things.”

Bolen is at the course now getting prepared to open when the provincial government declares courses can do so. He said it’s “weird” not being open now as he’s accustomed to Texas weather and lengthier golf seasons. He said that he will have to adapt to the much shorter playing time. One thing he won’t have to learn is who Graham DeLaet is. Bolen has been with his wife for a decade and has spend plenty of time in the province so he’s familiar with the PGA Tour pro’s career.

“It’s awesome, I actually followed him around the Byron Nelson in 2015,” Bolen said. “My wife is from here, so I knew of him and we always went to the Nelson, so we followed him around. I got one of his golf balls and an autographed Koozie. I have never met him other than him giving me that, but it is really cool. This whole town has been unbelievable. I’ve never been around a place that loves their golf course and is so passionate.”

Like all course managers across Saskatchewan and the nation, Bolen is eagerly awaiting a government decision regarding opening courses. He said he’s excited to get to work once the green light is given.

“Things are going to be very different regarding the building and operations. I look forward to hopefully keeping the staff, I know some are gone and I really wish I had more staff to train in my past life to keep people in the business. That’s kind of what makes me sad about this is the number of people leaving the business that are good people because there just won’t be enough jobs for them. If we can protect the people in this town and that are at this course now and keep them in golf from a staff perspective, that’s one of my main goals,” he said.

Bolen takes over the job from Brett Berkner.

You can hear more from Bolen below.