The President of the, not for profit, Parry Sound Golf & Country Club, David Garagan sent a letter to the Premier respectfully calling for golf courses to be allowed to open under Ontario’s Stay at Home order.
In the letter, Garagan first thanks Doug Ford and his government for their leadership throughout the long battle against COVID-19.
He then explains how the club, entering its 92nd year of operation, is a vital part of the fabric of summer for kids, club members and guests in the region.
“Our children are struggling during the last 18 months. Minor Hockey did not operate this past winter in any normal fashion. We understand soccer and baseball will – so far – not be operating; but, golf could,” Garagan wrote.
He explained how the 2020 season, with COVID-19 measures in place, still saw 63 Junior members join the club, up from 34 the year before.
Golf, Garagan wrote, is truly a way children can be outdoors in a safe manner during this pandemic.
The club’s Director of Membership and Marketing, Gordon Walker told the My Parry Sound Now newsroom there are not many options to get this kind of safe and distanced outdoor activity.
It’s not an effort that’s being done in isolation Walker said, as the club is aware of other golfing organizations throughout the country petitioning their government to do the same.
“Golf can be played safely,”, the letter said, citing 20,000 plus infection-free rounds of golf safely played last year under public health restrictions.
“It’s a sport or a pastime, whatever you may want to call it, that lends itself to social distancing,” Walker said.
“You can play golf with three other people that you don’t know and you don’t need to come more than the two meters from the individuals during the course of the round,” he explained.
“I beg of you and your Cabinet to reconsider the decision to shutter golf in Ontario.” Garagan wrote in the letter, offering to host Ford’s announcement at the Club if the Premier decides to reconsider.