Dear Friends of PEI’s Finest Golf,
We hope that you and your families are well and staying safe during these unprecedented and difficult times. At this time our focus is on the health and well being of our employees, members and guests; while we follow direction from the Chief Public Health Officer.
We have compiled answers to a list of frequently asked questions that we hope will address most of your concerns regarding the upcoming golf season, as it relates to the COVID-19 crisis. As you know, this situation is currently changing on a regular basis, sometimes by the hour.
The answers to the questions below are subject to change at any time, based upon the most recent information available:
Q. When do you anticipate opening the courses?
A. The opening of our courses historically ranges from mid-May to the end of May – depending on weather and course conditions. With the current COVID-19 circumstances and protocols in place, it appears that our historical timelines will be delayed.
Q. Would you consider opening just the golf courses if the clubhouses are not permitted to open?
A. Once the Chief Public Health Officer allows the public to return to playing golf, our plans are to open the courses without clubhouses if necessary, adhering to any restrictions and protocols. In the meantime, we will assess the situation on a regular basis and keep everyone up to date as the situation changes. Our priority is to ensure the safety of all our staff and patrons.
Q. What is currently happening at the various courses?
A. All courses are currently closed. In the near future a limited number of staff will be on the properties performing only essential duties for turf maintenance to protect the course and prepare it for opening day.
Q. Can I visit any of the courses?
A. Because of the current situation, and for the safety of our employees, members and the general public, our clubhouses are closed for visits. Walking on the cart paths is permitted provided you adhere to the social distance guideline of staying six feet apart
Q. What will happen with membership rates if the season is delayed by months?
A. Opening dates historically range from mid-May to the end of May. If there is an extreme delay to the start of the golf season, we will revisit our policies and do what is reasonable under the circumstances.
Q. Once the courses open will Food and Beverage be available?
A. Although this is currently a possibility, we need to follow any future protocols. Our first priority will be to get our customers onto the courses safely. Other amenities will follow accordingly in due time.
Q. Once the courses open will there be power carts and pull carts available?
A. This will depend once again on the protocols and guidelines from the Chief Public Health Officer and our government agencies.
Q. What will the course conditions be like when you open?
A. Our turf crew will begin our maintenance practices in the near future. We have no concerns that the courses will not be in normal playing conditions once we are able to open.
Q. What steps will be taken to protect the health and safety of golfers amid the COVID-19 crisis?
A. Once we are permitted to open, there will no doubt be strict guidelines and protocols handed down by the Chief Public Health Officer. We anticipate these protocols will revolve around the messages of self-distancing and no contact. Certain changes will be implemented based on these protocols, such as modified putting cups, no bunker rakes, no ball washers or any other fixtures on the course. Courses around the world who are already operating in the world of COVID-19, are constantly finding better ways to make the game safer for participants to enjoy. The modifications, for the most part, will be subtle and will in no way hinder the enjoyment of the game itself.