The Lennoxville Golf Club was a popular spot Wednesday for players lucky enough to get a tee time. Golf was on the list of sports that were allowed to resume as of May 20 as long as players respect social distancing.
As of 7 a.m. the course was booked solid with players teeing off every 13 minutes. According to club manager Bert Collins, things went smoothly, and all the club visitors were respectful of the rules. They were just happy to be able to play. For now, the clubhouse and dressing room is closed but washrooms are accessible.
Players can show up to the course a maximum of 30 minutes before their scheduled tee time, Collins explained, to avoid congestion. Anyone who shows up earlier than that is asked to wait in their car.
Once on the course, maintaining a two-metre distance applies everywhere, including golf carts. “We only have 22 carts,” Collins said, which presents a challenge. Without enough to go around, Collins said two golfers can put their bags on a cart, but unless they are from the same house, they can’t ride together. Collins added that the driving range and practice green are closed for the moment while the club gets used to a new way of running things. Once the club is running smoothly and adjusted to the distancing rules, Collins said they will look at making the driving range available again.
Collins said the closure of the clubhouse will have a big impact on revenue this year. Aside from the bar and restaurant, the venue is rented quite a bit during the summer for weddings and various events and receptions.
Locals excited to hit the links
By Matthew McCully
