Golfers eager to hit the links
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Not even a missed birdie or a few drops of rain would have ruined Saturday for Braden Roberts and his buddies at The Greens at Renton.
“If we didn’t have these masks on, you’d be able to see the big smiles we all have,” Roberts said as Travis Walker prepared to hit his first tee shot of 2021.
“Yeah, we’re all thrilled to be here,” said Travis’s cousin, Garrett Walker, another member of a foursome that also included Travis’s brother, Braeden.
“No question about it,” said Braeden.
Saturday was the first day golf courses were allowed to open this season. When the four couldn’t get a tee time at Port Dover Golf Club, they called The Greens.
They were happy to have a photo taken under one condition.
“When you write this up, make sure you mention that I had the longest drive,” Travis said.
They were just one group of golfers to play Renton on Saturday after Premier Doug Ford announced Thursday that golf courses and other outdoor sports facilities – basketball and tennis courts among them – could open with some restrictions.
Golfers sharing carts with a person not from their immediate household were required to wear masks. They were also required to keep two metres apart while on the course.
The restrictions are in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, said Brad Halyk, the club’s general manager.
“Golf is a game of rules and there is a lot of etiquette,” Halyk said. “Golfers understand that and are able to adapt pretty quickly.
“They know how to keep their distance and understand why the restrictions are in place.”
Tee times at the course filled up Thursday afternoon.
“We had to work pretty quickly to get things ready,” Halyk said. “The course is in great shape so that wasn’t really a concern.
“But we had to make sure we had enough people in place to make sure people could play safely.”
Tee times were booked 10 minutes apart. Golfers were asked to show up a few minutes ahead of their time to limit the number of people around the first tee and the golf carts.
Meanwhile, those who don’t play golf or tennis found other ways to enjoy the hot weekend weather that included a mix of sun and clouds.
Many went to Port Dover to line up for an Arbour Dog or enjoy french fries, a cold drink or ice cream. Some strolled along the sidewalks or gathered in small groups to enjoy a treat in nearby parking lots.
Still others, went to the beach to soak up some sunshine and go in for swim. Several others spent the time casting a fishing line off the Port Dover pier.
Residents will have plenty of opportunity to play more golf and outdoor recreational pursuits in the coming week as daytime temperatures are expected to range between a high of 27 C on Tuesday and a low of 20 C on Friday, with a mix of sun and cloud.
Vball@postmedia.com
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