Despite the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down nearly all sports, Abbotsford golf courses all remain open for business.
Ledgeview Golf and Country Club director Gerry Hadwin posted a letter to clients and members on March 17 informing them about some of the changes coming to the course due to the coronavirus situation.
Hadwin wrote:
Dear Clients and Members:
I want to take a moment to provide an update on the current situation at Ledgeview Golf Club. Ledgeview is currently fully operational. The golf course is in superb condition and most customer services remain available to our golfers. This is our 58th year in operation, and we have a proud history of success over that time. Although these are stressful and uncertain times, over the years we have faced and overcome many challenges together. And together we will address and resolve any COVID-19 concerns as well.
As COVID-19 continues to spread we are following the advice of medical professionals and all levels of government. The wellbeing of our team members and clients is our top priority. As of this morning we have put the following procedures in to action:
•Disinfecting all counter areas and frequently used surfaces
•Providing hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and gloves for all employees
•Precautionary power cart cleaning
• All frequently-touched areas and equipment sanitized after every use
•Promoting social distancing
•Requiring staff to stay home if feeling unwell or symptomatic
Our goal at Ledgeview is to protect our staff and our golfers from contracting and spreading the virus and to provide the safest and best golf experience possible under current conditions. With this in mind, the club is delaying the opening of Northern 59 Bar & Grill in compliance with the government’s recent health order restricting the size of public gatherings.
We will regularly communicate with our team, our trusted clients and our members. During this difficult time, we will follow the advice of medical professionals and all levels of government. We would also ask all members and clients to please refrain from visiting the golf course if experiencing any symptoms. This will help prevent compromising the COVID-19 procedures we have in place, maximize everyone’s health and safety, and speed our community and country’s return to a normal state of affairs.
We continue to scenario plan and adjust to the ever-changing environment and will update you weekly on the situation. Please communicate any questions, concerns or suggestions to me and the team. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Our email contact: info@ledgeviewgolf.com.
Sincerely,
Gerry Hadwin
Director of Golf
Ledgeview has closed up both its putting green and driving range until further notice, and will also be closed on April 6 and 7 for maintenance.
The club also shared a photo of the ongoing construction of its brand new clubhouse earlier today (March 27).
Construction continues! A rainy look at the progress of the new clubhouse. #newclubhouse #Ledgeviewgolf #progress #lookingforward #constructioncontinues #golf #exciting #solidfoundation #lookinggood #future #new #venue pic.twitter.com/lyVEF9w4VS
— Ledgeview Golf (@LedgeviewGolf) March 27, 2020
Fraserglen Golf Course and Training Centre also remains open but announced that they did institute some safety tips last week. Power carts are also no longer available for rent.
The golf course’s pub, The Glen Bar and Grill, also closed up shop temporarily on March 19.
Abbotsford’s Valley Golf Centre is also open, but announced on Wednesday that they are taking it day-by-day. They stated that they are abiding by all recommended precautions set forth by the government.
B.C. has not closed golf courses yet, but Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have all closed golf courses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Monday, the British Columbia Golf Association sent a letter to the provincial health office asking it to order facilities to close for play. In the letter, the association stressed it was an extreme but necessary request.
“While we do not take this decision lightly whatsoever,” the letter stated, “we realize that in the best interest of all golfers, their families and loved ones, staying away from golf facilities in order to do our part to ‘flatten the curve’ is the most responsible and prudent thing to do.”
B.C.’s provincial government has not yet responded to the association’s appeal.
On Friday afternoon, Ledgeview also sent out a notice highlighting the 19 steps they have take at the course to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Here is the notice:
19 Steps to Stop COVID-19 Spread
March 27th, 2020
**Our #1 concern is the safety and well being of our staff and patrons. Below is a list of steps we are taking at Ledgeview to STOP THE SPREAD of COVID-19 and “Flatten the Curve”**
Postpone the opening of our entire Food & Beverage operations
Shut down the driving range/putting green/and practice facilities to prevent gathering
Cancelled all spring break and kids camps
Increased space between tee times from 9 to 15 minutes
Limit power cart usage to one person per cart
Sanitization of power carts and pull carts after each use
Limiting one person in the pro-shop at a time
Eliminated all cash payments
Provide staff with full hygienic support (gloves, sanitizer, soap, water, etc)
Regular marshalling of golfers on the course to ensure physical distancing guidelines
Doubled-down on our restroom cleaning/sanitizing
Requiring all patrons who have travelled to stay away for 14 days to self-isolate
Removed all bunker rakes from the course
Implemented a new pin/hole system so golfers no longer need to touch the pins on the green
Grounds crew staff clean equipment after and before each use
Ball washers have not been installed
Removal of the sand and seed bottles
Implemented remote access for employees where able
Follow guidelines from local, provincial, and federal officials