Update from Ontario’s We Are Golf partners

April 7, 2021

Dear Golf Industry Partners / Key Stakeholders,

Premier Ford and the ON government announced today that the province is going into a province-wide declaration of emergency and a stay-at-home order effective at 12:01am on Thursday April 8th. Included in this announcement is confirmation that outdoor golf courses and driving ranges can remain open.

Click here for official announcement on April 7th.
Click here for current details on the Stay At Home Order details (and the underlying Emergency Brake guidelines) on the ON government website updated on April 7th indicating golf courses and driving ranges allowed to be opened.

Ontario’s We Are Golf partners have been actively engaged with the ON government throughout this process, right up to, and including, this morning. The key message has been that GOLF IS SAFE and that now, more than ever, safe outdoor recreational options will be critical to ensure the physical and mental well-being of Ontarians. We have reiterated our commitment as a golf industry to continue to be a LEADER in Ontario in providing one of these safe recreational activities that will be so important in the coming weeks.

We are happy that the ON government has recognized the need for safe outdoor activities like golf, but at the same time recognize that it is CRITICAL that we CONTINUE TO BE SAFE in 2021. Please ensure you are adhering to the following:

NEW Masks on Cart Rule – If you are allowing 2 riders from different households on a cart, they MUST wear a mask while in the cart. (click here for complete details and signage).
Physical Distancing – All staff and players must stay at least 6 feet apart. If not able to do this, a mask must be worn.
Clear and consistent screening protocols – Please ensure you have these in place.
Gatherings – There is a maximum outdoor gathering limit of 5 people. Please do not allow for pre or post game gatherings at your facilities.
Retail / Pro Shop - Limiting the majority of non-essential retailers to only operate for curbside pick-up and delivery, via appointment, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., with delivery of goods to patrons permitted between 6:00 am and 9:00 pm, and other restrictions.
Food & Beverage Outlets – During the current Stay-At-Home Order there is NO indoor or outdoor (patio) food service allowed. Facilities are allowed to proceed with Pick Up, Take Out and Delivery, and as such, that would indicate that your Halfway Hut can be open on the course for your golfers (with all seating removed) and beverage cart service would be allowed for golfers during their round.

We implore all facilities to be extremely diligent in following all key protocols.

Golf facilities MUST demonstrate leadership in these areas if we want continue to be recognized as a safe, outdoor activity. Please continue to do your part. Thank you and stay safe!

Note: These continue to be tough times for everyone. While happy that golf courses will be open in Ontario, there will be many, many businesses very negatively impacted by this stay-at-home order and we need to be mindful of this. We ask that in any external communications (social media, etc.) you be very aware of your messaging and ensure you are being thankful that golf will be able to provide a SAFE outlet for the physical and mental well-being of Ontarians. We don’t want to be too celebratory in our tone in light of the significant challenges other businesses are facing.

Yours in golf.