COVID-19 Golf NB Championships

Golf NB Finalizes 2020 Event & Championships Schedule

For Immediate Release: With the ongoing uncertainty and global concern related to COVID-19, Golf NB has continued to evaluate all aspects of its business to operate and make informed and responsible decisions within the best interests of our athletes, staff, volunteers, host clubs, partners and other stakeholders health and well-being. Further to the already announced event cancellations (CLICK HERE) and after great deliberation, the Golf NB Executive Committee announces the following changes and amendments to its 2020 Golf NB Event & Championships Schedule; Golf NB Event Confirmations – Golf NB is pleased to announce that the following Golf NB Events & Championships have been confirmed for the 2020 golf season and will be operated under a revised set of guidelines and protocols that will be announced in the coming weeks. As part of its ongoing COVID-19 response, Golf NB has cancelled the 2020 East Coast Junior Championship, NB Pee Wee (U-12) Boys & Girls Championships, NB Family Classic & Adult Junior and the Jim Connolly “Little Swingers” events.  Additionally, the NB Bantam (U-15), Juvenile (U-17) and Junior (U-19) Boys & Girls Championships and Men’s Mid-Master Championship will be contested as part of their respective 2020 NB Ladies and Men’s Amateur Championships, as outlined below;

Golf NB Event Cancellations – With the continued closures of provincial borders, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the availability of hotels, restaurants and general food & beverage options, combined with Golf NB’s desire to limit any unnecessary exposure to COVID-19 for staff and volunteers the Golf NB Executive Committee regretfully announces the cancellation of the following 2020 Events & Championships; Golf NB Event Restrictions and Operational Changes – In addition, the event postponements, confirmations, and cancellations noted above, Golf NB will be implementing the following event restrictions and operational changes for all 2020 events and championships; 1. Golf Only – All Golf NB events and championships will be “Golf Only”. Golf NB will not be providing any food and beverage or hosting any social functions as part of its 2020 events or championships. Additionally, any gatherings at or around the club will be subject to the respective golf course “Operational Plan” and mandated Public Health Guidelines as set forth by the Province of New Brunswick. 2. Tee Times – All Golf NB events will consist of a 1st tee start only. “Split tees” or “Shotgun” starts will not be used at any point. 3. Maximum Field Sizes – In an effort to ensure efficient movement of participants around the property, as well as to provide the greatest opportunity to meet all required physical distancing measures, the maximum field size for the NB Ladies Provincials and NB Senior Men’s Championships will be reduced to 99 participants. The maximum field size for the NB Men’s Amateur Championship will be reduced to 144 participants. 4. Protected Field Sizes – In an effort to ensure the integrity of all field sizes and championships, Golf NB will be implementing “Protected Field Sizes” for both the 2020 NB Ladies Provincial Championships and Men’s Amateur Championships. The fields for 2020 Golf NB Events & Championships will be protected as follows 5. No Spectators or Caddies – In an effort to limit the number of individuals on, and around, the golf course at any given time, Golf NB will be implementing a strict no spectator or caddies policy for all events. Players found to have spectators following their group or choosing to use a caddie during their round will be subject to discipline under Golf NB’s Player Code of Conduct. 6. Player Residency Requirements – 2020 Golf NB events and championships will be restricted to New Brunswick residents only. Out of province participants, MAY be granted exemptions provided they have been living within the province of New Brunswick for a minimum of 14 days prior to the first round of competition (ex. Individuals who have summer properties in NB and are living in NB at the time of the championship). 7. Prize Presentation – There will be no prize presentation following the completion of the competition. Prize winners will be posted on the Golf NB Tournament Information Page and Golf NB Gift Certificate will be mailed to all winners following the completion of the event. A complete list of 2020 Golf NB Championship Guidelines will be distributed to competitors prior to each event and championships. 2020 Provincial Teams – While Golf Canada has yet to make any announcements regarding the status of its various 2020 National Championships, given the association’s uncertain financial situation due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Golf NB Executive Committee has decided that no Provincial Teams will be named for Golf Canada National Championships in 2020.  Additionally, Golf NB will provide no financial or human resources support to players choosing to attend a National Championship as an exempt player. National Championship Exemptions – Golf NB will continue to allocate available exemptions into Golf Canada events and championships, should they proceed, based on player’s result at the applicable Provincial Championships. Golf NB Event Cancellation Policy – All Event & Championship protocols, as published on March 17, 2020, will remain in effect, until further notice, for all other 2020 Golf NB Events & Championships; The decision to cancel competitions, implement new restrictions, and amend event operations as noted above was not taken lightly.  However, given these unprecedented times, Golf NB believes it is the best course of action. The safety and well-being of our championship competitors, tournament staff and volunteers along with your club’s members and staff are paramount to Golf NB and we feel it is incumbent upon the organization to do everything in our power to name our Provincial Champions while limiting any unnecessary exposure to COVID-19 for all involved. Golf NB shares in the disappointment of clubs, players, and volunteers and we thank the New Brunswick golf community for its patience and understanding during this extraordinary time. Please direct any questions by email to: Tyson Flinn Golf NB Executive Director tflinn@golfnb.ca Luke Lacey Golf NB Director of Promotions & Member Services llacey@golfnb.ca]]>