Golf Courses In NB Enter Phase 3 of COVID-19 Recovery

th, Premier Blaine Higgs announced the implementation of the third phase (Yellow) of business reactivation in New Brunswick as of Friday, May 22^nd. New Brunswickers can expect the modified re-opening of services and business such as personal service businesses, swimming pools, saunas, waterparks, gyms, yoga studios, and dance studios, rinks, and indoor recreational facilities, pool halls, bowling alleys, and low contact team sports, among others, the transition to Phase 3 of COVID-19 recovery has also loosened restrictions on golf courses. Under Phase 3 (Yellow), individuals are still required to maintain maintaining physical distancing measures along with continued adherence to the general guidelines from Public Health and the Guidelines for New Brunswick Workplaces issued by WorkSafe NB. During Phase 2 of COVID-19 recovery, Golf facilities were granted permission to prepare an operational plan that meets or exceeds the general guidelines from Public Health. As the province moves into the Yellow Phase of NB’s COVID-19 Recovery, the following that could impact golf courses in NB;

• Extension of Bubble Families to Family and Friends Bubble Your household bubble will be extended to all close friends and family that you would normally see on a regular basis. These will no longer be exclusive. Large gatherings beyond that circle would be discouraged.

• Increased Gatherings with Physical Distancing of 50 or fewer Public gatherings with physical distancing of 50 or fewer are now allowed. This will make it possible for larger religious services, weddings, and funerals to take place. The limit on gatherings will be reviewed on a regular basis according to risk based on the evolution of the situation in New Brunswick. – Expected to be announced on Friday, May 29th

For additional information on businesses and impacts of the third phase of business reactivation please CLICK HERE. While golf clubs have been given increased flexibility, services will vary from club to club.  Golfers should note that there are several restrictions that are still in place, which for the time being will be consistent across the province, including but not limited too;

• Power Carts may only be used by one individual for the duration of the round.
  • Note: Exceptions are in place for members of the same household or Family & Friends Bubble.

• Flag Sticks – Golfers can continue to expect to be asked not to touch the flagstick, and to leave the flag still in the cup at all times.

• Raised Cups – Raised cups are no longer required, but golfers can expect to see facilities continue to reduce a golfer’s ability to remove their ball from the hole. Clubs may choose to use a “hands-free” ball retrieval device or may continue to block the cup entirely.

• Washrooms – Golfers can expect continued restrictions on access to washrooms and locker rooms.

Please contact your favorite facilities for available services and restrictions and stay connected to our social media channels and website for continued updates regarding the 2020 season.  ]]>