For millions of golfers in North America (and other parts of the world) golf is teetering on the edge of the abyss. In our case, the golf courses opened a few short weeks ago with many playing restrictions for the protection of the patrons and workers. However, the more we play, the more we golfers are likely to become complacent with the rules. This course of action is folly because one case of COVID-19 at the golf course and catastrophe strikes.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that it will only take one mistake by someone to have long reaching detrimental effects on the local golfing industry. Image one worker at your local golf course unfortunately contracts COVID-19; what do you think happens.

Here is what I think:

• As a minimum, anyone who was at the golf course while the worker has COVID-19 will need to be contacted and tested.
• The golf course will likely shut down for a minimum of two weeks, possibly longer because all the other workers will likely have to self-isolate until given the all clear.
• Tighter restrictions will be implemented to avoid this dreadful situation from happening again.
• If players routinely play different courses, then several local courses could be impacted.

My local golf course of Osprey Links is taking great strides to ensure all players and workers respect the concept of social distancing. This, and washing our hands often, are the two main safety protocols that we as golfers can control.

And of course if you are feeling sick stay home; but that should be a no-brainer!

It is critical that we golfers do our part to first, protect the golf course workers and second, prevent a local shut down of all golf facilities. You may think I am being over-dramatic, but this video really hits the point home about social distancing:

Now is not the time to be cavalier about the COVID-19 rules set in place to allow golf courses to operate. We as patrons have a responsibility to do our part to prevent our local golf industry to being pushed into the abyss. Now is not the time to relax, but the time to stay focused on the proper safety protocols needed to keep our local golf course workers safe and the facilities open.

I know I will continue to do my part to #staysafe and #flattenthecurve. Will you?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!