Killarney Guide

Tee off times increased to 15 minutes apart for social distancing

BY KIM LANGEN

Golfers are jubilant to be back into the swing of things, after COVID-19 restrictions were relaxed on Monday and the greens opened up at the local golf course.

“I golfed yesterday, and I’m golfing today,” said Glenn Lamb, who was early for his 11 a.m. tee time on Wednesday, and meeting with pals at Killarney Lakeside Golf Course. “It feels wonderful. It’s a chance to get out of the house, and to see some old friends.”

Chris Brown, general manager and superintendent of the course, said it was good to be see some nice weather, and watch the golf carts start rolling.

“We opened on Monday, and it was wet and cold,” he said. “We had ‘green fears’ but we still had a couple of golfers. Yesterday (Tuesday) was busy, and we are really busy today. We have a full day. And the golf course is in great shape. It’s the best I have seen it in five years.”

Some pandemic restrictions still apply, however, and most people are happy with the new way of living, including the social distancing.

“Tee times are now 15 minutes apart,” said Brown. “It used to be eight minutes. The guidelines we follow now are for that 15-minute gap. And it’s one person per golf cart, unless you live in the same household.” 

And the great news over on the patio deck is that golfers and visitors can now order a meal, and sit outside to eat it.

“The patio is open,” said Brown. “People can order at the counter inside, and then they wait outside, and the food is served there to them on the patio. Chef Becky is doing a special every day. She has been busy for weeks, and now people can enjoy themselves outside, dining in the sunshine.” 

DINE IN THE SHINE – The patio is now open for dining at the Killarney Lakeside Golf Club. Order inside at the counter, and the food comes to you outside. 

WHAT A SWING – Glenn Lamb takes a lovely swing on Wednesday morning at the Killarney Lakeside Golf Course, during some perfect weather. It was his second run out to the golf course since it opened on Monday.

ENJOYING THE LOVELY GREEN – Two golfers enjoyed the scenery and the temperature on Wednesday morning, as they putted their way on a perfect green towards the hole. GM Chris Brown said the course is in the best shape he has seen in five years. 

MAKING A BEAUTIFUL ENTRANCE – Golf club member Kelly Bedford also volunteers to help keep the KLGC grounds looking beautiful to visitors. Here he is on Wednesday, raking and weeding the perennial beds and paths near the entrance to the golf course parking lot. The plants there are just coming back to life after a long winter, and making some nice colour.

KIM LANGEN/KILLARNEY GUIDE PHOTOS