At least one Kamloops resident is asking, why are golf courses still open during a public health crisis?
John Karpluk says he does business in Kelowna and all courses are shut down there, but points out most courses are open here in the Tournament Capital.
“That is wonderful, two thumbs up to (Kelowna). And we have (Big Horn) open, we have Rivershore open, we have The Dunes open. We should all be locking down with as little contact with each other. Why are these golf courses open?” Karpluk says.
“(Golf Canada) said they should all shut down, but they’re leaving it to each individual course. We need more pressure on these guys to shut this down. It takes one person transmitting from the golf course. These golf courses, I’ve seen them riding two in a cart. People gather the tee boxes. I don’t know, this is unacceptable.”
Several Kamloops courses, including Big Horn and Kamloops Golf and Country and Club, re-opened to members and member guests last week with new precautions in place, after initially closing when the pandemic began. Mount
Rivershore, The Dunes, Eaglepoint Golf Resort, Mt Paul Golf Course and Pineridge Golf Course all are open to the general public with precautions in place.
Tobiano, meanwhile, remains closed for the time being because of the pandemic.
There is no order in B.C. for golf courses to close, like there now is for many parks and other public outdoor spaces. Health officials have said courses can remain open if they maintain requirements on social distancing.