Well there is lots of information to share but we might as well get right to the big question. I drove the entirety of the course with Tom on Thursday and the scheduled opening will be Monday at 8:30 am. All 18 greens are in mid-June condition so they will be in play but we are going to give all the tees a week to really get a head start so it will be temporary tees. This means the online booking opens tonight, April 30th at 8pm.

The big variable in determining whether all 18 holes open is the rain we are forecast to receive today. During the summer our course can easily absorb 35mm but with the ground so heavily saturated this early in the year there is concern the holes over the track may not be ready come Monday morning. Sadly, the issue is that yes they will be wet, but the real concern is that people will not respect the wet areas and selfishly drive where, deep down inside they know they shouldn’t. Please respect everyone’s playing privileges and do the right thing, stay off the wet areas wherever they are at all times of year.

In anticipation of Monday, the pro shop will be open from 9-5 both days this weekend so everyone is encouraged to stop in and check things out. Chris won’t be there unfortunately because he has a couple more days left on his quarantine. Also, the Montreal dock strike has impacted deliveries of some merchandise so although there is all kinds of eye candy on display he is not 100% stocked up yet. For those wanting drop your clubs off there will be someone in the back shop as well. We ask that people not pay for their membership in the pro shop but instead visit Patti in the office which is open Monday to Friday.

Work is ongoing this week to improve the driving range in the form of a concrete pad which will be covered with incredibly realistic artificial turf. For the naturalists there will still be lots of grass for people to hit off. Unfortunately we do not yet have a solution to limiting range usage to irons only. Our neighbors to the north (or left) have been incredibly understanding for many, many years but the increased frequency of damage resulting from errant range play has necessitated our move to irons only until was can remedy the situation. To those of you who feel your skill level doesn’t warrant this limitation, nobody ever tries to pump it into the woods so yes it does apply to you….and FYI there is a video camera pointed at the driving range.

The Board recognizes member’s value in the $36+tax Golf NB fee and voted to subsidize by paying $10 of the after tax cost for each member that chooses to purchase. Their membership allows participation in provincially sanctioned events but there is much, much more included which you will see by following this link https://www.golfnb.ca/member-benefits/ . This link will take you to the site that explains all the benefits that come with this Golf NB.

I hope nobody was too attached to the gaggle of geese that have been calling our course home the last few years. This winter Chris recommended a deterrent method he had experience with and Tom put that plan into action. I don’t want to jinx things but after 2 weeks the only migratory residents we have are a pair of geese that landed on #14 just before the strings were put in place. They may squat for the season but we will be sure to be faster than them next year.

I am attaching the COVID information sheet for you to review. Our COVID committee did a wonderful job last year and they have carried that over to 2021 and for that we are all appreciative. By and large, rules and expectations will be the same as when you played your last round. The one not so subtle difference is how much more serious everyone is taking the restrictions so please respect the rules, we are all accountable.

In closing I just want to remind everyone of the Annual General Meeting Sunday May 2nd at 1:00 in the upstairs banquet room. If you are planning to attend and have not already RSVP’ed please do so by replying to this email. It is important to know how many are coming so we can ensure COVID-19 restrictions are adhered to. There will be a separate email coming with information specific to the meeting so all attendees are aware of the expectations.

May they all be long and straight!

Troy MacDonnell, President

MIRAMICHI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

COVID-19 RULES

· All players and staff are asked to do a Screening Questionnaire for Covid-19 when entering golf facility.

· Physical Distancing (2 meters/6 feet) is mandatory at all times. This includes parking lot, pro shop, clubhouse, tee boxes, fairway and greens.

· IF for some reason you can’t physically distance a community mask is required. (e.g. when purchasing from beverage cart).

· Tee times are encouraged to made online or by phone. (Walk on players are discouraged).

· No personal contact before, after or during game. (i.e. no shaking hands or high fives.)

· Scorecards and pencils are to be picked up from pro shop prior to game. (none will be available on course.)

· Power carts – limit of one person per cart (unless in same household or Bubble). Please remove all your garbage when returning.

· Pull carts are available for rental. Please remove all your garbage when returning cart.

Club storage is available. STAFF ONLY in club storage area to maintain physical distancing protocols. Clubs will not be cleaned.

· Locker rooms are open. Please follow Physical Distancing protocol.

· No rakes or ball washers on course.

· Flagsticks must remain in place. Do not touch flagpole.

· Beverage cart is operating. Credit/Debit encouraged.

· Driving range is open. Observe physical distancing.

· Only enter club house at side entry.

· Upstairs of club house is closed.

SIGNAGE HAS BEEN PLACED TO REMIND GOLFERS OF THESE PROTOCOLS.

PLAYERS MAY BE ASKED TO LEAVE COURSE IF PROTOCOLS ARE NOT BEING FOLLOWED.

PLEASE ADHERE TO THESE PROTOCOLS TO ENSURE THAT OUR COURSE CAN REMAIN OPEN DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.