Shawn Hunter has a clear and concise message for Ontario Premier Doug Ford: Golf is safe.
Hunter is the regional director of the National Golf Course Owners Association of Canada and that group along with four other organizations is imploring the provincial government to re-open golf courses in Ontario.
Hunter stresses, there is increasing evidence from the medical community that outdoor activities, including golf, when conducted with proper controls are not only safe, but critically important during the pandemic for the physical and mental well-being of Ontario residents.
Golf was the number 1 participation sport in Ontario last year with over 20 million rounds played by over 1.8 million golfers.
He adds there were no known cases of COVID-19 transmission at a golf course in the province.
The industry groups represent 800 courses and 110,000 employees in the province.
He adds discussions are underway with the premier and the Ontario Jobs & Economic Recovery Committee, which includes MPP Jeff Yurek, to open up golf courses immediately.
