LAC LA BICHE - Last week's update from provincial health and political leaders has driven some good news toward local golf courses.
A slight easing of Public Health Orders beginning on June 1 now allows many Alberta businesses to better serve their customers. For Alberta's golf courses, that's a swing in the right direction.
Starting this week, golfers at the Lac La Biche Golf Club can book tee-times for groups of up to four players — without being in the same cohort or family group. For the last three weeks, only golfers from the same household or a dedicated cohort of three players could hit the fairways.
The easing of the health orders also means that the local club's Men's and Ladies' Night events are back on schedule, as well as golf lessons.
At the clubhouse, the reduced restrictions will also see the Pelican Grill restaurant open for dine-in service and patio seating.
Players are still encouraged to book ahead for tee-times at the course — as course officials say that despite the COVID measures, the fairways have been very busy.
"The course is as busy as we have ever been," says Pro Lance Palamaruk. "Tee times must be made to play so please continue to make them."
Officials with the board-run and municipally-owned course say they appreciate the efforts of the community over the last several weeks, and hope the coming months of the golfing season continue to improve.
"Thanks again for everyone respecting the rules these past couple weeks, and hopefully we don't have to go through those situations anymore," stated board members in a note to their membership on Saturday.