BOW VALLEY – Tee time at Bow Valley golf courses is right around the corner.
Over the next few weeks in May, eager golfers can expect to return to the local links for the 2022 season.
Here are the tentative opening dates for golf courses in Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis Country, and MD of Bighorn.
Open:
Brewster’s Kananaskis Ranch Golf Course
May 6:
Tunnel Mountain 9 at Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course
May 9:
Canmore Golf and Curling Club (driving range is open)
May 12:
Kananaskis Country Golf Course
May 13:
Stanley Thompson 18 at Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course
May 18:
Throughout the pandemic, golf courses saw record numbers in bookings and golfers setting foot on the links. Golf was one of the sports that offered an outdoor environment where groups can easily social distance.
"The interest level on individually is pretty consistent with the past couple years," said Darren Robinson, general manager at Kananaskis Country Golf Course. "Then add to that the additional interest on the group side of things and that has a further positive impact on things."
Robinson added COVID-19 isn't necessarily the primary focus this season, but every responsible business will be mindful and take proper measures moving forward.
"At the same time, I think it's safe to say we're not going to allow the paralysis over the past two years to paralyze us moving forward," he said.
Brewster’s Kananaskis Ranch Golf Course was first locally to open last week, making it three consecutive seasons for golfers to get back out on the links.
"I would say starting off this season has been a little bit slower, but we are also thinking it’s due to weather when we compared the weather and temperatures this time last season," said Joleen Niehaus, manager of the pro shop.
"It’s coming, it’s just going to be a slower start this year."