Golf is uniquely positioned for those wanting to remain active at a distance

–First published Aug. 10, 2020 6:00 a.m. in PQBNews IMPRESS

As a year-round outdoor activity to enjoy at all ages and stages, alone or with those from your personal bubble, golf is uniquely positioned as an activity to enjoy during a pandemic … and after!

Enthusiasts new and old quickly realized the sport has a lot to offer those wanting to remain active and enjoy Vancouver Island’s beautiful outdoor landscapes, while still maintaining a safe physical distance, says Barrie McWha, from Parksville’s Morningstar Golf Club.

“Golf generally is a great activity, given the current situation,” McWha says. “Since we re-opened at the end of April, play has been great for both our members and the public.”

That doesn’t mean it’s business as usual at the popular course. In addition to ongoing cleaning and sanitizing of high-touch areas, including the pro shop, ball buckets, washrooms and golf carts, tee times have been set at 10 minutes apart to better space groups out.

Driving golf’s ongoing local popularity

The strength of the local industry speaks to the continuing popularity of the sport in a region boasting the right balance of weather, facilities and an active population. “Golf is still the No. 1 participation sport, outranking all the other sports combined,” McWha notes.

In fact, not only is golf a $16-million industry in Canada, but one of five Canadians enjoys a turn around the links. And that points to the sport’s other benefit: it’s accessible to the whole family.

“While we have a lot of 50+ golfers, we’re also seeing a lot of kids coming out to play with their families. Golf is a game families can play together rather than the parents being spectators.”

Why is Morningstar a great place to do that?

“The course is in very good condition, it’s walkable and it offers a good challenge from any of the five sets of tees,” McWha says.

Golfers also enjoy a full complement of amenities. Fine-tune your swing at the driving range or book a lesson with a Canadian PGA-accredited instructor, then fuel up for your round or relive the game’s best moments at the Morningstar Grill, a recent licensee of the Island Good program, sourcing local food and beverage producers for the restaurant.

Ready to tee up?

To book your tee time, visit online at morningstargolf.com

And to reserve your table at the Morningstar Grill, call 250-248-2244 ext. 2.