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SASKATCHEWAN Golf & Getaway Guide Make the most of summer in Saskatchewan By Jesse Green Jeannie Armstrong
2. DRIVE-IN DELIGHTS
W
ith restrictions on travel outside the country, there’s never been a better summer to stay home and explore great experiences and adventures right here in Saskatchewan. It’s true that our favourite annual festivals and special events are on hold for 2020 due to COVID-19, and we eagerly await the time when we can all gather together safely. However, there’s still plenty to see, do and experience here in Saskatchewan this summer. Here are just a few suggestions for great Saskatchewan getaways:
In Saskatchewan’s southeast corner, the Prairie Dog Drive-In Theatre has been warming our hearts on summer nights for 40 years. We are fortunate to have a handful of these classics in the province. The drive-in is a link to the past, a perfect summer outing and a wonderful way to support small businesses. Plan a night of family entertainment at the Prairie Dog Drive-in Theatre in Car-
1. TAKE A HIKE
Saskatchewan is a hiker’s paradise, with a diverse range of treks, ranging from lakeside walks to heritage tours to forest trails. Plan your next hike by visiting the Saskatchewan Trails Association (STA) website at sasktrails. ca. The STA has developed an online directory of the province’s many trail experiences, including maps, GPS coordinates and descriptions of many of Saskatchewan’s trails and nearby amenities. Just one of the trails the STA suggests checking out is the Saskatchewan Ghost Town Trail, with stops including Candiac, Frobisher, Shackleton and Bromhead. Incredible photo ops await along this suggested trek.
lyle; Clearwater Drive-in Theatre in Kyle; Jubilee Drive-in Theatre at Manitou Beach; and Twilite Drive-in Theatre in Wolseley. In recent weeks, pop-up drive-in theatres have also opened up in Saskatoon and Regina.
3. BIRD LAND
Get to know the many feathered travellers that pass through Saskatchewan each spring and fall, and some that stay year-round. Check out the Nature Saskatch-
ewan website and download your copy of the Saskatchewan Birding Trail Experience. Search up birding trails in boreal forest, rolling prairie, sand dunes and marshes to see some of the 350 species found here, including Piping Plovers, Sage Grouse, Burrowing Owls and Whooping Cranes. For more information, visit naturesask.ca/useful-resources/saskbirding-trails.
Golf is one of the first recreation activities to re-open under Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 protocols. Our province is home to over 200 golf courses, offering a wide range of experiences and challenges. There’s a course to suit every player’s skill level, from the finest nines to top-rated 18-hole championship courses. Look for inspiration at saskgolfer.com and golfsaskatchewan.org.
4. TEE TIME
5. ZIP IT!
Tree-o-six Adventure Parks, located at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park and Elk Ridge Resort, has been given the green light to operate this summer as an outdoor individual recreation provider. The staple experience is a two-hour treetop zipline tour, but basecamp activities are constantly being updated. Due to COVID-19 safety protocols, advance reservations are required. A maximum of four participants are allowed per activity. For complete details, visit treeosix.com.
6. LAKE LIFE
Hikers explore the Great Trail at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. Photo: Tourism Saskatchewan/ Paul Austring
Saskatchewan is home to more than 100,000 lakes—creating plenty of opportunities for fun while physically distancing. One of the province’s most unique lakes is Lake Diefenbaker, a lake that was formed in the late 1960s after the construction of the Gardiner and Qu’Appelle Valley dams. Lake Diefenbaker boasts 800 km of shoreline, providing haven for an abundance of birds
THIS SECTION WAS CREATED BY CONTENT WORKS, POSTMEDIA’S COMMERCIAL CONTENT DIVISION.
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SASKATCHEWAN Golf & Getaway Guide and wildlife. Sailing, waterskiing and fishing are among the most popular activities here, though the surrounding communities’ golf, hiking and attractions are a close second. You’ll find more details at lakediefenbakertourism.com.
7. NATIONAL PARKS
There are two national parks in Saskatchewan: Grasslands National Park in the southwest plains and Prince Albert National
Park in the northern boreal forest. At Grasslands National Park, scenic driving tours through both the West and East block are great ways to see this untouched tract of grasslands. Hikers can try geocache challenges, guided nature hikes and enjoy what is Canaad’s darkest Dark Sky Preserve! Stop for information at the Val Marie Visitor Centre or click on pc.gc.ca/ grasslands. Prince Albert National Park has
it all: epic hikes, canoeing, sandy beaches, the quaint townsite of Waskesiu, camping, resorts, golf, birding, biking… phew. Check out the park’s re-opening information at pc.gc.ca/princealbert.
8. PROVINCIAL PARKS
Saskatchewan’s many provincial parks are a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature. While historic parks are closed until further notice, there are 29 provin-
cial parks that have re-opened for camping, fishing, golf and other outdoor activities. Best of all, provincial parks are only open to Saskatchewan residents this summer! Visit saskparks.com for more information.
9. FISH TALES
Fishing is an activity that is well-suited to pandemic life. It’s easy to spread out and distance yourself from other anglers—
Golfers happy to be back on the greens By Pat Rediger
T
he rules may have changed, but golf is still golf and that’s all that matters to Glenn Cassidy.
“Golf is a game to be enjoyed— even under the different circumstances,” he said. “We’d rather play and make the situation as fun as possible.” An avid golfer for more than 30 years, Cassidy is currently the secretary of the Canadian Amputee Golf Association and has competed in numerous Canadian Amputee and Disabled National Opens (CADNO). He has won the seniors division and placed in the top three on several occasions. Cassidy holds a membership at the Moonlake Golf and Country Club in Saskatoon, enjoys courses near Las Vegas and Scottsdale, and has golfed at courses throughout the province including Riverside, Elbow, Nipawin, Elk Ridge and Waskesiu. Cassidy, who has two holein-ones to his credit, was on the course as soon as the season opened. Despite the new rules sur-
rounding the pandemic, he said golfing is as good as ever. In fact, as one of the few permitted recreational activities this summer, there will likely be more interest in golfing than previous years. Courses are now operating under a list of restrictions that are in place as a result of the pandemic. There is an emphasis on social distancing so golfers must stand at least two metres or six feet apart during the game. Tee times have been set at 12 minutes apart to avoid congestion on the course. “My experience has been good. Other than the normal shaking hands at the end of the round as well as at the beginning of the round when playing with newcomers, it has been business as usual. Because of the 12-minute tee-off times, you are now automatically joined up to create a foursome so you may be playing with more golfers that you normally don’t play with,” he said. The restrictions include flags remaining in place, rakes and ball-washers can no longer be used, and bunkers are not in play. If you hit the bunker, just remove
Glenn Cassidy tees off at one of his favourite courses in Hawaii. He’s excited Saskatchewan courses have re-opened and says COVID-19 protocols haven’t taken the fun out of the game. Photo: Glenn Cassidy
the ball, place it on the grass, and smooth the bunker with your foot. Carts are limited to one person, or two people from the same household. Cups are to be elevated or holes are to be filled in so play ends on a hole once the ball makes contact with the cup. “Muscle memory makes a player want to take out the pin so that definitely takes some getting used to,” said Cassidy. “There is a foam piece in the hole so that your ball doesn’t touch the bottom. I find this a better practice than using the raised cup that some courses are using.” Golf Canada has stated that this will not impact handicaps. A round played under these conditions will
result in an acceptable score for handicap purposes using the most likely score guidelines. Under these guidelines, the player should consider the number of strokes most likely required to complete the hole and determine whether the ball would have been holed or not. All players must have a tee time (no walk-ons allowed) and green fees must be paid in advance by telephone or online. Under phase three of the province’s COVID-19 protocols, licensed clubhouses were able to re-open on June 8, if safety guidelines are adhered to. Cassidy advised that golfers should be prepared to spend more time than usual at check in. Twenty
whether you’re fishing from shore or out on the water. Our province boasts some of the world’s freshwater fishing, with catches including walleye, northern pike, lake trout, Arctic grayling and more. Before you cast your line, purchase a valid fishing license or wait for the annual Free Fishing Weekend, on July 11 and 12, 2020. Download the 2020 Saskatchewan Anglers’ Guide, available at publications.saskatchewan.ca.
minutes is the suggested amount of time, but he said that you should probably show up earlier than that to understand the new rules and regulations. Usually the course greeter will discuss the new rules before you begin and most players are becoming familiar with the changes. Signage is posted at all golf courses reminding golfers of the limitations and marshals are on the courses to ensure golfers are following the rules. Driving ranges and practice facilities are open, but subject to physical distancing. One-on-one lessons are permitted. At this time, there appears to be no requirement to book the driving range in advance. Many courses have hired extra staff to ensure an extra level of cleanliness regarding the golf carts, rental clubs, pull carts and general facilities. There are also additional staff meetings to review the rules and safety standards. Although it may take a while to remember all the new rules, Cassidy said it’s such a great game that he plans on making the most of it this summer. “I’m definitely glad to be golfing again. I played four rounds this weekend and I have next weekend booked as well.”
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SASKATCHEWAN Golf & Getaway Guide GAME ON: Golf in the time of COVID-19
Golf is one of the first recreational activities Saskatchewan residents can enjoy as the province re-opens in the wake of COVID-19. Photo: Golf Saskatchewan
By Andrew Livingstone
I
n the provincial governm e n t ’s R e - O p e n S a s katchewan plan, golf was amongst the first recreational activities to resume in the wake of the Coronavirus—just in time for some beautiful spring weather. Golf clubs and players are observing a few restrictions to prevent any new outbreaks, but, with some adjustments, playing the game can be as enjoyable and enriching as ever.
The restrictions that have been implemented are the result of a dialogue between the Government of Saskatchewan and the National Allied Golf Association’s Saskatchewan branch, which considered the government’s initial proposals and recommended changes based on the expertise of its member organizations. “Our industry thanks the Government of Saskatchewan for working with us,” said Brian
Lee, executive director of Golf Saskatchewan. “We’re happy that golf can be included in this, that it’s safe to play, and we hope everyone can do their part to help flatten the curve.” As a physical distancing measure, the time between groups of players setting out on the course has increased to 12 minutes, and Lee is pleased that the allied group was able to negotiate for that interval. “Prior to May 8, it was 20-minute tee time intervals, and, on May 8, it was updated, and that 20-minute increment tee time period was reduced to 12 minutes,” said Lee. Before the outbreak, courses operated at seven- to ten-minute intervals. “So, 12 is not that far out of the norm for most operations.” When those groups do set out, they can expect courses to rigorously enforce a maximum of four players per group. As players reach the green, they
may notice that the hole is no longer a hole at all. Because the flag stick and the hole are common points of contact between players, they may easily become contaminated, so courses have taken pains to either modify or eliminate them. Some “holes” have become raised cups that the ball must hit; some have been made shallower, allowing the ball to be retrieved without touching the edges; and others may have more elaborate devices to bring the ball out of the hole without requiring hands-on contact. “It will vary by facility as to how they do it,” said Lee. “That’s kind of neat, and that is a change, because, in the former draft, it was that all holes had to be raised above the surface.” Concerns regarding physical distancing and common points of contact have affected the facilities that players have come to enjoy around the course. “Obviously, social distancing and safety of staff, and patrons, and those who are at the golf course is first and foremost,” said Lee. “There are restrictions to people in the clubhouse—so washrooms, for instance, are available only in the clubhouse or the clubhouse area.” Unfortunately, tournaments and leagues have been eliminated for the foreseeable future. “What they would call a ‘shotgun start’ or a ‘mass start’—that can’t operate,” said Lee. “Group lessons and tournaments are prohibited, but league play and one-on-one lessons may occur if all the other criteria that are laid out in the ReOpen are adhered to. “What we’re trying to make sure is that those who are coming to the game understand that this is for recreational activity at the moment, so really big organized tour-
naments and fundraisers for charity, that’s not what this start is at the beginning of the golf season,” said Lee. “Traditionally, what we’ve had is big fundraisers or charity-run tournaments, but that might come at some later point in the summer, or it may not happen at all in 2020.” Although these restrictions have limited the culture around golf, Lee said that the sport re-
tains its recreational value. “We want people to be safe, get a chance to escape by going out and playing a round, supporting your local golf course and facility, have a great time … and just get out there and enjoy the facility and the fresh air, because it’s great for your mental and your physical health. We just hope people adhere to the rules and make sure that golf stays open.”
A spectacular 18-hole, family friendly, public course nestled in the valley along the Swift Current creek. Book your round online at: www.chinookgolf.ca or call 306-778-2776 @chinookgolf
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SASKATCHEWAN Golf & Getaway Guide Club membership has its privileges By Andrew Livingstone
A
s the restrictions surrounding the recent pandemic are lifted, Saskatchewan residents are finding that golf is an ideal option for getting out and having fun while still physical distancing. As a result, memberships at golf and country clubs are becoming more appealing options, but what are the most important incentives to join?
John Greenough, PGA of Canada Head Professional at Deer Valley Golf Club, said that his course has a variety of membership options with different perks, but some features are more useful than others, especially under the current COVID-19 restrictions. “Membership privileges out here include advanced booking—so, right now, it’s seven days advanced booking, so you get started on the tee sheet,” he said. “I think what’s underrated is the ability to get a tee time at our golf course,” said Greenough. “If you want 8:30 on a Saturday morning, and you’re a full adult member, you’re going to get somewhere within 20 minutes of that. We don’t do a
ballot system or anything like that. It’s really easy to get a tee time at Deer Valley.” This is particularly important given the current pandemic protocols. Not only has the interval between tee times increased, but membership is also booming. “We’ve got approximately 50 per cent less tee times than we would have had on a regular day, so booking in advance is huge, and those members that utilize that are kind of ahead of the game,” Greenough said. Brad Lovatt, head professional at Long Creek Golf and Country Club, agrees. He said that booking privilege for members is, “something we haven’t even needed to have in the past. Our members could generally get any tee time that they would have liked to. But, given the restrictions on tee times, those booking privileges become important for them to ensure they’re getting the times that they want.” Therefore, members at Long Creek enjoy seven-day advanced booking privileges as opposed to the five days that non-members are allowed. Booking privileges aside, the dif-
ferences between memberships at Long Creek relate to the days on which the members prefer to golf. “Our unrestricted membership is based on 20 rounds for the season, but, because the price varies by day of the week and time of day, the 20 rounds is based off our rack rates or highest price, which is weekend mornings,” said Lovatt. “I know there are golfers out there that don’t like how busy golf courses are on the weekend, especially with the reduced number of tee times we can offer, so our weekday memberships are at a better rate,” Lovatt said. “They can avoid those peak times and not feel like they’re paying not to have those peak times. So, you have an adult weekday membership, which is Monday to Friday (in a lot of places, that would only be Monday to Thursday), and a senior weekday membership as well for those people who want to avoid those times.” For Justin Olszewski, golf shop manager of Sask Landing Golf Resort, the surge in interest dovetails nicely with a more than one-third reduction in the basic membership fee at Sask Landing that the resort had already planned. “In order to
Club membership makes it easier to book tee times in advance at Deer Valley Golf Club. Photo: Supplied photo
try to boost our membership here, to get more out here for a yearly basis versus just paying a green fee at a time, we offered a really big sale on our memberships this year,” he said. “That was actually something we had in place and decided to do last fall when thinking of ideas of how to increase our membership.” Memberships at Sask Landing have roughly doubled, though the course does not provide special
booking privileges for members. “Our focus is on the convenience of not having to come in and pay each time. Other than that, there’s no real advantage other than the savings: it only takes about 15 rounds of golf and your membership’s covered,” Olszewski said. “This year, we have so many more members for the check in process now, and, being that everyone gets a cart included, it’s pretty simple.”
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SASKATCHEWAN Golf & Getaway Guide Better nutrition leads to better golf performance By Carol Todd
M
om was right. T he r e c i p e f o r a g r e at golf game may well be eating a healthy breakfast, with mom’s admonition backed with sport science.
After a long Saskatchewan winter, and what’s felt like an e v e n l o n ge r t i m e o f c o p i n g with COVID -19, prairie golfers are more than ready to hit the links. But there remains the need to stay safe, and especially, healthy, on the course, says Heather Hynes, a sport nutritionist with the Sport Medicine & Science Council of Saskatchewan (SMSCS). “Golf gives people in Saskatchewan something to do that’s outside and that’s active and safe considering the distance you can be apart from one another, and taking your own equipment with you, which is fabulous,” said Hynes. The SMSCS was formed in 2000 through the amalgamation of the Sport Medicine Council of Saskatchewan, and the Saskatchewan Sport Science Program and offers sports medicine and science services to athletes, coaches and officials. It has continued to offer sessions for its clients th ro ug h t el ep ho ne o r o t h er media throughout the COVID-19 restrictions. In addition to getting physically ready, like stretching and walking, especially if a person has been sedentary all winter, Hynes said that eating a good breakfast is one of the best ways to ensure an enjoyable golf game.
“Nutrition has a large role to play in performance and overall well-being and how you feel, so with your golf game, it’s making sure that your body has a good amount of energy before you hit the course,” she said. The best way to do that is with a healthy, balanced breakfast. “I think the biggest detraction [to healthy nutrition] that I’ve found is those people heading out to their morning game and they’re not big breakfast eaters, so they don’t have anything and they try to push through on empty. I would say that that is definitely going to affect your golf game,” Hynes said. That becomes even more important for people playing a full 18 holes. “It’s a long time, so I think it is really important to be aware—first and foremost, the symptoms if your body is becoming dehydrated (such as fatigue, headache or elevated heart rate). I think it is really important for people to be aware of how much water they should be taking with them, especially if they don’ t have access to other fluids on the course,” she said. And, with most concessions still closed, she suggests packing a lunch kit, including water and healthy snacks. “We want to be fueling our bodies every three, three and a half hours and if we know that we are leaving home and driving to the course and playing 18 that’s an extended period of time, so we don’t want to just push through that without having anything to eat.” Hynes sug gests that a banana, granola bar, yogurt tube or cheese string can help fill the
gap on the course. At the other end of the spectrum, eating too much, or eating a heavy meal, before going out for any sport, isn’ t good either. Neither are eating heavily processed food or snacks with a lot of sugar. Hynes acknowledges there are numerous supplements for high performance athletes that are available. She prefers the “food first” approach whenever possible. “The ingredients that we get from food are definitely going to enhance our performance if we’re looking at carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats and water, and that can’t be matched in a supplement form,” she said. The SMSCS website has an interactive nutrition tool at www.smscs.ca/resources- articles/nutrition-check. “We know that, if we’re paying attention to how we’re eating, when we’re eating and what we’re eating, then we can really mee t all of our nutritional goals with those kinds of ingredients,” Hynes said. There may even be a silver lining in the COVID-19 cloud, Haynes says, as it has forced us to slow down and go back to the basics of healthy nutrition. “It’s a simple message and so easy to forget when we get busy or if we get into the routine of not paying attention to those details. I’ve had the opportunity with our high performance athletes to go back to the basics and really think about how we’re fuelling the body with healthy ingredients.”
Sport nutritionist Heather Hynes says it’s important to fuel up your body with a healthy breakfast before heading out onto the golf course. Photo: Getty Images
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We built it for Saskatchewan.
Over the next ďŹ ve years SaskTel will invest over $1.4 billion to improve the province’s largest networks.
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