DESPITE the lack of play on the course, it has been hands at the ready for Duntroon Highlands Golf Club after renovating its facilities during the delayed start to the season, including building a brand-new Caddy Shack.

The golf course has also seen a significant influx of younger members joining after introducing their Intermediate Membership and a new midweek Young Professionals League. The club has also expressed concerns about the lockdown, which was extended to June 2nd.

Director of Operations at Duntroon Highlands, Stacie Smith, told Georgian Sports News that the lockdown has allowed the club to take extra steps in getting ready for the season.

“We have tried to use this time wisely to improve the course and the facilities,” said Ms. Smith.

“Most golf courses have a ‘halfway house’ at the ninth hole to provide food and beverages for players midway through their game. Given all of the new and ever-changing COVID protocols, we decided to upgrade our Caddy Shack and make it the primary source for take-out food on the course.

“We have also hired a new Food & Beverage Director to help us out. Ruth Bourachot has been very creative in her approach to ‘grab and go’ dining. We will have the BBQ going and offer both hot food and freshly-made sandwiches. As well, we have local craft beers and a selection of ready-to-go craft cocktails.”

Ms. Smith added: “After COVID protocols have relaxed and life goes somewhat back to normal, we hope that the Caddy Shack will still be a place where golfers stop to pick up a burger and a beer before they hit the back nine. As well, Duntroon Highlands Resort offers over 25kms of hiking and biking trails for people to enjoy. The Caddy Shack will be the ‘fuel up’ station for our recreational guests as well.”

Addressing mental health 

Ms. Smith added that the club is eager to start the season and touched on the welfare of their staff and customers who cannot work and play during the provincial lockdown.

“I am excited. However, I am also a bit concerned at the moment. Golf is safe and an important outlet for people. For many of our members, golf is their only outlet. It’s important for people’s mental health.  

“I am also concerned about our staff. We employ almost 20 students that depend on the golf course to earn money for school in the fall. And, we have a dozen or so employees that are not students but have families that they support. This has been really difficult for them. Although I am excited about the season, I cannot overlook the impact this is having on my staff.”

She continued: “Once we can open, both our staff and our members will be able to enjoy all of the positive changes we have made to the course!”

Rise of young golfers

The Duntroon-based club, which is nestled high up on the Niagara Escarpment, has also seen an increase in 19-35-year-old members this year after promoting their Intermediate Membership package for $499. 

“With more and more people working remotely, we have seen a huge uptick in our intermediate memberships.” Ms. Smith said.

“People now have the ability to put in a full day ’at the office’ and then tee off 4 pm or 5 pm and get in at least nine holes. This was not the case pre-pandemic. Our intermediate members have even started a Young Professionals League so that they can use their golf time as networking time.”

“The pandemic has really shifted the way people work and play golf!”

For more information on Duntroon Highlands Golf Club, visit duntroongolf.ca