Amateur

Golf courses among Ontario rec facilities set to reopen May 22

Ontario golf courses will be busy over the long weekend.

Many of the provincial government’s restrictions on outdoor recreation facilities will come to an end Saturday after first coming into effect on April 17.

While Ontario Premier Doug Ford walked back moves on increased police power and the closing of playgrounds one day after making an announcement on additional restrictions related to the COVID-19 stay-at-home order on April 16, he kept outdoor sport facilities closed.

Ford gave the green light for outdoor recreation facilities to reopen on Thursday with restrictions in place, including physical distancing. Also, no team sports can be played or practised.

Ontario was the only jurisdiction in North America to ban golf, and the golf community has been vocal about its disagreement.

With COVID-19 far more transmissible indoors than outdoors, many have argued the resumption of outdoor sports can be beneficial for Ontarians at a challenging time.

Gratitude was evident across social media following the announcement.