WGC and Covid-19 Update - May 5

You’ve no doubt heard the news that Ontario golf courses can now get ready to open. It’s a good thing that we’ve been doing that already because there is so much to do to start the season. And this year brings even more, with limited staff, questions about startup procedures and many questions about how we will operate through the year.

As Sean (and Blair) have been telling you, the golf course is in very good shape and for the most part the physical work left is to get the bunkers ready.

Our last financial forecast (Sean has been doing a lot of these lately) was based on a June 1 golf course opening without the Clubhouse, and using the assumptions it contains, we believe that we will meet this forecast.  We’ve trimmed expenses a lot to do that though, and we will need to collect as much revenue as possible to be able to keep the golf course in top shape and provide the facilities you expect. Once it is feasible to do so, we’ll need your help with the revenue, doings things such as bringing guests, renting power carts, purchasing from the Pro Shop rather than other golf retailers and helping sell equity shares.

One question we’ve been asked is “What is going to happen to the house minimums?” For obvious reasons, we’ve waived the first 3-month house minimum. We can’t expect people to pay a minimum when there isn’t an operating food & beverage function.

We have also been asked what rules will be in place on day one and how did we decide upon them.  About 10 days ago we set up a small committee consisting of Sean DeSilva, Ryan La Rose, Steve Campbell, Theresa Arbuthnot, Lorne Rogers and Chris Couch and we asked them to bring forward a draft set of guidelines. These were then reviewed by Board members and the result will be in place on the first day of play. Bear in mind that these rules are a moving target. If the Government provides some specific guidelines, we will incorporate them, and as things improve, we will reduce the restrictions, again with the province’s guidance.

No matter which rules are implemented, some members are bound to feel that they are too restrictive while others will feel the opposite. We ask that everybody be flexible and understanding as we open the facilities and we’ll try to strike a balance that supports golf while protecting the health and safety of our members and staff.

We anticipate that our opening day should occur in the next two weeks. We have accelerated opening preparations for this coming week and we fully expect to be ready. We are still awaiting notice on whether the Government will be allowing a food and beverage operation at the start. We will also be announcing the operating rules before we open.  As proud owners, we’re looking forward to the return of golf at our favourite summer destination.

Mark Crerar
President

C.c. WGC Board of Directors
Sean DeSilva, General Manager