'Golf is becoming cool again': Winnipeg seeing increased participation on golf courses
The popularity of golf in Winnipeg has steadily been rising in recent years, with the City of Winnipeg saying more rounds are being played at the courses they own and operate.
As of June 4, Kildonan Park Golf Course has seen 8,640 rounds played since opening, up from 4,400 last year. Windsor Park has 7,290 rounds played this year, while Crescent Drive Golf Course has seen more than 4,000 rounds played.
“Golf has always historically had peaks and valleys in terms of golfer participation,” said Ben Fey, the general manager of golf services with the City of Winnipeg. “And we're obviously in a considerable uptick right now, in terms of number of people playing the game. It's as healthy as it's ever been. And golf is becoming cool again.”
Fey said since they opened up the courses on April 27, the booking sheet has been full, especially later in the week and on weekends.
Fey said the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the reasons they’ve seen more people grabbing clubs and hitting the links. Due to public health orders in place, many rec centres and rinks closed, but golf courses were able to remain open, as they were best to handle physical distancing requirements.
"We didn't have to close and I think, you know, because of that, we saw a number of new people take up golf during the pandemic,” he said. “We saw those that maybe got away from the game returned to golf. And the retention has been outstanding.”
The sport is attracting a new crowd as well, Fey said, noting more women and younger people are taking it up. He adds a more casual dress code, fun leagues for after work, and even people playing music on their golf carts are other things that are helping build interest in the game.
“Golf always had this stigma that it’s your dad or your grandpa’s game, or it’s a rich man’s game,” Fey said. “At least on our courses, we’re really making an effort to get away from that. We want golf to be available, and a game anybody can play. We want you to come out and have fun on our golf courses, and not worry about some of those old, stuffy rules that a lot of people remember about golf.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.