Golf represented one of the few sports that wasn’t entirely wiped off the face of the earth once the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
The activity’s individualized nature preserved golf during the nation’s social-distancing measures, at least compared to team sports like football or hockey. If in possession of a club membership, one could enjoy a nice day on the range at multiple locations throughout northern Colorado over the past few months.
Although, allowing a small group of individuals to drive a few balls is an entirely different animal than hosting an organized competition –– which workers at The Olde Course are surely aware of as they attempt to plan the annual Loveland Men’s City Golf Championship.
Despite the obvious constraints, Brian Baltzer –– an assistant golf professional at The Olde Course –– revealed how the event is “projected to happen” this year. Specifically, organizers are planning for the tournament to begin Aug. 29 at Mariana Butte and wrapping up at The Olde Course on Aug. 30.
Still, while needing final approval from the city, holding the tournament at any point remains in question. If the festivity organizers obtain consent to do so, the tentative dates will also be up in the air, given the lingering effects of COVID-19.
“Right now, what I’ve had to do because there are no large gatherings, is I’ve had to push all of our tournaments back to July to just kind of wait it out and see,” Baltzer said. “So, that could potentially happen to this tournament too if it happens. However, we don’t know for sure.”
Though none of the developing situation’s details are close to determined, Baltzer does have a few educated predictions as to how to host the event while following social-distancing guidelines.
Notably, a shotgun format –– in which all golfers simultaneously tee off from different holes to start the tournament –– is almost definitely off the table. Instead, separate intervals for each participant’s tee time represents the most feasible option.
“For sure it would have to be tee times, which it is anyway,” Baltzer said. “And right now we are on 12-minute intervals spaced apart. We will soon be going to 10-minute intervals. In the past, we’ve been on eight-minute intervals. Those tee times (for the city championship) will start at 6:45 in the morning.”
The championship’s organizers are undoubtedly aspiring to assure the event will take place in 2020. Nevertheless, until the city and county officially give the green light, nothing is for certain.
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June 15, 2020 at 05:17AM
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Olde Course official optimistic in fate of 2020 Loveland Men’s City Golf Championship - Loveland Reporter-Herald
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