Golf course is currently off-limits to public

The Sun Peaks Resort golf course superintendent is reminding the public that the golf course is currently closed and the general public are advised to stay out of the premises for safety reasons and to prevent turf damage.

The golf course is treated with chemicals during the off season and walking on the grass sprayed with fungicide is a potential health hazard.

The Valley Trail (marked with street lights and hanging banners) will remain open and accessible by the public. Cart paths are part of the golf course and is also off-limits to the public.

Keith Lyall, golf course superintendent for Sun Peaks Resort, pointed out that the golf course is private property and he must be notified first if anyone needs to enter it for any reason.

Lyall also mentioned several other reasons why the public should not wander into the golf course, listed below.

“This site falls under WorkSafeBC regulations. This requires persons who have not purchased a green fee to be wearing the appropriate safety gear while out there.”

“Fungicides have been applied. These chemicals can be hazardous and need to be treated with respect. They also need time to control the diseases they are fighting,” he said.

When people walk on recently sprayed turf, the fungicide is transferred to people’s footwear, reducing effectiveness of the treatment. Pet owners who walk their dogs on sprayed turf also risk making their pets seriously ill because dogs could ingest the chemicals when they lick their feet.

“When one person or a group makes a path down our course, others are sure to follow and before you know it, there is freeway-like trail with dead turf underneath,” he added. “Our winter signage is almost complete. Please read and obey.”