Inspired by the generous actions of one long-time member, Muirfield Lakes Golf Club has created a no-cost golfing opportunity for people impacted by COVID-19.

The program is called ‘Golfers helping Golfers’.

Julian Klatzel, general manager of the Muirfield Lakes Golf Club explains, “Through the kind donations of the membership at the course, we have now established a bank of 70+ complimentary rounds of golf at MLGC that we want to distribute to golfers in Southern Alberta who may have had to put the clubs away this season due to financial constraints triggered by COVID-19. We have called this program, ‘Golfers Helping Golfers’ – because that’s exactly what it is.”

The program came about after avid golfer Dean Horning saw a tweet in early May from another avid golfer stating that although she was happy that golf courses are able to operate, due to implications from the COVID-19 pandemic her and her husband had both been laid off and couldn’t afford to play golf this season.

Horning offered to purchase them a round of golf so they could continue their passion for golf, despite the circumstances. Horning also approached the club and his fellow members at the course to extend this campaign beyond one family, to others who may be in a similar position.

Members of the club donated rounds of golf which were matched by the golf course with one additional round for every two rounds donated.

“The ability to stay active in a sport you are passionate about, like golf, can have so many benefits and lift your spirits no matter what your situation,” says Horning.

There is no formal process to qualify for the program, but if they chose, golfers can post their story on MLGC’s social media beneath the ‘Golfers Helping Golfers’ posts, or submit a private message or e-mail directly to the club to qualify. Klatzel explained that the stories are reviewed independently by a panel of MLGC members. “Everything is included for their day, and we hope to start getting these golfers out on the course, enjoying their passion within the next week.”