Golf has been one of the few sports to continue playing this semester
The COVID-19 pandemic has been destructive to sports, as very few seem to be able to work with social distancing and other current safety measures, such as masks and handwashing. However, golfing has taken off; a sport that often is physically distant, golfing is very pandemic-friendly, and it is arguably thriving during the current sports climate.
UFV golf was able to play this season, and though it was not conference or league play (due to cancellations by Canada West and U Sports), the team found ways to compete in tournaments. The B.C. Rivalry series offered eight single-day competitions for UFV, and though both the men’s and women’s teams sported new rosters, the rookies and the returning Cascades all had success. One of the senior players on the women’s Cascades squad is fourth-year golfer Emery Bardock. As tough as the previous month has been with regards to rising COVID-19 case numbers, which could directly affect the Cascades’ playing chances, Bardock handled things positively.
Bardock kept busy, working on her game with the help of coach Cody Stewart, and she found time to get out on the course and the range so that she stays active. The situation, according to Bardock, is unique but not bad, since most sports can’t practise competitively at all. According to her, the team has improved despite the restrictions and the roster updates.
“I think for the other three girls who are on the team [Lucy, Alex, and Avery], being rookies on the team, the one nice thing is they all kind of got a taste of tournament golf and golfing at the college level,” Bardock said.
The Cascades’ new players had a chance to develop their tournament game outside of an official conference during the B.C. Rivalry Series.
Bardock made note of the importance of keeping things consistent and continuing to treat this season as any other from years past with the Cascades.
“For me, I kind of took it as any other tournament season. It’s pretty similar. When I play golf I’m always out there trying to play the best I can, no matter what it is,” Bardock said.
Though most people would probably assume that COVID-19 has been challenging for players, they likely don’t know how challenging it was for Bardock. Coming off of leg surgery in July, she wasn’t fully healed until September. Though that was challenging, this adapted season likely benefited the UFV roster, due to the rookies needing practice rounds outside of big events and Bardock needing the time to recover.
“[Recovery] was sort of what my main goal was this season, because with golf, the more mobile my body is, the better my swing is going to be because it’s going to be able to get into the positions I need it to easier — to become more efficient. So, it kind of all interconnects in that way,” Bardock said.
The Cascades will have the opportunity to use their upcoming break to prepare for a big spring and summer, should the situation around COVID-19 improve. Though the team is scheduled to take December off regardless, the team is hoping for 12 more single-day B.C. Rivalry Series tournaments in February.
