As golf continues to surge in popularity in Manitoba, it may become harder to secure golf carts due to COVID-19 restrictions.

In a press release Monday, Golf Manitoba says that the Province confirms that "all persons engaged in an outdoor sporting or recreational activity must maintain a separation of at least two metres from other participants." The Province of Manitoba further explains that includes people riding on golf carts.

Up until this time most courses had been allowing people from different households to ride together on carts. This clarification now means that single-riders will be allowed, unless an appropriate barrier is in place on carts, such as a plastic shield between the driver and the passenger, Golf Manitoba says.

"Now more than ever, the Manitoba Allied Golf Associations (Canadian Society of Club Managers, Golf Manitoba, Manitoba Golf Superintendents Association, National Golf Course Owners Association Canada and PGA of Manitoba), continue to encourage all members to remain vigilant to ensure that all public health measures are met or exceeded at all of our golf courses moving forward," Golf Manitoba says in the release.

For courses that do not have barriers, the move means not only does their fleet availability become effectively cut in half, but the available tee times are also being reduced to help handle demand for carts.