The President of Golf Links PEI Inc., Frank Butler, announced today that beginning this year, golfers playing the provincial courses, Brudenell River, Mill River and the Links at Crowbush Cove will be required to wear golf shoes with non-metallic spikes.
This policy is supported by the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association and has proven to be very beneficial in maintaining superior putting surfaces. Studies conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA) have revealed that golf shoes with metal spikes cause more and longer-lasting turf damage under all conditions than any other shoe tested.
The three provincial golf courses join a number of Canadian golf courses who are enforcing this policy. The benefits with the spikeless option include:
- Improved playability (resulting from a smoother putting surface);
- Reduced turf grass wear injury;
- Reduced wear to tee decks, benches, wooden structures (bridges, steps, etc) golf carts, mats and flooring, etc.;
- Increased comfort for the golfers.
"It would appear," stated Mr. Butler, "that the industry is moving in this direction rapidly and at the present time golf shoe manufactures are producing most of their shoes with non-metallic spikes."
Non-metallic spikes will be available for purchase in all Provincial Golf Shops.