Whether it’s been in the campground or on the golf course, people have been flocking to the Hidden Valley Golf and RV Resort this summer.
The golf course has been open since May 15, while the campground officially opened June 1.
Owner Brad Dutton said he’s not surprised the tourist attractions have been popular, since golf and camping are two things that people have been able to do during the pandemic while respecting social distancing.
Many people haven’t been able to go elsewhere this summer, so they’re spending their time at sites like Hidden Valley.
The campground, which has 135 sites, has seen pretty steady traffic.
“We’re seeing people that are first-time campers. We’re seeing people that are first-time Hidden Valley campers. And we’re seeing a lot of repeat business.”
Hidden Valley has been keeping pace with the increased business. With more campers, there is more maintenance work to do, and cleaning standards have to be met.
“We keep rising to the task. My staff has done the most wonderful job. I’m pretty proud of my staff, and they have been working very, very hard.”
About 10 people are employed at Hidden Valley during the summer months.
The campground has yet to be at full capacity, but they have been nearly full on a number of occasions.
“I think, for the most part, there has been 100 per cent satisfaction. If there has not been, and if there has been any dissatisfaction, it has not been brought to my attention,” said Dutton.
The campers and the golfers alike have been very patient when they’ve been in the pro shop/office, and they have done a good job of grasping the protocols for sanitation and social distancing.
As for the Hideout Golf Course, which is nine-hole executive length course, Dutton said “a lot of people have finally discovered the Hideout.”
“It’s been busy and at times it’s been a … challenge trying to maintain the course because there’s people on it at all times,” said Dutton.
The golf course has been close to capacity throughout the year.
Dutton noted that the executive length course, with several par 3s over 200 yards and the Souris River coming into play on several holes, can’t be parred.
“It’s been a pretty busy year, but we have risen to the task, and we’ve pretty much accommodated everybody,” said Dutton.
The course is in very good shape after the rain that the Estevan area received last week. It was drying out in a few places, but it has been receiving excellent reviews from golfers in the community.
Meanwhile, the driving range, which was voted as Estevan’s favourite by the readers of the Estevan Mercury through the Readers’ Choice Best of Estevan promotion earlier this year, has been busy as well, with golfers looking to brush up on their skills so they’re ready to golf.
