For every other year, the distinction that the Gateway Cities Golf Course holds as the only course that crosses over the Canada/U.S. border is usually a great way to attract new golfers to the area. The clubhouse, first tee box, and green on hole nine are all on the American side of the border that gives golfers a unique experience.

But 2020 has a habit of flipping fun things on their head, and with the border shut down to most traffic, so has part of the golf course.

"We've never had any issues (with the border) before this," said course president Ryan Turner. "Not for the Canadians but the U.S. side would have to come through customs to play on the Canadian side."

When asked why it has become a problem now but has never been a problem before, Turner didn't have an answer. For Canadians to come play the course, passports were never needed to cross the border into the clubhouse before, so Turner was surprised to find out they couldn't operate.

Now they have changed things up a bit to keep the course running. The clubhouse is still closed, but a new tee box has been added on the Canadian side for the first hole, and another hole was added to hole nine.

"We had to change the course up a little bit to accommodate not being able to cross the border. Other than that, the clubhouse isn't open so we have an honour system. We have an honour box on our number one hole. It's $10 to go play all day. It's been interesting but it's been good."

When it comes to communication from the governing bodies, that has been lacking. Turner has heard from the Canadian Border Agency once, and that was back when they were told the American side of the course was now off-limits.

If you're feeling like trying to be brave and crossing over the border to play out your round, you're going to get caught. That area of the course is being monitored to make sure no one crosses over.

"They've got cameras set up and everyone's staying away from that part. As long as everyone obeys by the rules, hopefully we'll be able to get opened normally next year."

Things aren't all bad at the course. Members have still paid their dues to go for a round, and the honour system is being followed enough that the course should still make money this year.

That said, the Americans who normally cross the border to play the course are being missed this year.

"We probably have 15-20 members but then we have a lot of other people that aren't members that come over the border. They come to visit, go to the golf course. It's our border town community, it's been hard on a lot of people."