From June 1, 2020, there will be a further easing of COVID-19 restrictions in NSW for golf clubs.
Travel anywhere within NSW for holiday purposes will be permitted, so now might be a great time to support one of our hard-hit tourist destinations with a golfing holiday!
An increase to the number of patrons allowed in a club/clubhouse (from 10 to 50) will also provide opportunities for clubs to consider the extension of clubhouse services to patrons.
Clubs NSW has provided detailed information and guidelines for clubs to follow in regards to the provision of food, beverage, and gaming services;
https://www.clubsnsw.com.au/sites/default/files/2020-05/20-075_0.pdf
A full list of changes to restrictions can be found at the following link;
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules
From a golfing perspective, there is little change to previous advice which allows golf to be played in groups of four or more (up to a maximum of 10).
Golf NSW recommends that Clubs continue to implement modified playing conditions that reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 by contact, that is, flags left in, no rakes in bunkers, no swapping of scorecards etc.
For details, please click here:
COVID-19 Modifications to the Rules of Golf
COVID-19 Frequently asked Questions
Can we play in groups of Four?
Yes. From Friday, May 15, under outdoor gathering limits the play of golf in groups of four is allowed. While additional care is needed to maintain social distancing, golf is also permissible in groups of greater than four and less than ten should this be required, e.g. Foursomes being played in groups of six.
Can we play competitive golf?
Yes. No condition/or restriction which prevents the play of competition golf if the club can implement social distancing measures in line with the NSW Public Health Order.
Consider playing Stableford or par to reduce round times.
Avoid four-person ambrose events that introduce increased opportunity to breach social distancing rules. Two-person ambrose events are acceptable.
You may also utilise two tee starts if this can be achieved at your club while maintaining social distancing. Avoid shotgun starts unless these occur in smaller group sizes and gatherings of more than ten can be avoided.
Can the clubhouse serve food and drinks to members?
Clubs are permitted to serve food and drinks (including alcohol) in designated dining areas, to seated patrons only.
REFER TO THE CLUBS NSW CIRCULAR (ABOVE).
The maximum capacity for each dining area is 50 patrons, or, 1 person for every 4 square metres. For example, if the dining area is 160 square metres in size, the maximum number of seated patrons is 40, not 50. The lesser number prevails.
Food and drinks can be served from the clubhouse in the form of ‘takeaway’ and consumed off the premises.
Can I use the course driving range and putting green to practice?
Yes. Provided gathering and social distancing measures are in line with regulations, and the NSW Public Health Order is implemented and enforced.
A limit on the number of people allowed (a maximum of 10) on the practice putting green, or in the hitting bays at any one time should be communicated via signage and enforced at each location.
It is a club’s decision to what extent practice facilities are made available to members and social golfers.
Can two family members who live together ride in the same golf cart?
Recent advice from the NSW Health Minister has determined that two family members living together can share a golf cart.
Golf clubs should consider their own circumstances when determining whether they wish to allow this to occur.
Can two sets of clubs be carried in the same golf cart if one person walks?
Golf NSW now recommends that should Clubs allow this to occur that they reinforce that social distancing guidelines be followed throughout the round.
Can I get a lesson from the Professional at the club?
Yes. There are no restrictions which prevent a golfer from having a lesson if the Club Professional can implement social distancing measures in line with regulations and the NSW Public Health Order.
Outdoor group lessons of a maximum of 10 persons are permissible.
Do we have to open our Golf course now that the Office of Sport – NSW Government has approved the playing of golf?
No. It is not compulsory for golf courses to open. The opening of your course/pro shop is your club’s decision.
A club which feels they cannot provide a safe environment for members, staff, public, or cannot implement and enforce gathering and social distancing measures in line with regulations and the NSW Public Health Order should strongly consider not re-opening.
Can the club hold an AGM under current COVID-19 restrictions?
Clubs can only hold an AGM under current Public Health Order restrictions relating to public gatherings, that is, remotely or virtually via video conference or the like.
ASIC has provided a two-month extension to the current five-month time limit to stage an AGM from the end of the club’s reporting period. For example, a Club with a December 31, 2019, financial year-end will have till July 31, 2020, to stage their AGM.
Can a club hold board meetings at the Club during COVID-19?
If a Club can conduct their board meetings remotely/virtually by video and or phone conference, they should do so. Clubs which must conduct a ‘face to face’ board meeting should check with their local law enforcement agency if this is permissible.
Am I entitled to a membership fee discount at my club?
Any matter about a membership discount fee is a matter between the member and their club.
Will Golf NSW be discounting affiliation fees for clubs?
Golf NSW will make a decision regarding affiliation fees once:
· The exact financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Clubs can be ascertained
· The extent and impact of Federal and State Government economic stimulus initiatives on Clubs has been determined
Can club volunteer working bees still go ahead?
Golf NSW recommends to Clubs that course works from volunteers/Dad’s Army style working bees may resume in groups of up to ten provided social distancing guidelines are maintained.