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So, that's it for a While Folks

30/3/2020

 
In This Issue
  • Latest Club Bulletin
  • Take away Menu now available
  • Course Update
  • Coming Events
  • Recent Results
  • The Rules Quiz
  • "Who Am I?" Competition
  • A Little Humour
Latest Club Bulletin
​It is with great sorrow that I have to announce that Bowral Golf Course will cease golf activity until further notice. This afternoon we were advised by Golf Australia (endorsed by Golf NSW) that they had made a determination which was based on the content of the Prime Minister's press release of Sunday 29th March. They have advised that it is their opinion that all golf courses are to cease golf activity from today (Monday 30th March) until further notice. This decision is not taken lightly and it is unfortunate that the Coronavirus Pandemic has brought this upon us. But, 'that's life' as they say and we will get on with things and look forward to dusting off the clubs and joining our BGC friends on the course at some time in the future. A copy of the email which was sent to members is shown here.
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​
Dear Member,
 
This afternoon the club was advised that Golf Australia had reviewed the information presented by the Prime Minister at his press address on Sunday 29th March. The result of that review is their recommendation that All Australian Golf Clubs to Cease Golf Operations immediately. Following that correspondence, Golf NSW has just released their own email which fully endorses Golf Australia’s position. The text of both emails received by the club is linked below.
 
As a result of this recommendation, Bowral Golf Club will cease all Golf Playing Activity until further notice. 
 
Golf course maintenance activity will be permitted to continue at present. 
 
The provision of take away food will continue as previously advertised.
 
Club staff will be contacted over the next 24 hours with details pertinent to their situation.
 
I wish all members good health and wellbeing over the coming weeks/months and look forward to be able to provide you with better news at some time in the near future.
 

Rob Humphreys,
President.


https://www.golf.org.au/covid-19/
 
https://www.golfnsw.org.au/2020/03/30/17592/covid-19-courses-to-close-from-midnight/
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​
 This is an unprecedented event in the club's history, not experienced even during the two world wars. I hope all members follow the advice of the relevant governing bodies and stay isolated. This does not mean that communication has to cease. Pick up the phone and keep in touch with your buddies, keep your spirits up, practice your putting in the lounge room, keep active. Look forward to everyone getting back onto the course just as soon as possible. I'll even schedule a PAR event to welcome everybody (just kidding!!). I'll keep posting on this venue whenever I have something newsworthy.
BGC does Take Away!!

This service will continue even though the golf activity has been terminated.
​
The following is a copy of the email sent to all members on Monday 30th March. 
                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Good morning everyone,

I trust that you are well.  As announced in an email last week, we are providing takeaway meal options from this week.  I am sure that like me, you are missing Regina's delicious culinary delights!

So here it is, the menu for this week:


Option 1 - 2 course ($25 per person)
Main
Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken with Mozzarella and Basil, Creamy Mash and Greens.
or
Rich Tomato Italian Meatballs with Spaghetti, served with side salad

Dessert
Tiramisu


Option 2  ($10 per person)
Soup:   Leek and Potato

We are also offering our entire wine list for takeaway at a 10% discount.  

Payment to be made at the time of collection, only by EFTPOS (tap only) or BGC Member number.   Cash payments cannot be accepted.


Please order by replying to this email by 5pm on Wednesday 1st April or phone 4861 1042 (option 4), with the number of meals and options required.

When ordering please nominate a collection day of either Friday or Saturday.  Collection times will be staggered and I will advise of your time for pick up.

I look forward to seeing you all soon.


Very kind regards

Tim Davis
Assistant Manager / Events Manager
Bowral Golf Club
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​
​I'm advised that orders are already filling fast, so don't delay.
Course Update.​​
  • The long awaited extension to the cart storage shed is now almost complete. This has been a saga to say the least (probably need a movie and a mini-series to fully cover the issues!!). However it will be in operation in the next few days.
Coming Events
As outlined in the email bulletin to members, all golfing activity is suspended until further notice.
  • The BGC Annual General Meeting has been moved to the 30th July.
Recent Results

Wednesday 25th March. A very changeable day with sunshine and rain in the mix. Tim Davis (29) posted 42 points for his maiden win in the club's competition, to win from Daniel Weekes (10) on a count back. Daniel shooting a scratch 73 on the day. 45 players in the field.

Saturday 28th March. The last trophy event for a while saw the playing of the Jock Rossell and Bill Chrystal events alongside a pairs and a single PAR event. Winning the pairs PAR event on the day was the team of Tom Whitmarsh (22) and Nik Potter (26) with a score of +3, while David McGinnes (20) posted +5 to win the single event.
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The team of Nick Reinhard and Ash Southon posted +2 to win the Jock Rossell Trophy with David Burgess (14) and The Captain (14) runner's up with a score of 0. Russell Bourne (24) won the Bill Chrystal Trophy for the best score by a Lefty with 0 from John Buchanan (16) on -4.
There were 81 players in the field for this event and included 3 visitors each from Port Kembla and the Highlands, 1 from Bondi and 2 from Royal Sydney. In addition, the refreshments cart was introduced into operation with great success.

Sunday 29th March. The Sunday competition is proving to be a success and continues to grow a good reputation. It's great to see men and women competing in the same event. Hamish McCathie (25) scoring 39 to win from Sonya Bleakley (37) with 37. 19 players in the field.
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The final of the Men's Foursomes Club Championships were played on Sunday. A very even contest had both teams 'all square' after 27 holes until the team of Tony Hobson and Peter Metcalf started to take control. The event was concluded on the 34th hole when the team of Alec Dietsch and Daniel Weekes were unable to avoid losing the hole and thus the match 4 and 2. Congratulations to both teams on a well played final, and congratulations to Tony and Peter for winning the Championship. My appreciation to John Buchanan and Paul Carroll for refereeing the event.

The Rules Quiz
As there were no responses to the question posed in my last blog, I will suspend this competition until we are able to conduct presentations once again. Stay tuned for this popular competition at a future date
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​"Who Am I ?" Competition
Robert Eriksson backed up from guessing the mystery member from the previous week with another correct guess this week. Only took him one clue to pin the identity - Helen Chadwick. Congratulations Robert. A new mystery member commences this week. The clue....

​"I'm known as one of the most enthusiastic supporters of BGC," who am I?

Send your guess to bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com

​(Note, the photo is a logo only.)

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A Little Humour
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Now Go and Remember your Last Game of Golf!!!

27th March, Latest Update

27/3/2020

 
Update. 27/03/2020
​

An email has just been sent to all members outlining the most recent club announcements. The text of the email is reproduced here.

Good afternoon members, 

As we continue to adapt to the Coronavirus Pandemic, and the frequent changes it brings to our club, we would like to update members with the following initiatives. These are being introduced to provide cashflow to assist in keeping the business running. By supporting the following initiatives, you will be helping keep as many of our current staff employed. 

Starting Saturday 28/03/2020

Food and beverage
 * (No cash payments, all tap and go or member number)
We will have a refreshment cart out on the course during competitions. The cart will be stocked with sandwiches and drinks (non-alcoholic) . EFT available. 
 
Carts – only one person per cart (couples exempt). Carts will be charged at ½ cart rate, (some members have offered to pay the full rate but that is up to the individual). If you are carrying a playing partner's clubs then an additional $5 is payable (not applicable for full rate). It is imperative that the ‘Single-use’ cart option is not abused to avoid breaching the personal separation requirements. The club will be forced to apply a penalty in the first instance, or withdrawal of  cart usage in total.

Competition fees
All competition fees will move to $20.00.

Takeaway Dinners
The club will be introducing a takeaway facility utilising Regina’s current availability. 
From Monday 30/03/2020 Tim Davis will email members with the takeaway dinner and dessert option for the week. Regina will change these options each week. Pickups will be scheduled for Friday and Saturdays at a time to be arranged with Tim. EFT or club member card will be available, no cash transactions.

Grants
The Club will be applying for every available grant to which we are eligible.
 
AGM/Board Elections
ASIC has implemented a No-Action on club’s holding an AGM. Therefore, the BGC AGM has been rescheduled to July 30. To ensure on-going board stability, all directors will remain on the board until the AGM. More information on nominations for the Board will be sent out in due course. If you intend to stand for election, then please contact the Chairman of the Board, Rob Humphreys. 

As usual, when anything changes with regards to the club's operations, I will provide coverage on this venue for all to read.

Stay well, stay apart, but keep the lines of communication open amongst your friends and while the course is still available, keep playing golf.

Toilet Paper - Limit 1, Birdies - No Limit!!!!

23/3/2020

 
In This Issue
  • Latest Update on Coronavirus Management Plan
  • New Additions to the Course
  • Updated Local Rules
  • Coming Events
  • Recent Results
  • The Rules Quiz (Re-vamped)
  • "Who Am I ?" Competition
  • A Little Humour (Lord-Knows we need some!!)
Coronavirus Update.
Over the weekend the Prime Minister announced the imminent closure of a wide range of businesses across the country. This necessitated a great deal of further investigation by members of the Board, as we were unsure of the exact outcome for BGC. We finally received notice via Golf NSW that the golf course could remain open and golfing activity continue, as it is seen to be a relatively safe activity given its nature. An email was sent to all members detailing the new situation as it now stands. The content of that email is re-produced below.

Good afternoon members, 
All Australian States are required to shut down businesses other than those deemed as essential services. This is an attempt to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus. 

As a result, the BGC Clubhouse will close indefinitely from midday today (Monday 23rd March 2020). The office will be monitored remotely and if you need to contact us please email admin@bowralgolfclub.com.au 
In some positive news, the course can remain open, so it will be golf as normal.

As a result of these changes, we have now moved to a revised stage 4 (as per the BGC Coronavirus Management Plan)

Stage 4 (revised)
​

“The Clubhouse is closed indefinitely. The golf course and pro shop will remain open as normal and scheduled competitions will continue. The locker rooms/toilets will be open. All transactions are by card only, tap and go or member cards.“

BGC recommends single-player only cart usage. 

Only one patron is permitted to be inside the pro shop at any time.

As the water fountains will be closed off, players should bring their own drinks or purchase from the pro shop.

The Management of BGC will advise members of updates as and when further information comes to hand.
 
The following communication was received from Golf NSW Mon 23rd March.

Overnight, and this morning, a number of updates have been provided by both the Federal and State Governments in relation to the closure of non-essential facilities. Certain facilities will be restricted from opening from midday today, local time 23 March 2020, including Pubs, registered and licensed clubs.

While your clubhouse operations must be closed for normal business, golfing activities can and should continue. Of course, golfers should exhibit a heightened awareness of personal hygiene and adhere to social distancing guidelines, as has been encouraged by state and federal health departments. By its nature, golf promotes a level of social distancing and while it is important that this is adhered to, golf is a lower risk sport than many others.

Course maintenance may also continue, under the same distancing guidelines.

Practices across your facility should display heightened regard for the sanitation of surfaces, of which your cleaning chemical provider will be able to provide guidance on.

Staff and volunteers should exhibit a heightened awareness of personal hygiene has been encouraged by state and federal health departments.

Golf NSW Staff are currently working from home until Friday, April 3rd, and if there is any change to this date, we will advise all clubs and districts as soon as possible.

The team is all still contactable via regular means such as phone and e-mail and our reception phone will be diverted to ensure all incoming calls are answered.

As previously noted, the virus and potential implications are changing constantly and we will continue to monitor accordingly, and provide updates to clubs and facilities as regularly as required, or alternatively when additional Federal Government updates are announced.

For further information from the Federal Government on COVID-19, the Coronavirus Health Information Line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 020 080.

For additional information or have questions please do not hesitate to contact me as per the details below.
Yours sincerely,
Stuart Fraser
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
For any enquiries, contact:
Stuart Fraser
Chief Executive Officer
Ph: 9505 9105
E-mail: stuart.fraser@golfnsw.org.au

New Additions to the Course.
Those of you who actually look at the flagstick would have noticed that there are new sticks and flags on all the holes. For those with particularly good eyesight they may have noticed that the flag on the 18th green is a different colour. I think it looks quite smart.
​
Also newly arrived are the revised Scorecards. Each course will have its own scorecard, colour-coded to differentiate. Of note should be the revised hole indexes. There have been changes made to the indexes on most holes on all the courses. So have a look when you are writing down your score, you might get a surprise!! The index adjustments have been done statistically with the guidance and assistance of the club Handicappers Don Barker and Noela McMurray. The cards will come into use just as soon as we can update the computer (hopefully in the next day or so).
Updated Local Rules
My previous Blog listed the 4 newly introduced local rules (go back and read them now), and the reasons for their introduction. I have noticed that a number of players are still handling the flagsticks. If this continues, I will have to introduce a penalty to force players to change their behaviour. As an enhancement to the rules I have included several photographs demonstrating the 'Ball Holed' and the 'Preferred lie in a Bunker' local rules.
Coming Events
  • The General Members meeting scheduled for the 26th March has been postponed indefinitely.
  • Saturday 28th is the PAR event covering the Jock Rossell and Bill Chrystal Trophies.
  • Sunday 29th is the Final of the Club Championships in Men's Foursomes to be contested between the teams of Peter Metcalf/Tony Hobson and Daniel Weekes/Alec Dietsch. Tee times are 08:32 and 12:30. Also the last day for the completion of the 1/4 finals for the Arthur Brassey competition.
  • The Summer Eclectic competition closes on the 31st March and the Winter version commences on the 1st April.  Sign up sheets are in the pro shop.
  • Saturday 4th April is the Monthly Medal and the Austin Richardson Tankard trophy.
  • The Jubilee Cup has been re-scheduled to September 27th.
  • The Bruce Smith Cup competition against Moss Vale GC has been postponed until further notice.
Recent Results.

Wednesday 18th March. Our March Open day competition was a well attended event. The team of Reece Woods (9) and Ash Southon (13) posted an impressive 46 points to win from Peter Gallagher (29) and Paul Barnes (15) on 45. The single stableford winner was Reece Woods with 43 points. Two visitors to the competition one each from Moss Vale and Nambour GCs.

Saturday 21st March. A magnificent day to play golf, new flagsticks and some new local rules. With 41 points, Andrew Tomkins (19) won the competition from David Burgess (14) with 38 points on a count back. 66 players in the field with visitors from Bingara Gorge included.

Sunday 22nd March. Finally the Sunday field is starting to take shape. 20 men and 3 women made up the field and Mathew Steadman (25) emerged with the win with 37 points from Chris Hill (21) with 35 points on a count back. Visitors on the day from Riverside Oaks, Moss Vale and the The Vintage.
The Rules Quiz (revamped).
As a result of the inability to hold presentation ceremonies due to the Coronavirus situation, I have decided that the quiz will continue, but will carry over two weeks. Players wishing to enter should email their answer to bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com and I will draw a name from the entries after the Saturday competition to determine the winner. There will be a new prize awarded for the 'most original' entry returned. 
The question from two weeks ago will be the first one in the mix. Go back and read it and send me your answer.
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"Who Am I ?" Competition.
I was in the throws of coming up with the next clue for the current competition when I received a last-minute entry from Robert Eriksson with the correct answer - Paul Carroll. Congratulations.

So we have a new character to guess. Here is the first clue.
"I greatly enjoy improving the ambiance of our club". Who am I?

email your entry to bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com

(Note, the photo is a logo only)

Picture
A Little Humour
​

Now Go Out and Play a Game of Golf !!!

Coronavirus Update

20/3/2020

 
Why Am I posting this Update?
You need to be informed.

The world is in the grip of a microscopic villain. Unfortunately at present there is no weapon capable of defeating this villain. Whilst the scientists work tirelessly to solve the problem we have to take every measure available to stay well and delay any onset of the virus as long as possible. There have been a considerable number of health department media releases covering these measures. They are well publicised and easy to understand. It is up to each and everyone of the public to abide by them. This requires us to change our day to day behaviours and it is a difficult thing to achieve.

Psychologists claim that the older a person, the harder it is for that person accept and make changes to an established process. Take the simple act of shaking hands. Something we have grown up with and is as natural as breathing. We have to change our behaviour in this respect and cease to shake hands. We have to work at changing our hygiene routines, at maintaining a suitable physical distance within a group. It is everyone's responsibility to look after everyone else.

We are all responsible for the wellbeing of ourselves and those with whom we interact. It is paramount that changes are accepted and enthusiastically practised. The club's management has been actively trying to keep out in front of the changing requirements, and to this end have published several Coronavius related bulletins. These bulletins are reproduced below. They are all written with the express intention of providing protection to our members, guests and staff.

I hope all our members are aware that someone is always available to take a call or answer an email. It is so very important that we stay in touch with our fellow club members as the necessity of the 'Isolation' procedures start to bite. In addition, it is vitally important that any member who has been diagnosed with, or been in contact with any person suffering from the symptoms of Covid-19 advise the club of the situation. The club will continue to monitor the situation and keep the members as advised as possible. 
New Local Rules.
​
The following notice was emailed to all playing members this afternoon (Friday 20th March) and details the changes authorised and suggested by the R & A and endorsed by Golf Australia and NSW.

New Local Rules to Cater for Coronavirus Implications
 
These new local rules are to be implemented from 5am Saturday 21st March and will remain in force until such time that the Coronavirus no longer presents a danger to players.
 
These local rules are issued with the approval of Golf NSW under the guidelines provided them from the R & A.
 
Local Rule CV 1 – Scoring
  • Players are to enter their own hole scores on the scorecard (it is not necessary for a marker to do it).
  • It is not necessary to have a marker physically certify the players scores, but some form of verbal certification should take place within the group.
 
Local Rule CV 2 – Flagsticks
  • Player are required to leave the Flagsticks in the hole at all times. 
 
Local Rule CV 3 – Holing Out
  • A ball at rest in the hole will be considered to be holed even if it is not entirely below the level of the hole.
 
Local Rule CV 4 – Bunkers
  • Preferred Lies may be taken when the ball lies in a bunker through the general area.
 
Background.
 

In response to the R&A’s announcement, the Chairman of Golf Australia, Andrew Newbold, said: “The game of golf can offer a level of social engagement which will become increasingly important for many Australians.  We want to do what we can to enable people to be provided with a recreational outlet, especially as concerns around mental and physical health will become more prominent.  Golf Australia encourages every club to take advantage of this temporary flexibility that has been announced by the R&A, and to consider options which will ensure the Rules are not acting as a barrier to people getting out and enjoying the game.”

  • Scores returned from competitions with any of the new Local Rules in effect must be processed through GOLF Link unless your club has been instructed otherwise by Golf Australia or your State Association.
  • These Local Rule options are temporary and are related to Covid-19 concerns.  They will be available to clubs until Golf Australia advises otherwise.
 
The Captain
20 March 2020

The Following Bulletin was published Tuesday 17th March.

Dear Members,

The world is currently experiencing an unprecedented challenge. Countries all around the globe are implementing large scale procedures to assist in the management of the Coronavirus and to limit the incidence of Covid-19. Golf Australia and Golf NSW have issued their guidance, and we (the Board and Executive of BGC) have assessed the available information and determined the following course of action.

Our club membership (age) structure means that a great number of our members fall into a high-risk category. We as a club have a duty of care to provide the highest possible protection to both ourselves, other club members and our wonderful staff. We kindly request adherence to the following:

• Any club member (and club member’s guests) who has returned from an overseas trip in the past 2 weeks must put themselves under mandatory 14-day self-quarantine before attending the club premises.
• All attendees of the club utilise a high standard of personal hygiene and use hand sanitiser where available (bring your own if possible).
• Any attendee of the club who experiences cold or flu-like symptoms including sore throat, cough, fever, body aches and pains avoid the club entirely for 14 days.
• All attendees of the club refrain from shaking hands or kissing and attempt to maintain suitable personal separation from others.
• Food sharing, tea & coffee station will not be in use.
• There will be no golf presentations – results posted to the website only. • Shower facilities are available but please bring your own towel.
• Table seating will be spread throughout the club house.

The term ‘Club’ used above infers any and all areas of the BGC including the golf course and car parking.
Please note that the staff have been briefed to increase their routine cleaning processes including wiping down of door handles and surfaces where regular contact is made. This will occur several times during each day.

The ’Staged’ approach detailed below will potentially have a severe impact on the club and its employees, and hopefully we will be able to return to ’normal’ operations in the near future.

Golf Activities will continue as detailed below, as social distancing can be maintained and activity in the outdoor environment is considered to be a good option. Note the following considerations:
  • Carry hand sanitizer with you and use it regularly during your round,
  • Leave the Pin in the hole,
  • Wear a glove and or use a towel to cover your hand when using a rake in bunkers,
  • The NTP and Pro Pin competitions are suspended until further notice,
  • Use hand sanitizer after in-putting your results into the computer,
  • Use non-cash transaction options such as ‘Tap and Go’ or quote your member number to the staff,
  • The post-golf Presentations will be suspended until further notice.
​
Bowral Golf Club – Coronavirus Management Plan

Stage 1: “Watch and Wait” and take necessary hygiene precautions as stipulated by Local and National Authorities. We have passed this stage and we are now implementing Stage 2 effective Tuesday 17th March.

Stage 2: Continue normal club activity however, gatherings of more than 30 people will not be permitted. This includes hospitality that accompanies the golf component of group events, Jazz, 1st Friday and charity events. This measure will be in force until 30th April but reviewed daily. All affected Members and guests will be contacted and advised of the decision. We also ask that Members please confirm that their guests have adhered to all widely advised precautions including overseas travel quarantining and any health concerns.

Stage 3: Close all bar & catering operations in the clubhouse. The office will be manned either on- site or remotely. Close the Clubhouse facilities but the toilets would be open. Allowing “golf only” access to Members with green-fee play being withheld indefinitely. This stage will be contemplated if a Member, staff or guest who has recently utilized our facility tests positive for the virus. The office will be manned as above.

Stage 4: Close both the pro shop and Clubhouse indefinitely. The golf course will remain available to members for non-competition play, members may need to retrieve their clubs from storage. This measure will only be undertaken on the advice of authorities who are continually updating the guidelines to be followed by all institutions, including businesses, schools, universities and profile sporting and social venues.

Stage 5: Cease all operations, this measure will only be taken if the risk to course staff cannot be managed safely.

Staff: In the event of a shutdown to any area, casual staff will continue to be paid as per their normal roster. Salaried staff will use their sick leave entitlements and the club will make up any shortfall if required.

Management and the Board are conscious of the need to remain vigilant at this time, and request that our Members do so as well. Should any Member have specific concerns or wishes to discuss the planned approach that is in place, please do not hesitate to contact the office.

Kevin Kenny,
Secretary Manager


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From Golf Australia
It is Golf Australia’s recommendation to clubs and facilities that advice from the Australian Government’s Department of Health should be monitored closely over the coming days and weeks, as well as the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website. Advice may change from day to day.
Please note, Golf Australia remains fully operational for all of your clubs and facilities support, rules and handicapping and competition management requirements. For contact details of each departmental area, please visit https://www.golf.org.au/contactus/

Member, Guest and Staff travel advice

If your members or guests have recently returned from overseas, they are now required by law to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return, as of midnight on Sunday, March 15. During this period, they should not visit your facility for any reason.
If – in the 14 days prior to Sunday, March 15 – your members or guests have recently returned from or transited through China, Iran, Italy, Japan, Mongolia or South Korea, we recommend that they do not visit your facility for any reason – including use of the golf course only – until the 14 day period has elapsed.

We further recommend that if – in the 14 days prior to Sunday March 15 – members or guests recently returned from or who have transited through Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand or from a cruise holiday and who are experiencing flu-like symptoms do not visit your facility, including use of the golf course only, for 14 days.

For simple, easy to understand advice for your members and guests including important health tips, you can also refer to the World Health Organisation’s advice for the public website.

Member, Guest and Staff health advice

Golf clubs and facilities are often heavily trafficked, and there is a chance that a member, guest or member of your staff will be exposed to, or test positive to, COVID- 19.

It is vitally important that if a member, guest or staff member tests positive to COVID- 19, they must inform the club/facility as soon as possible. If this has occurred, anyone testing positive will be contacted by the State/Territory Department of Health in relation to contact tracing. You should then take advice on ongoing facility operations from your State/Territory Department of Health.

Playing Golf:

It should be noted that the vast majority of golfers can and should continue to visit your clubs or facility as per normal. Of course, golfers should exhibit a heightened awareness of personal hygiene as has been encouraged by state and federal health departments.

Clubhouse & Golf Operations:

Clubs should consider reviewing their clubhouse and golf operations ensuring procedures are in place that minimise close person-to-person contact where possible. It is up to club and facility management to consider whether policies on clubhouse opening hours, course opening hours and visitor access require review at this time.

It is important for club boards and management to review contingencies to plan stages ahead for club operations should public information change.

Practices within clubhouses should display a heightened regard for the sanitation of surfaces, of which your cleaning chemical provider will be able to provide guidance on.

Staff and volunteers should exhibit a heightened awareness of personal hygiene as has been encouraged by state and federal health departments.

Course Maintenance Operations:

Clubs and facilities should consider reviewing their course maintenance operations ensuring procedures are in place that minimise close person-to-person contact. Practices within the course maintenance team should display a heightened regard for the sanitation of surfaces, including machinery controls, of which your cleaning chemical provider will be able to provide guidance on. Staff and volunteers should exhibit a heightened awareness of personal hygiene as has been encouraged by state and federal health departments.

Clubs should also consider separating course maintenance staff in to separate shifts to help ensure continuity should self-isolation among your course maintenance staff be required.
Examples of easy to implement changes to regular operations:
Some examples of changes for clubs and facilities that will help reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 include:

• Place signage around clubhouse along with hand sanitisers
• Remove use of member cards in place of providing member number at point of
sale purchases
• Remove shared items such as complimentary cheese and crackers
• Where possible, leaving doors ajar removing the need to push doors open or turn
door knobs
• No hand-shaking
• No dollar bets
• Use drink trays for rounds of drinks
• Remove items such as shoe cleaners, sun creams, hair brushes and combs, hair
gel and hair dryers from locker rooms
• Sanitise motorised carts, push buggy and sand bucket handles, air compressor
handles, before and after use
• Encourage golfers to wear their putting glove when removing the flag stick and
when raking bunkers
• Remove cash transactions and encourage ‘Pay-Wave’ transactions where no contact is required
• Remove small pins from practice putting greens

To be clear, Golf Australia is not advocating for regular club competitions to cease and we are encouraging that these continue. Rather, we have sought to act on events where we believe the significant travel requirements involved posed a greater risk than the regular act of competition golf.

Golf Australia – staff update

All Golf Australia staff will work from home starting Wednesday, March 18 until Tuesday, March 31. If there is any change in these dates, we will advise all clubs and facilities closer to that date.

We will still be contactable via regular means such as phone and e-mail, and our reception phone will be diverted to ensure all incoming calls are answered.

As previously noted, the virus and potential implications are changing constantly and we will continue to monitor accordingly, and provide updates to clubs and facilities as regularly as required, or alternatively when additional Federal Government updates are announced.

For further information from the Federal Government on COVID-19, the Coronavirus Health Information Line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 020 080.

If you require additional information or have questions please do not hesitate to contact Golf Australia on (03) 9626 5000 or clubsupport@golf.org.au.

Kind regards,

Golf Australia

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