A sizeable list of restrictions will remain in place in Melbourne as it exits lockdown at 11.59pm Thursday, but for golfers, it’s time to rejoice – you will be allowed back on the fairways, in any number, provided social-distancing protocols are adhered to.
Golf Australia confirmed the good news Wednesday afternoon after lengthy discussions with the Victorian Government resulted in a green light for the sport.
“We are delighted to see the loosening of restrictions that allows golf to be played safely in both Regional and Metropolitan Victoria,” the governing body said in a statement on its website. “It is worth noting that Golf Australia has had extensive engagement with various levels of government over the past week. In putting forward golf’s case, it is worth acknowledging the sympathetic hearings we have had from the Minister for Sport, Martin Pakula and Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence.”
The following is the latest advice for every golfer in Victoria:
Operations advice – Metropolitan Melbourne
Based on information released by the Victorian Government, Golf Australia can recommend the following for all clubs in Metropolitan Melbourne:
- All golf facilities in Metropolitan Melbourne can reopen for business on Friday, 11 June;
- There are no limits on the number of players that can play;
- NB: There is no venue limit if a 100m distance can be maintained within groups. Golf was specifically highlighted in the government’s release on this topic.
- The outdoor gathering limit is 10 people;
- Competitions cannot be conducted, however handicapping of social scores is permitted;
- All indoor coaching facilities must remain closed;
- Food and beverage service can resume for a maximum of 100 people per venue, for seated service only. This 100-person cap must be observed as follows:
- A maximum cap of 50 people indoors
- A maximum cap of 50 people outdoors
- Group sizes limited to a maximum of 10
- Maximum caps are allowed provided the density quotient of 1 person per 4 square metres can be observed.
- Masks must be worn indoor unless eating or drinking, or outdoors where 1.5m social distancing cannot be observed;
- Service Victoria QR requirements have been expanded to include mandatory check-in across all retail settings and workplaces;
- Group coaching can recommence in groups of 10 or less (including the coach);
- The 25km movement limit applies to members and players;
- As in 2020, clubs and facilities may like to work with each other to facility playing opportunities for those impacted by the 25km restrictions.
Operations advice – Regional Victoria
Golf clubs/facilities in Regional Victoria will, from Thursday, 10 June at 11:59 pm move to a separate set of restrictions. Golf facilities can operate provided the following conditions are met:
- There are no limits on the number of players that can play;
- NB: There is no venue limit if a 100m distance can be maintained within groups. Golf was specifically highlighted in the government’s release on this topic.
- The outdoor gathering limit is 20 people;
- Club competitions can be conducted;
- Masks must be worn indoor unless eating or drinking, or outdoors where 1.5 metres social distancing cannot be observed;
- Food and beverage service can occur for a maximum of 150 people per venue, for seated service only. This 150-person cap must be observed as follows;
- A maximum cap of 75 people indoors
- A maximum cap of 75 people outdoors
- Group sizes limited to a maximum of 10
- Maximum caps are allowed provided the density quotient of 1 person per 4 square metres can be observed.
- Indoor coaching facilities can reopen with a maximum capacity of 150 people, adhering to the density quotient of 1 person per 4 square metres;
- Golf facilities must check the residential address of everyone they serve to ensure they live in regional Victoria. Those who live in Melbourne must be refused service;
- Service Victoria QR requirements have been expanded to include mandatory check in across all retail settings and workplaces;
- Group coaching can recommence in groups of 20 or less (including the coach)
Additionally:
- There is no limit on distance travelled from home within Regional Victoria;
At the discretion of each individual club or facility, the COVID-19 temporary local rules continue to be available for use at the current time to assist in managing shared equipment or high-touch surfaces. Details of the local rules are available at www.golf.org.au/club-guidance-managing-play-in-the-covid-19-environment .
Overview of restrictions:
Please click here for an overview of restrictions that will be in place.
Further support for affected businesses:
The Victorian Government has announced that business support grants are open. Further details are located here.
Golf Australia contact:
If you require additional information or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact John Stamp, Club & Facility Support Manager – Victoria, on 0418 395 140 or [email protected]
PGA of Australia contact:
If PGA members require additional information or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact David Barker, Senior State Manager on (03) 8320 1911 or [email protected]
