Golf Australia has confirmed it is seeking further assistance and guidance for its clubs and facilities regarding the Victorian Government’s latest lockdown restrictions in relation to Regional Victoria and Metropolitan Melbourne.
The sport’s governing body said in a statement that it “strongly disagrees and is disappointed” with the Victorian Government’s latest announcement of a 50-person cap for outdoor sport and recreation venues in Regional Victoria as it relates to golf.
Golf Australia’s full statement reads:
“As you are aware, COVID-19 or the Coronavirus as it is more commonly known has created global health concerns regarding the disease and its infection rates. Golf Australia is writing to provide further assistance and guidance to our clubs and facilities on this important topic. Golf Australia strongly disagrees and is disappointed with the Victorian Government’s position of 50 person caps for outdoor sport and recreation venues in Regional Victoria as it relates to golf. Our sport is one that can be played safely and is played across a large area, naturally lending itself to social distancing. We have made – and will continue to make – representations to the Acting Premier and Minister for Community Sport on this topic.
Victorian Government Announcement – June 2, 2021 On Wednesday, June 2, the Victorian Government announced changes to restrictions in Victoria from 11:59 pm on Thursday, June 3.
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 must remain closed until Thursday, June 10 at 11:59 pm.
- Takeaway food and beverage can continue to be offered.
- Masks must be worn in all settings unless a person has a lawful reason not to.
- Courses should remain closed to all except essential workers as outlined below. Facilities should not open to allow members to access to the course for walking purposes.
- Clubs considering standing down staff should firstly seek advice before doing so from their IR/HR provider.
The Victorian government has confirmed that essential workers include those who must work to ensure that a facility can continue to operate without causing damage or loss to plant and equipment, but only those facility and course operations that are necessary in order to prevent that damage or loss. Therefore, please ensure that maintenance is kept to essential tasks only. Operations advice – Regional Victoria Golf clubs/facilities in Regional Victoria will, from Thursday, June 3 at 11:59 pm move to a separate set of restrictions. Golf facilities can operate provided the following conditions are met:
- There is a 50-person at one time limit on recreational sporting facilities. This limit is inclusive of all people at your facility excluding staff;
- The outdoor gathering limit is 10 people;
- 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;
- Competitions cannot be conducted, however handicapping of social scores is permitted;
- Masks must continue to be worn inside, unless eating or drinking, or another lawful exception applies;
- All indoor coaching facilities must remain closed;
- Changerooms, locker rooms and showers must remain closed. Access to toilets is permitted;
- Service Victoria QR requirements have been expanded to include mandatory check in across all settings;
Additionally:
- There is no limit on distance travelled from home within Regional Victoria;
- Food and beverage operations can recommence– adhering to a density requirement of one person per four square metres – for seated service only;
- If a venue chooses to operate their hospitality service, all patrons are counted toward the 50 person venue limit;
- Retail facilities can open, with masks required to be worn;
- Coaching can recommence in groups of ten or less. Participants are to be included in the 50 person venue limit.
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 flagsticks and bunker rakes. Details of the local rules are available at www.golf.org.au/club-guidance-managing-play-in-the-covid-19-environment . Further support for affected businesses: The Victorian government has announced that Business Support grants will now open today, Thursday, June 3. 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]“
