Golf Australia has been under heavy scrutiny in recent times in relation to announcements and its position on whether golf should or should not be played in the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Initially they came out and said golf should cease Australia wide. This was hotly debated and soon after States and Territories started making their own decision to allow play under guidelines to maintain strict social distancing upon advice from health authorities.
Victoria and NT decided to keep courses closed and they prohibit golf. These State and Territory governments are being heavily criticised by golfers asking why other states can play and why they can’t.
As the curve continues to flatten and reported cases of COVID-19 continue to drop, we may see Victorian and NT golfers back on their courses again real soon (fingers crossed).
On Friday April 17th, Golf Australia released this to the public.
Updated Golf Australia COVID-19 position
(By Golf Australia)
Golf Australia’s focus during the COVID-19 pandemic will always be the wellbeing of the broader community.
Combined with our enduring responsibility for our clubs, their staff and all Australian golfers, we remain comfortable that our position recommending that clubs close has been appropriate to this point.
But, acknowledging the long challenge that lies ahead of all Australians during this pandemic, we have been encouraged to see golf played in comparative safety in five states and one territory in recent weeks as we all adopt social distancing necessities.
Under strict and specific safety protocols – enforced by state and territory guidelines as well as individual club rules – Golf Australia is now satisfied that golf can be played at minimal risk. Having worked collaboratively with our clubs and other stakeholders, we are now comfortable to alter our position and encourage courses to open and for people to play.
As well as social distancing, these safety protocols include keeping gloves on and not touching hands with playing partners, not sharing carts, leaving flags in, reducing hole depth, greater times between groups, not exchanging cards, not using bunker rakes and maintaining personal hygiene.
The ability to play currently does not apply to those in Victoria and the Northern Territory where golf remains prohibited by those State and Territory governments. As ever, Golf Australia will continue constructive dialogue and advocacy for golfers with these governments.
It is important to note that Golf Australia may again alter our position depending on the changing requirements of governments (Federal, state and territory) as the COVID-19 crisis unfolds.