COVID 19 Club Update

Dear Victorian Golf Clubs and Facilities,

Victorian Government Announcement – Sunday 19th September

It was pleasing to hear the announcement from the Victorian government today that we expect golf to return in Melbourne next Sunday, September 26 when Victoria is expected to reach the 80% first dose vaccination target. This will provide some certainty for golf clubs and facilities across Victoria, and we hope this will be the start of a path to full and unrestricted golf activity. Golf Australia is pleased with this outcome, with the government acknowledging that our sport is safe and socially-distanced by nature.

GA has worked closely with the Victorian government – and acknowledges the support of the PGA of Australia – to accelerate the full return of the sport across the state, and we continue to support the government’s vaccination program as today’s announcement reiterates that the road to the full resumption of golf is the continued increase of Victorians who have been vaccinated. An overview of changes announced today are outlined below. We expect further details on the Chief Health Officer’s directives to be released in the coming days, and once confirmation of the September 26 opening date is announced, we will communicate further on this in the coming days.

Operations Advice – Regional Victoria

• We have confirmation that there is no 20-person cap that applies to golf courses
• Regional clubs and facilities may operate from 11.59pm, Thursday 9th September.
• Play can be conducted in groups of four, and there is no limit on the number of players at your facility.
   - NB: Golf is able to be played in an unrestricted manner as a 50 metre distance can be maintained between groups at all times. Please note, mass gathering limits must still be observed.
• No competition golf may be played, but social scores may be submitted for handicapping purposes.
   -  NB: The Victorian Government position on competitions being conducted across any sport is a blanket rule.
• Spectators are prohibited except for one parent permitted to supervise children.
• Coaching – outdoors only limited to 10 people plus the coach.
• Masks must be worn at all times unless there is a medical reason not to do so. This includes while playing golf.
• Shared equipment such as pull buggies and carts must be cleaned between uses. Flag sticks and bunker rakes can remain in play and should be cleaned regularly.
• All staff, members and visitors must check in using the QR service.

Clubhouse Operations – Regional Victoria

• Food and beverage service – Seated service only with a maximum of 20 people outdoors and 10 indoors subject to meeting the density limits of one person per four square metres. For avoidance of doubt, this is a maximum of 30 people across your facility.
• Changing rooms can not be used except for toilet access.
• Masks must be worn at all times.
• All staff, members and visitors must check in using the QR service.