What a difference a fortnight makes! Ten days ago, we were about to rubber stamp the construction of the new greens shed, now we have the state closing its borders and the golf club has been forced to close down its clubhouse.  I can assure you, the committee and the administration staff have been working around the clock to try to understand the on going developments, what it means for the club, and the strategies required to adapt to the evolving situation regarding COVID 19.  To be honest, I had 3 letters penned before this one but have had to re write it each time due to the continuing change in circumstances.

The main point I want to make is that as bleak as the situation may seem, we are all in this together. We are unified as one club, but more than that, we are unified as Australians!  No one expected this, and no one realized the impact it was going to have on our everyday lives.  But we will adapt and we will get through this.  We must take this seriously.  We have an age demographic at this club that depends on us taking this seriously.  As such, the committee has taken the advice and recommendations from the government and Golf Australia and have come up with a set of measures that we require the membership to adopt.  These measures come into effect as of Tuesday 24 March 2020.

I sincerely hope that the membership understands the need for these measures and to bear with it for as long as it’s required.  The committee thanks you for your understanding and as a club, it is imperative that we continue to support the club as much as possible, so that we have a vital club to come back to once this temporary threat is over.  Let us not forget that golf offers us all a safe level of social engagement that is extremely important for our physical and mental well being during these tough times.

MARKING YOUR OWN SCORECARD

In view of concerns about handling and exchanging scorecards, on a temporary basis, members will be permitted to mark their own scorecard in all competitions and allow methods of scoring that do not strictly comply with Rule 3.3b.  It is required that you do still record your ‘Markers’ score within the area of the scorecard where a player would normally put their own score.  This allows both player and marker to confirm each other’s score at the end of the round. 

 

Temporary Local Rule

Players are permitted to mark their own scorecard in all competition play allowing methods of scoring that do not strictly comply with Rule 3.3b. It is recommended that you do still record your ‘Markers’ score within the area of the scorecard where a player would normally put their own score.

FLAG STICKS

Players are required to the leave the flag sticks in the hole at all times and avoid contact with the flag stick when removing your ball. 

Temporary Local Rule

Players are not permitted to remove the flag stick at any time from the hole. Players must avoid contact as best as possible when removing the ball from the hole. 

BUNKERS

Rakes will be removed from the course, and until further notice, preferred lies will be permitted in ALL BUNKERS.

Temporary Local Rule

When a player’s ball lies in a bunker, the player may lift the ball, smooth the bunker by hand or with a club or golf shoe, clean the ball and replace it as near as possible to its original position without penalty. 

HOLE CUPS

Course staff will be inverting the base of the cups so that the cup will become shallow thereby allowing the ball to be easily extracted without touching the sides of the hole or the flagpole.  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.

GIMMIES

If a Ball comes to rest within 300mm/30cm/12 Inches of the hole, the following stroke will count automatically as a conceded putt without being played.

Note-; A CARD and a HALF is 300mm

 

OTHER INITIATIVES

In addition to the Clubhouse being closed until further notice, members are advised that the following initiatives have been put in place to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.

  • Presentations after a competition round and the Ladies monthly Presentation Night will be cancelled. Results will be posted on the website.
  • Nearest the Pins and other competition novelties will cease.
  • Practice social distancing of at least 1.5 meters around the pro shop, on practice facilities before and after golf.
  • One person is allowed in the pro shop at any one time.
  • Scorecards are to be placed in the box outside the pro shop at the end of the round. Staff will be responsible for entering scores in the score reader.
  • Only one person permitted on motorised carts. Cart availability will be on a priority needs basis.  Each cart may have two bags to assist the other walking member, however do avoid handling the other player’s equipment. 
  • Ball washers and drink fountains will be out of service.
  • Members may sign in guests as per the constitution but must make sure their guests are compliant of the clubs measures to limit the spread of the corona virus.
  • Hand Sanitizers will be placed at the entry of the Men’s and Ladies Change rooms. Please use them upon entry and exit of the change rooms.
  • Shower facilities will be unavailable. Shared products such as sunscreen and deodoriser will be removed from the change rooms.  Doors to toilet facilities will be propped open where possible.
  • Avoid the use of cash. Top up your House Account below $100 using the “Pay Wave” facility.  Competition fees will be deducted from the House Account.
  • No “Dollar Bets” allowed.
  • Chairs in the downstairs patio and bar area have been stored to comply with government regulations.
  • Members will have access to the locker room and buggy storage areas. Note that the buggy storage area will be armed earlier than normal. 
  • BYO alcohol is NOT permitted on the premises as per government regulations.
  • Members, Guests and Staff who are feeling unwell with fever and flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath and fatigue must avoid coming to the Club and contact your GP for advice.
  • Members, Guest and Staff who have tested positive to COVID – 19 must inform the Club as soon as possible.

 

Timothy Tan

President

Nedlands Golf Club

24 March 2020