While it seemed the last ball had been hit off the tee and we'd lost all sporting options, golf is back on at the Cootamundra Country Club following an announcement from the NSW Office of Sport on Wednesday.
On Monday, March 30, following the announcement of stricter restrictions in relation to social gatherings and self-isolation, with a particular focus on the elderly, Golf NSW recommended that all golf courses in NSW close following advice from the Office of Sport and the state government.
However, that decision was changed on Wednesday, with the NSW Office of Sport declaring that golf courses could be reopened as golf is a form of exercise.
Please read and ensure you comply with the social distancing guidelines or you are liable," the Country Club wrote on its facebook page this week.
Anyone playing golf must adhere to the social distancing and outdoor gathering restrictions in place and Golf NSW said it will be up to individual clubs as to whether or not to open courses again.
"Golf NSW understands and respects that it is ultimately a Club's decision to open or remain closed, based on individual circumstances related to COVID-19," Golf NSW said.
"Any form of exercise is to be undertaken in compliance with the Public Health Orders, meaning that people must not participate in groups greater than two persons at any point in time. Therefore, individual sports such as golf and tennis can continue provided the Public Health Orders are complied with."
Golfers will be restricted to groups of two with one person per cart and all social play has to be booked through the Country Club Pro-Shop.
Players are being asked to repair the bunkers with their feet and not to remove the pins from the hole.
Tee times will be 15 minutes apart.
Last week's Vet's Golf Vets Golf went to Russell Peck with 27 points on a countback. Ball winners were John Dawe 27, Tim Beveridge 27. M Bishop 26, B, Freer 25, D Rowe 24 c/b.
In Saturday's Powerplay 4Ball Garth Barratt and Jimmy Mitchell had a win with 64 points on a countback from Darryl O'Keefe and Les Black. Jan Davies had a birdie chip in on the 16th for 10 points, well done.
