Covid Update
Published on 25th May 2021 in Golf News, Local and Member News, Local News, Members NewsIn line with government guidelines announced today, from 6:00pm tonight, facemasks will again be mandatory in all indoor setting. You must wear a mask if you are entering the clubhouse or pro shop.
A reminder that all members and guest must also check in using the QR code in all locations.
At this stage, density limits have not changed, and we may proceed with all club events. If you are unwell please stay home.
Dear Members,
We are pleased to advise that Golf Australia (GA) has provided further assistance and guidance to Clubs and facilities regarding Covid-19.
Golf Australia is delighted to provide clubs and facilities with the news that the Victorian Department of Health has agreed with their submissions that bunker rakes and flag sticks should now be classified as ‘High-Touch Surfaces’ as opposed to ‘Shared Equipment’. Clubs and facilities must note that the Shared Equipment provision for cleaning after each use still exists for equipment such as golf carts and pull trolleys.
Effective 20 May 2021, cleaning of high-touch surfaces after each use is not required. Practically, this provision means that the restrictions on bunker rakes and flagsticks has been lifted with clubs and facilities now able to play under the normal rules of golf as long as provisions are made to clean these surfaces regularly.
As such our temporary local rules in place regarding flagsticks, bunker rakes and scorecards will now be removed at The Flinders Golf Club from Tuesday 25th May.
For the sake of clarity, flagsticks may now be removed, we require all golfers to again rake out the marks they create in a bunker playing their shot, preferred lies are no longer permitted in our bunkers and players may again swap scorecards marking them in the traditional fashion.
The foam inserts at the base of the flagstick will also be removed, please take extreme care of the hole when retrieving your ball with the flagstick in place.
Our Nearest To Pins will again be marked as they have been of recent years. The Pro Pin & Men’s NTP will be recorded as a length using the flagstick to measure and the Women will continue to use the disks.
We will also be returning our ball washers and water fountains.
For those intending to use this equipment we require you to carry out the following steps recommended by The Department of Health,
In the case of ball washers,
- sanitize your hands before and after use.
In the case of water fountains,
- we promote BYO and or purchased water bottles as the first option for hydrating on course.
- water fountains should only be used to refill personal water bottles.
- sanitize your hands before and after use.
- firstly allow the water to run for a few seconds.
- do not allow the water bottle to contact the water fountain head.
The Department of Health has advised the following:
The length of time the virus that causes coronavirus (COVID-19) can survive on inanimate surfaces varies depending on factors such as the amount of contaminated body fluid (e.g. respiratory droplets), the presence of soiling, heat and humidity. The virus that causes COVID-19, is mostly spread by respiratory droplets released when people talk, cough, or sneeze. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. Therefore the COVIDSafe strategies for those handling rakes and flagsticks include:
- performing hand hygiene regularly, and when moving from one hole/bunker to another
- being mindful to not touch your face (eyes, nose or mouth)
- maintaining physical distancing of 1.5 metres between players where possible
- regularly cleaning frequently touched surfaces and equipment
- additional cleaning if dirt or grime is visible.
Service Victoria QR Codes – Compulsory,
Effective Friday 28th May, the State Government QR code check-in service provided by Service Victoria is in use for all attendees at The Flinders Golf Club and must be adhered to. For the avoidance of doubt, this includes members and visitors playing golf, practising or using other facilities such as the clubhouse, and everyone must check-in on each visit.
Whilst we will need to be forward planning for the Covid-19 virus for a long time, it is a breath of fresh air to see some of our past enjoyments return on the golf course. I hope you all enjoy your golfing activity and look forward to seeing you around the club soon.
Kind Regards,
Dean Burrows
Captain.
