Amateur golf is still off-limit

Kempton Park and Avion Park golf clubs remain closed for the time being.Much confusion arose when the announcement regarding the opening of some sports on professional level only at Level 3 was announced.

GolfRSA continued discussions at the highest level of government regarding the re-opening of golf at Alert Level 3.

“We had a very positive meeting this morning [Sunday] with a key representative of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture,” said GolfRSA CEO Grant Hepburn.

“Please rest assured that the overriding priority of all South African golf bodies right now is to guarantee the survival of golf clubs and facilities and to save jobs. We are firm in our belief that we are taking the most appropriate approach to ensure that golf can make its safe return in due course.

“We will continue to pursue this avenue of dialogue and we are at a sensitive stage in these discussions. Therefore we urge all parties to remain patient at this juncture.

“GolfRSA and South African golf bodies distance themselves from individuals or clubs, or petitions, who regard the legal route as an option at this point in time and we strongly encourage any golf club or golfing facility entertaining thoughts about re-opening on June 1 to seek legal advice relating to the Alert Level 3 regulations.

“Prior to the discussions, GolfRSA expressed its disappointment around the continued uncertainty in terms of where the return of golf stood at Alert Level 3.

“There are sufficient examples globally that have proven that golf can return safely and in so doing, reignite the industry. We have been clear with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, through our detailed proposals and supporting documents, that a prerequisite for any professional golf to be practiced or played is for golf facilities to be open to all.

“Golf clubs in the main worldwide derive their revenue from amateur golfers playing golf and this is essential for golf courses to survive. There are about 40 000 people employed by golf clubs across South Africa, and 85 per cent of these employees fall in the most vulnerable economic sector.

“All South African golf bodies are united in their belief that we are well-prepared for a safe return of golf. We have the necessary protocols in place, including a comprehensive Risk Mitigation Strategy, Best Practice Guidelines and the advanced version of Healthdocs – an all-inclusive screening and monitoring application – available at all golf clubs.

“Golf is played in wide open spaces and lends itself naturally to social distancing. The sport is globally recognised as healthy exercise for persons of all ages and is also an excellent stress-reliever.”It is our strong belief that without the return of golf and opening up of golf facilities, the industry will collapse.”