Randpark Golf Club will survive the pandemic

Golf is on the up at Randpark Golf Club, as community members enjoy the outdoors and a sport that is regarded safe to play amid a pandemic.

The club’s spa and hotel are also due to open in the next week or two. When the nationwide lockdown started, Randpark ensured a skeleton staff took care of the Firethorn and Bushwillow courses and this paid dividends when golfers returned after the lockdown Level 3 regulations were amended. There has even been an increase in members since golf was allowed. However, while the club previously saw about 440 players take to the greens on a good day, they are allowed up to 240 per day now.”

The courses are in good shape and we are following the rules our governing bodies have given us to create a safe environment, because safety is our number-one priority,” the club’s general manager, Francois Swart told Randburg Sun.”We have created this safe environment but there is also an element of trust that we must trust people who come to play will adhere to the protocols.”Safety measures include the taking of temperatures and information of people upon arrival, having sanitising stations all over the premises and around the courses, limiting golf courts to one person only unless two people come from the same household, social distancing, and the wearing of face masks when not playing.”

The pandemic has affected everyone and in history we have seen how events leading to economic downturns have affected us. The same is true now.”Swart explained that the club has had to restructure some of its departments and there have been job losses.”That said, we have been overwhelmed by the support of the community for our Unity Fund, which has contributed to employees during this time. So far we have raised more than R150 000 in food, school fees, rent and more for the caddies. We understand what we are facing and we will survive this.”

Details: Randpark Golf Club info@randpark.co.za; 011 215 8600.