Covid-19 vs Sport: Golf clubs need intervention
“Mpumalanga Golf Union is also looking at ways where we can give back to clubs, this is currently work in progress.”
HIGHVELD – Covid-19 and its lockdown regulations appear to be the proverbial final nail into the burial coffin of struggling golf clubs.
Even if the regulations are relaxed enough to allow golfers to return to their favourite greens, it will be too little too late for some clubs.
“The writing is on the wall for us,” said Mr MG Snyman, captain of Bethal Golf Club. “Even if the players are allowed to return to the course, sponsored days and tournaments are not yet permitted.”
The club’s other main sources of income are the kitchen and the bar, both of which are now non-operational.
This small club has 80 members of whom only about 35 are active. The majority of the members are senior citizens or juniors learning to play. Membership fees are very low and with only a R120 playing fee, it is not nearly enough to support the club.
Bethal is a municipal golf course, but relief from Govan Mbeki Municipality is little to none.
According to Mr Snyman, the club’s upkeep is currently funded by a few club members who own businesses. “Unlike other clubs in the region, we do not have the backing from mining companies or the hospitality industry.”
Graceland Country Club is fortunate to be part and parcel of the Peermont group, but the lockdown regulations have also affected them.
Mr André Blom, president of Graceland Country Club said, although he cannot comment on behalf of the Graceland complex, he can confirm that the club itself is also feeling the effects.
“I believe all clubs are experiencing huge losses and the lockdown has far reaching consequences, especially for the employees and caddies.
“Golfers are frustrated, tournaments have been cancelled.”
He said the members have been reaching out to the caddies who are solely reliant on this job to support their families.
Mr Arno Spangenberg, president at Walker Park Golf Club in Evander, said the financial losses are extreme, because they are also dependant on the income from their kitchen and bar. Lucrative tournaments and sponsored days, such as the annual Gold Rush that is supposed to have taken place next week, have been cancelled.
“Local businesses help, but we are not sure for how long it can last. Jobs are at stake.”
Golf unions are also under strain. Although one or two unions in the Cape have pledged to help out their clubs, Mr Graeme Morrison, President of the Mpumalanga Golf Union said Mpumalanga has extended the pay over date of affiliation fees for clubs that have applied for relief assistance.
“Golf RSA are in constant engagement with the government for a safe return to golf.
“The golfing industry throughout South Africa is under extreme financial pressure and we foresee that only 50 per cent of clubs around the country will survive,” said Mr Morrison.
“Golf clubs have become a competitive business and strive to offer value for money and a unique golfing experience. Golfers obviously look for the best deal where a club has more to offer for the same price, or even less.”
Mr Morrison also pointed out that clubs are mainly dependent on the income from in house amenities, as well as fundraisers and corporate events.
“The clubs are also responsible for the collection of affiliation fees between the golfer and their affiliated body.”
According to Mr Morrison, the Caddy Relief Fund is in place and various caddies are now receiving their second round of relief.
“Clubs have also been able to apply to the Mpumalanga Sports Council for compensation of loss of income for pre-booked events that have been unfortunately cancelled due to the pandemic.
“Mpumalanga Golf Union is also looking at ways where we can give back to clubs, this is currently work in progress.”
Mr Morrison said the safe return to golf is currently days away.
“Please support your club going forward and remember that your club has always been there for you and now you need to be there for your club.”
Mr Morrison concluded by saying golf in the future will be something quite different.
“All clubs have been issued with a Covid-19 tool kit to cover the aspects pertaining to safe operation of clubs and the health and safety of patrons.”
Also read: Graceland’s golf course opens today (13 June)
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