Golf enthusiasts return to greens

HIGHVELD – Although golfers were allowed back on their favourite fairways and greens this weekend, the return of players is not nearly enough to give struggling golf clubs hope.

The return was a bitter-sweet experience for the Bethal Golf Club.

Mr MG Snyman, club captain, said 22 players visited the course over the weekend.

“Everyone was in a celebratory mood and visibly happy to again take part in their favourite sport. Sadly this is not enough to survive. If the pub and restaurant do not re-open soon, Bethal Club will have to close down,” he said.

Mr Snyman believes the club will not last another month without the much needed income from its amenities.

At the Graceland Country Club, players who pre-booked were accommodated for play at the weekend.

Strict regulations were in place and mask-wearing golfers first had to be screened before being allowed on the course.

Players are now required to sign a form that indemnifies Graceland should they be caught contravening any of the Covid-19 specific conditions and that they will be liable to a fine of up to R5 000.

“It is important that all players understand that their behaviour has the potential to jeopardise golf in South Africa as a whole,” is the message sent out.

People were under no circumstances allowed to drink alcohol on the golf course or on any portion of Graceland property. Alcohol will not be sold from any of the Graceland outlets either.

Mr Grant Hepburn, CEO of GolfRSA said in a press statement on Friday, 12 June, that GolfRSA, and the other golf bodies welcome the efforts of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture that have allowed for the safe return of golf.

“Golf acknowledges and recognises that the safety of human life is of paramount importance. We appreciate the challenge presented to government to ensure an appropriate response to the threats presented by the global coronavirus pandemic. As a result, we sought to ensure compliance with unfolding regulations and directives.”

Mr Hepburn said that over the past few weeks, GolfRSA has equipped all clubs with risk mitigation strategies and training of compliance officers.

“In addition to this, GolfRSA has provided all facilities with a state-of-the-art application that allows for the scanning and monitoring of all golfers and staff.

“Clubs need to complete the Confirmation of Compliance document and submit it to GolfRSA before they can open their facilities,” he said.

In the meantime, an auction has been launched to fill the coffers of GolfRSA’s Help Fund project, aimed at assisting caddies and casual workers affected by the temporary closure of golf courses during the Covid-19 crisis.

Items available for auction, include a four-ball with Ernie Els at Leopard Creek, a four-night stay at Umganu Lodge with a four-ball at Leopard Creek, a William Kentridge artwork, and golf with Erik van Rooyen, Christiaan Bezuidenhout or Dylan Frittelli.

A Four-ball with Ernie Els at The Links, Fancourt, is also up for grabs in a raffle.

For more information, visit GolfRSA’s website at www.golfrsa.com.

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