Golf is back, albeit with strict social distancing restrictions, but boy, are the local clubs and players happy about it.

ALSO READ: Comrades Marathon a virtual ‘home’ run for 2020

The news filtered through from GolfRSA yesterday after weeks of delicate talks with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture which have allowed for the safe return of the sport.

Ivan Curlewis, the president of the KwaZulu-Natal Golf Union and member at Margate Country Club, was working on the course when he heard the news.

“We had a little celebration,” he smiled. “There’s an enthusiasm I haven’t seen for far too long. The guys just want to get out there and play!”

He also said the members had taken responsibility for the upkeep of the course.

“We had 20 of the Wobblers come out to spruce up the Garden of Remembrance between the 12th green and 13th tee.”

He is also hopeful tournament golf could return as soon as possible and believes it’s absolutely vital as it gives aspiring players something to aim at.

Curlewis reiterated the importance of golfers supporting clubs, especially once the actual clubhouses are allowed to fully open as this is a massively important aspect of the survival of any club.

Derek James, the professional at Southbroom Golf Club, shared his excitement.

“It’s wonderful to be back. It truly is the greatest game of all. It’s a safe, healthy, disciplined and friendly environment,” he said.

“I really believe now is an opportune time to have a major drive to get more people playing golf and getting them to understand the game. There are just so many benefits.”

Gavin Sole, the KZN captain and manager at Southbroom said his focus had been on getting everything ready and compliant in terms of all the health protocols that need to be followed.

He has also probably never gone this long without a game, but let slip that he has been hitting balls into a net at home, so don’t be surprised if he shoots something in the mid 60s when he next plays.

“I’m just pleased the members can get out there and enjoy a game they all love so much,” he said.

Ryan Ringo, the chairman at Port Shepstone CC, took the excitement to the next level.

‘Ecstatic’ was the word he used to describe things.

“We are grateful for the work GolfRSA has done to get the game opened again,” he said.

He felt golfers shouldn’t have too much trouble adjusting to the strict protocols required

After the gloominess of the lockdown and its serious implications, he is pleased golfers can get out and enjoy the game again, even if their handicaps shift out slightly.

Club pro Jesse said it had been very hard, with no staff and him and a few members doing their best to maintain the course.

“I feel sorry for the caddies and staff, but happy now. So let’s make the most of it,” he said, hoping other businesses would be able to ‘make it’ as well.

His thoughts were echoed by Margate CC’s professional Andrew Curlewis.

The usually very relaxed and laid-back player has been surprisingly vocal on social media, expressing his frustration at how long it’s taken to get the game open again.

Still, he very, very happy the game is open again.

“It’s about saving jobs, saving golf courses and clubs and just getting people out in the open playing what has to be one of the safest games to play in terms of social distancing,” he explained.

“We’ve needed it. It’s good for the economy and the people as the game helps feed a lot of people.”

There’s nothing bad about golf coming back, he summed up, a sentiment shared by everyone involved in the game at every level.

STATEMENT FROM GolfRSA
The Golf bodies wish to thank the Minister, Director General and their team of staff for their commitment to helping golf to begin exercise and training for members of a federation, agency, club or body.
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 coronavirus pandemic.
As a result, we sought to ensure compliance with unfolding regulations and directives.
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.
We wish to thank the golfing public and industry for their support of the collaborative process undertaken by the golf bodies.
Grant Hepburn
GolfRSA CEO

PROPOSED GolfRSA-Safety-Poster-1 (2)

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram