Golf to tee off again this week

KEVIN Murnane said the last couple of months have been “very strange” without the sport he loves.

As secretary of Snake Valley Golf Club, their small “remote” course hasn’t seen any action, complying with COVID-19 restrictions, but it’s set to be bustling again.

“Our overall population of members is more mature, so we have to be careful,” he said.

“With reasonable weather, we’ll be back open Thursday, 14 May for people to go out and practice their skills. We also play on Sundays, so our match committee are considering opening competitions to players in the morning and afternoon, to minimise the congregation of players.

“That will enable us, maybe, to share golf carts, after cleaning between groups.”

Through their closure period, Snake Valley Golf Club have taken the opportunity to prep their course and finish maintenance work, including reseeding and repainting the clubhouse, so they’re ready for a fresh start.

Raised cups will also be implemented for the coming weeks so players don’t need to touch flags or holes to retrieve a ball.

“It’s great to see that our competitions can come back into vogue, and we’ll be trying to get our course up to scratch, hopefully putting the appropriate flags on the greens soon, and fully open for business,” Mr Murnane said.

Ballarat Golf Club reopened for play on Wednesday morning. General manager, Gary Fry said Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday will see nine-hole golf only, with a two tee start from 7.30am.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday will see a single tee start from 7.30am, with 18 holes, and guests and green fees players can tee off after 12.40pm.

“You can only play if you have pre-booked. If you’re a member, you can do that through our website or the app, or if you’re a visitor, call the Pro Shop and make a booking,” Mr Fry said.

“Our rules may change next week, but for now, it’s only two per group.”

Mount Xavier Golf Club reopened on Wednesday morning and is set for a members’ competition on Saturday, 16 May. The clubhouse will be closed, operating from the Pro Shop.

Groups of four can play, carts can only be used by one person, and no flags or rakes will be used on course.

Buninyong Golf Club also reopened on Wednesday morning at 8.30am, hitting off in groups of four, ten minutes apart, mindful of appropriate social distancing.

The clubhouse is available only for fee payment, otherwise it is closed, with no group gatherings. Members can go out to play at any time.

Their social competition begins today, Thursday, 14 May, also running on Saturdays and Tuesdays.