Hi everyone,
Well another announcement yesterday about life under Alert Level 3, the timing of which we will know on Monday 20th.
Unfortunately, we are still none the wiser as to whether golf is considered a “safe” activity under the L3 guidelines. I have spoken to many Clubs and NZ Golf who are seeking clarification of our status (again) with the Government. My gut feeling is that we won’t be open unfortunately, but my gut hasn’t been very reliable the last 12 months :)
One thing I do know if we do open for play is that we won’t be opening any retail operations, so no pro shop or Clubhouse bar and catering. Spare a thought for the Tasteful Affairs team whose business has obviously continuing to suffer greatly, as is all hospitality.
There’s much to work through and I have spent an hour this morning online in a Chamber of Commerce Zoom meeting and it would be an understatement to say the situation is “fluid”.
I wish it was as simple as opening the gate and allowing members to play but when we do open we need to have a COVID-19 plan in place that is compliant with both the Public Health Act and the Health & Safety at Work Act. The plan will need to demonstrate that both staff and customers will be safe in our environment and how we can eliminate any risk of virus transmission. This includes a full track and trace system on who is playing and when so casual play will definitely be out and bookings essential, for a number of reasons.
So, bear with me and the team and as soon as I know if and when we can open and what we need to produce for this to happen I will be back in touch.
On a brighter note the greenkeepers have been working since Tuesday (in isolation from each other) and the course is looking green and lush to say the least. Our new senior greenkeeper/2IC Chris Clarke spent yesterday mowing fairways and managed to do only 6 holes in 7 hours, most of which were double cut and then some cut a third time. There are some photos on our Facebook page that Chris took so hop online and have a peek – it made me want to get back out there even more!
Stay safe all.
Neville