MONDAY MEMORANDUM TO ALL AUSTRALIAN GOLF CLUBS

Dear all Australian Golf Clubs and Facilities,

As you are aware, COVID-19 or the Coronavirus as it is more commonly known has created global health concerns regarding the disease and its infection rates.

Golf Australia is writing to provide further assistance and guidance to our clubs and facilities on this important topic.

It is Golf Australia’s recommendation that, based on the Prime Minister’s announcement on Sunday evening, March 29 that limits outdoor gatherings to two persons or fewer, all golf clubs and facilities should close until further notice.

The Prime Minister stated that all Australians should stay at home except for:

• Shopping for essentials

• Medical purposes

• Exercise

• Work and education if you cannot work or learn remotely

A number of state/territory Premiers and Chief Ministers have already supported this view and reinforced to their state/territory residents that this advice should be followed. This messaging has been clear on what constitutes exercise and while golf is used for exercise for many, it is clear that golf does not fall within this definition based on public government statements in the last 24 hours. It is expected that states/territories will all take this position over the coming days.

Golf Australia acknowledges that some state/territory governments will provide additional information and we will keep you up to date as and when additional state/territory based announcements are made so you are clear on the legalities of golf courses and their operations moving forward.

While this is a difficult time for the golf industry and wider society, Golf Australia is committed to working with clubs and facilities across the state to ensure that we return a vibrant, strong industry.

Golf Australia has also, in conjunction with the Australian Sports Turf Management Association, Golf NSW and Golf WA begun to lobby both Federal and State government to ensure that – in the event of a further increase in restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 – course staff will be able to continue to access your facilities. We will keep you all up to date as to the status of these discussions, although it should be noted that as of now there are no further restrictions on current greenkeeping operations.

Industrial Relations advice

For specific Industrial Relations advice, please contact the licenced venue peak body or business advisory organisation in your state (Community Clubs Victoria, Clubs SA, ClubsNSW, Clubs WA, Clubs QLD, Clubs NT, Tasmanian Hospitality Association). If your Golf Club or Facility is not a member and requires advice, please contact Golf Australia Club Support on clubsupport@golf.org.au.

For further information from the Federal Government on COVID-19, the Coronavirus Health Information Line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 020 080.

Golf Australia contact

If you require additional information or have questions please do not hesitate to contact Golf Australia on (03) 9626 5000 or clubsupport@golf.org.au. Kind regards, Golf Australia

In light of national and ongoing Covid-19 concerns, the SCSBDGA Management Committee reluctantly confirms the upcoming events through to the end of May have been cancelled. Golf Australia’s protocols insist that all events involving crowds or large-scale travel be strictly reviewed given the current health issues we’re confronting as a community. That is, the following events will not proceed in 2020:

• 6 April – Masters’ Tour @ Wondai
• 7 April – Masters’ Tour @ Kingaroy
• 3 May – District Novice Junior Event @ Maleny
• 3 & 4 May – District Mid-Amateur and Senior Men’s Championships @ Caloundra. Please note that Caloundra Golf Club may still proceed with their own event. Contact Caloundra Golf Club directly for more information.
• 11 May – Masters’ Tour @ Woodford
• 26 May – District Inter-zone Masters’ Team Challenge @ Murgon (Sunshine Coast vs South Burnett)
• 31 May – Inter-District Team Match Play vs Golf Wide Bay @ Tin Can Bay.

These decisions are not taken lightly. But regrettably, these events will not take place in 2020. The priority will always remain the safety and wellbeing of all stakeholders in the sport.

Decisions about future District events will be made at a later date.

Furthermore, the Masters' Tour schedule has changes in the format for the remainder of the year. Whenever possible, it has become necessary to prevent groups of people congregating in the clubhouse, Proshop and scoring areas. Hence, the District Masters Tour events will not be shotgun starts for the foreseeable future.

The table below shows the format changes (at this stage):

Date	Course	Starting Tees	Tee Times	Starting Interval
6 April	Wondai (9 holes)		CANCELLED
7 April	Kingaroy (18 holes)		CANCELLED
11 May	Woodford		CANCELLED
8 June	Caboolture	1st  10th	9:00am – 10:45am 9:05am – 10:50am	10 minutes 10 minutes
20 July NEW DATE	Cooroy	1st	8:00am – 11:00am	10 minutes
10 Aug	Caloundra	1st  10th	9:00am – 10:45am 9:05am – 10:50am	10 minutes 10 minutes
4 Sept	Bribie Island	1st  10th	9:00am – 10:45am 9:05am – 10:50am	10 minutes 10 minutes

Of course, the COVID-19 situation is still rapidly developing and further changes, postponement or cancellations may be announced in the future.

The SCSBDGA has been carefully monitoring all information available regarding the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 and remains focused on the health and safety of the Sunshine Coast, South Burnett and Glasshouse Mountains golfing community.
While the game of golf itself is a low-risk activity, there are many accompanying factors that increase the possibility of spreading the infection. Of course, the COVID-19 situation is still rapidly developing and further measures, postponement or cancellations may be necessary in the future. The following golf-specific precautions are to be followed (as a minimum):

EVERYONE

• If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early. DO NOT GO TO GOLF.
• Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance.
• Do not congregate in close contact groups.
• Maintain 2m distance between yourself and anyone.
• Avoid touching/leaning on surfaces unnecessarily.
• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

GOLF CLUB, PRO SHOP & COURSE STAFF

• Stagger/spread the flow of players and patrons.
• Pre-print all scorecards to avoid players using a registration kiosk.
• Remove all flags/flagsticks from practice putting/chipping greens.
• Ensure all benchtops, shelving, office equipment, cash registers, kiosks, card readers, etc are cleaned regularly throughout the day.
• Clean all contact points on motorised carts, pull carts, and course machinery daily or more frequently as required.
• Clean all flags/flagsticks/ferrules daily or more frequently as required.

PLAYERS

Clubhouse and Proshop

• Avoid queues whenever possible. Do not congregate in close contact groups while queuing to register/pay.
• Maintain 2m distance between yourself and anyone.
• Avoid touching/leaning on any surface.
• Make sure people follow good respiratory hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow when you cough or sneeze.

On the First Tee

• Do not congregate in close groups while waiting to tee off.
• Maintain 2m distance between yourself and anyone.
• Do not shake hands at any time.
• Avoid touching/leaning on any surface.
• Do not “toss up the balls” to determine partners. Use another method.
• Make sure people follow good respiratory hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow when you cough or sneeze.

General Golf 

• Maintain 2m distance between yourself and anyone.
• Do not ride in a motorised cart with another person.
• Avoid touching/leaning on any surface e.g. bench seats, tee signs, etc.
• Do not touch the flag/flagstick. Leave the flagstick in for all putts.
• Do not touch other people’s golf equipment.
• Do not let other people touch your golf equipment.
• Make sure people follow good respiratory hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow when you cough or sneeze.
• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.

Stay informed and follow official advice 

Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19.
Follow advice given by your national and local public health authority on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. 

Golf Australia advises of key changes to several planned tournaments.

In light of national and ongoing Covid-19 concerns, GA chairman Andrew Newbold reluctantly confirms the scheduled Australian Junior Championships in April, both for girls and boys, has been cancelled. In addition, the subsequent girls’ and boys’ Australian Junior Interstate Series – also scheduled for South Australia and the ACT, respectively – has also been cancelled. The Australian Interstate Series, scheduled for Sydney in May, has also been cancelled.

“These decisions are not taken lightly,” Newbold said. “But regrettably, the national competitions will not run in 2020, which I’m sure is a tough pill to swallow for all those who looked forward to competing in such time-honoured events.

“GA protocols insist that all events involving crowds or large-scale interstate travel be strictly reviewed given the current health issues we’re confronting as a community. "As such, and using the latest government advice and guidelines, Golf Australia was left no choice but to take these sad actions. “Naturally, our priority will always remain the safety and wellbeing of all stakeholders in the sport and we’ll continue to make decisions based on that mantra in conjunction with our partners in the Australian golf industry.”

Decisions about exemptions into respective Australian Opens for national junior champions will be made at a later date, Newbold said.

For further information from the Federal Government on Covid-19, the Coronavirus Health Information Line operates 24 hours a day on 1800 020 080.

Golf Australia website - 13 Mar 2020 

Golf Australia advises that its weekend tournament play will proceed.

The organisation will continue to closely monitor developments of the Covid-19 virus in line with Australian Government recommendations on the corona virus pandemic.

GA protocols also insist that all events necessarily involving crowds or large-scale interstate travel remain under strict review.

But as no such criteria are breached in any weekend instances, there are currently no defined reasons to cancel the South Australian Amateur Championship, Rene Erichsen Salver, nor various pennant competitions around the country.

GA will urgently advise all stakeholders should there be a fundamental reason to alter our beliefs around participants' safety and wellbeing. 

The situation obviously remains volatile and GA staff stand ready to act on government advice.

It is Golf Australia’s recommendation to clubs and facilities that advice from the Department of Health and Smartraveller website be monitored closely in coming days.

All clubs and facilities have been provided with information on how best to manage their respective situations, particularly around expert advice on personal hygiene.

But GA strongly advises that if anyone - at elite or club level - has flu-like symptoms or been in contact with someone who has, to please refrain from attending as planned and seek medical advice as required.

A formal decision will be made – and announced – soon on a series of national events scheduled for April, including the Australian Junior Amateur Championships in South Australia (girls) and the ACT (boys) and the subsequent Junior Interstate Series tournaments.

The Australian Interstate Series, scheduled for May in Sydney, is also under review with a separate decision expected shortly afterwards.

Other key events will be addressed as necessitated by future developments.

Golf Australia will, along with its partners in the Australian golf industry, continue to make decisions based on the welfare of all involved in the sport.

For further information from the Federal Government on Covid-19, the Coronavirus Health Information Line operates 24 hours a day on 1800 020 080.

In light of national and ongoing Covid-19 concerns, the SCSBDGA Management Committee reluctantly confirms the upcoming events through to the end of May have been cancelled. Golf Australia’s protocols insist that all events involving crowds or large-scale travel be strictly reviewed given the current health issues we’re confronting as a community. That is, the following events will not proceed in 2020:

• 6 April – Masters’ Tour @ Wondai
• 7 April – Masters’ Tour @ Kingaroy
• 3 May – District Novice Junior Event @ Maleny
• 3 & 4 May – District Mid-Amateur and Senior Men’s Championships @ Caloundra. Please note that Caloundra Golf Club may still proceed with their own event. Contact Caloundra Golf Club directly for more information.
• 11 May – Masters’ Tour @ Woodford
• 26 May – District Inter-zone Masters’ Team Challenge @ Murgon (Sunshine Coast vs South Burnett)
• 31 May – Inter-District Team Match Play vs Golf Wide Bay @ Tin Can Bay.

These decisions are not taken lightly. But regrettably, these events will not take place in 2020. The priority will always remain the safety and wellbeing of all stakeholders in the sport.

Decisions about future District events will be made at a later date.

Golf Australia's Order of Merit system publishes player rankings in several categories. Congratulation to the following players from our District for their excellent play throughout 2019 and high ranking in Australia.

Australian Boys' Ranking:

• No. 1 - Tyler Duncan (Caboolture)
• No. 5 - Jordan Rooke (Wantima)
• No. 13 - Bailey Arnott (Caloundra)
• No. 33 - Blaike Perkins (Pelican Waters)

Australian Men's Ranking:

• No. 14 - Lochie Coleborn (Mt Coolum)
• No. 17 - Dylan Gardner (Pelican Waters)
• No. 18 - Chris Crabtree (Pelican Waters)
• No. 27 - Joel Stahlhut (Pelican Waters)
• No. 49 - Justin Morley (Pelican Waters)

Australian Senior Men's Ranking:

• No. 7 - Peter Hannah (Pelican Waters)

Australian Girls' Ranking:

• No. 2 - Cassie Porter (Peregian)
• No. 8 - Justice Bosio (Caboolture)

Australian Women's Ranking:

• No. 5 - Cassie Porter (Peregian)
• No. 7 - Sarah Wilson (Pelican Waters)
• No. 37 - Rhianna Lewis (Pelican Waters)

Australian Senior Women's Ranking:

• No. 7 - Josie Ryan (Headland)
• No. 10 - Wendy O'Connell (Wantima)
• No. 23 - Colette Pascoe (Maroochy River)
• No. 27 - Robyn Puckett (Noosa Springs)