On 23rd March 2020

Course Open, Clubhouse Closed

Dear Members,

As we all know the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is rapid and therefore our situation must adapt just as quickly. I would like to remind and assure you that Glenelg Golf Club remains strong and we are committed to making the Club one of the safest places to be at this point in time. The general safety and welfare of Glenelg Golf Club Members, staff and guests is our highest priority.

Following my letter on Friday outlining a 5-stage process, the Prime Minister last night announced stricter rules in relation to all Registered and Licensed Clubs in order to minimise the spread of the Coronavirus outbreak. Glenelg Golf Club is therefore impacted by the new rules and we must move directly to Stage 4 which is complete closure of the Clubhouse from midday today. There have been some slight modifications to Stage 4 which are outlined below.

 

GOLF COURSE

REMAINS OPEN – The golf course remains open for play, as you would be aware the course is currently in great condition and ready for your play with the following changes:

  • No visitors (including reciprocals) allowed on course other than Member guests, effective immediately.
  • Bunker rakes will be removed and preferred lies in bunkers will be adopted immediately. As per the R&A temporary golf rules, we have introduced a local rule that allows a player to mark, lift and place their ball at the nearest point of relief (in the bunker), no nearer the hole, without penalty. Members are requested to smooth bunkers using their feet or a club.
  • Flag sticks are to remain in the hole at all times and not be touched for any reason.
  • Shallow cups are being tested on the practice green for easier retrieval of ball when holed.
  • Maximum of one person per golf cart to comply with social distancing. This applies to both Club and privately owned carts. A discounted rate of $20 will be offered to all Members and we ask that you respect this policy while on the course. This will obviously place a greater demand on our cart fleet so please make sure that you book in advance with the Pro Shop.

 

CLUBHOUSE

COMPLETE CLOSURE – From midday Monday 23rd March the entire clubhouse will be closed with minor exceptions to certain areas:

  • Balcony and all hospitality rooms closed immediately
  • Locker Rooms will be available until Sunday 29th March for removal of personal items from lockers. Wet areas will be closed immediately. Locker area will be closed completely from Monday 30th March
  • Toilets, both male and female, will only be available in the downstairs foyer (next to the score card readers/notice board area). Course toilets will also continue to operate.

 

FOOD & BEVERAGE

  • Takeaway food and beverage options will be offered from the 1st and 10th Tee Huts, 7 days a week, commencing Wednesday 25th
  • A short menu together with food/beverage packs will also be available for takeaway and consumed offsite. These may be pre-ordered from the 1st and 10th Tees or via phone call to administration on (08) 8350 3200. Further information will be circulated shortly.

 

PRO SHOP

REMAINS OPEN with the following alterations to operations:

  • No compulsory competition entry, including Tuesday and Saturdays, however all players (competition and social) must book online and report to Pro Shop  
  • Place all cards in Drop Box, therefore no scanning cards or using kiosk touch screens
  • No more than 4 persons in Pro Shop plus staff at any one time, marked social distancing areas are in place.
  • No more than one Pro Shop staff member behind counter. We ask members to be patient with reduced ability to service at counter
  • Entry into Pro Shop via southern double doors only
  • Exit from Pro Shop via cart storage door (left open) only

 

ADMINISTRATION OFFICE

REMAINS OPEN – The office will continue operating and accepting membership payments and enquiries. Normal opening hours will apply but with a reduced staffing capacity.

 

GENERAL

  • Staff in all areas have now been split into two teams. The teams will not have contact with one another as they work alternate days. Please understand that service may be slightly different to normal throughout this period.

 

It should be noted that the vast majority of Members may continue to visit Glenelg Golf Club and enjoy our amazing golf course. Golfers should exhibit a heightened awareness of personal hygiene as has been encouraged by state and federal health departments. By its nature, golf promotes a level of social distancing and while it is important that this is adhered to, golf is a lower risk sport than many others.

As you can appreciate the ramifications and impact of COVID-19 is changing constantly. We will continue to monitor accordingly, provide updates to members on a regular basis and when additional Federal Government updates are announced. It is absolutely imperative that all Members follow the protocols and take seriously the invisible enemy confronting us all. We all need to. Stage 5, which includes a course closure, will only occur if a full isolation is called by the government.

I would like to reiterate that the health and well being of our Members, staff and guests is of paramount importance. We thank you for your understanding and co-operation at this very difficult time for the Glenelg Golf Club family and the entire country. In the meantime, I wish you all well, please take proper precautions and I am confident we can get through this together.

 

Kind Regards

 

Robert Vincekovic,
General Manager