COVID-19 Update: 19th March 2020

Business as ‘Usual’

Dear Members,

It should be noted that the vast majority of Members can continue to visit Glenelg Golf Club and enjoy our facilities as per normal. Of 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.

With the right precautions and perhaps a little pre- and post-round modifications, golf might be just the right antidote to the mounting fears of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Less stress, physical activity being outdoors, taking in nature. Golf as it’s normally played – outdoors, with natural social-distancing is fairly safe.

“Relieving stress helps your immune system and we know that physical activity boosts your immune system, so for both mental and physical health, it’s good to get activity however you can get it without putting yourself at risk. So anything outside where you’re not putting yourself in close proximity to a lot of people can be good for you. Being in nature helps your mental health, as well.”       – Dr Catherine Troisi

The health and well being of our Member’s, staff and guests is of paramount importance. To help reduce the possible spread of the virus, the following operational changes have already been implemented at the Club to keep everyone safe around the Clubhouse:

BAR/BISTRO

• Cashless operations are now in full effect in the Clubhouse and Proshop, with all payments being made via member card, eftpos or credit card. Merchant facilities and card readers are also being wiped down regularly. We encourage member card and ‘Pay-wave’ transactions where no contact is required
• Table tops, chairs, bench tops, hand rails, hard surfaces and equipment is being routinely wiped down by staff throughout the da
• The menus previously used in the Members Lounge have been removed and replaced with single use, paper copies
• All shared use items including cutlery, crockery, glasses, water pitchers etc. are being kept behind the bar and handed out by staff as required
• Food items that were previously self-serve, including bread rolls and soup are now being prepared and served by kitchen staff
• Function bookings have been managed to ensure minimal exposure to non-member traffic
• Seating across the Member’s Lounge and Golfer’s Bar has been limited to a combined total of 100. As the Golfer’s Bar is largely an outdoor area, and also consider separate from the Member’s Lounge, this measure is above and beyond the recommendation handed down by the Federal Government. In addition, seating has been spread out around tables to assist members in keeping the recommended 1.5m distance from others.
• Large tables have been broken down to predominantly tables of 4 with a maximum being 8 patrons. While we would like members to continue to enjoy each other’s company, it may be necessary to sit in smaller groups
• The addition of two Saturday evening meal services on Saturday March 21st and 28th has helped spread out evening bookings over the coming weeks. We have also setup a separate dining/service area in the Dining Room for any additional traffic, and to spread groups out throughout the Club’s various hospitality spaces

BATHROOMS

• Our contracted cleaners have been instructed to disinfect all the door handles, taps, light switches, etc. in every clean using proper personal protective equipment… this is in addition to the preventative cleaning measures already being carried out by our staff
• Paper hand towels are being refilled regularly along with soap dispensers
• All shared equipment and consumables have been removed from these spaces, including hairdryers, combs, sunscreen, deodorant, hair products and shoe polish
• Some doors have been chocked open to avoid touching handles

GENERAL

• Hand sanitising stations are available throughout the Clubhouse and Proshop
• Our contracted cleaners have been instructed to disinfect all the door handles, taps, stairs rails, light switches in every clean using proper personal protective equipment… this is in addition to the preventative cleaning measures already being carried out by our staff
• Wherever possible, exterior and internal doors have been chocked open to avoid touching handles
• Hard surfaces, including door handles, bench tops, tables, vending machines, fridges etc. are routinely wiped down
• Informative signage has be installed around the Clubhouse notifying patrons of best practices to stop the spread of COVID-19 outbreak

Keeping our Clubhouse and facilities operational is important during a time where members will want to utilise the Club as COVID-19 disrupts their day to day lives. 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.

We remind Members, if you are worried but not unwell, please call the National COVID-19 hotline which operates 24/7 on 1800 020 080.  If you are feeling unwell please refrain from visiting the Club and see your doctor as soon as possible. For up to date information and recent developments from the Department of Health, please click here.

In the meantime, a continued thank you to all Members for your support and stay safe and diligent.

Robert Vincekovic,
General Manager