Australian golf clubs to close amid COVID-19 pandemic

Golf Australia is advising all Australian golf clubs to close after the recent government restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.

After the most recent Australian government announced restrictions on outdoor gatherings to two or fewer people and advising people to stay home, Golf Australia is recommending that all Australian golf courses close in the next few days.

The full announcement from Golf Australia to Australian golf clubs:

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected]. Kind regards, Golf Australia