Dear Members, following on from some inquiries from members in relation to the ongoing covid restriction on playing, and specifically in relation to leaving pins in place whilst putting, no bunker rakes etc, we have sought an update from Golf Australia whether there is any relief from such restrictions. Members should note that pins, bunker rakes, swapping of cards etc, which under the covid safe regulatory framework for outdoor sports, are considered as ‘shared equipment’.
Greg, as Club President has asked for this information to be shared with Members.
Golf Australia’s response is below. Members will be aware that we have re-activated water bubblers on course as a player welfare consideration but remind members to sanitise hands with the sanitiser provider & placed at each bubbler, after each use.
Shared Equipment
Although a number of restrictions have eased the requirements around shared equipment in the Covid Safe Plan – Outdoor Sports remain unchanged. As such Golf Australia’s recommendation is for Clubs to continue the use of these Covid-19 Local Rules as it the most adequate way to meet the Covid Safe Plans practices around hygiene and sanitisation of shared equipment under current restrictions. A facility may choose to allow the removal of flag sticks, rakes in bunkers, NTP’s and score cards, however, this shared equipment needs to be washed or wiped with antibacterial wipes or alcohol-based sanitiser prior to and after each use. (comment. It is our view this option is not feasible.)
Further, under current laws, if the club did allow flag sticks to be removed or other shared equipment to be used, and did not provide for that equipment to be cleaned before and after each use, the club may be fined for not conforming to the Industry Safe Plan.
Water Bubblers/taps
If your Club/Facility is considering using Water Bubbler/Taps you should first complete a risk assessment based on where the water bubblers are located and the ability of the Club to keep the bubblers sanitized, like other high touch surfaces located on the golf course.
If the Clubs/Facility decides to use Water bubblers, consider the following steps:
- Ensure you promote BYO and or purchased Water Bottles as the first option for hydrating on course.
- When using water bubblers consider the following communication/signage to players:
- Water fountains/bubblers should only be used to refill personal water bottles.
- Sanitize your hands prior to and after use.
- Allow the water to run for a few seconds.
- Do not allow the water bottle to contact the water fountain head or bubbler.
Golf Australia further advise that they are in regular consultation with Queensland Health in relation to such issues, with further meetings to be held in January. There is, unfortunately, no change to the Clubhouse related restrictions which remain in place.
Tony.
