Victorian golf ban lifted: Ringwood, Dorset courses full of people
One had to chip plastic balls in a park, the other had to walk laps around the house. But the boredom was busted today for two golf mates and hundreds of other players as action resumed in Ringwood.
Outer East
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Maroondah’s golf courses are fully booked for a week as action resumed today following the easing of coronavirus restrictions.
Golfers teed off at the Ringwood and Dorset courses from 7am, revelling in the joy of playing their favourite sport again.
Staff at the two courses received more than 500 phone bookings within five hours yesterday, with 2000 people expected to have played a round by Tuesday.
Mordialloc golfer Rob Christie came to Ringwood this morning for a round with friends Bob McDowell and Wayne Banks.
Mr Christie, who retired just as the virus outbreak stopped action in March, said he was glad to get back on the greens again.
“The one person I think that is the happiest is my wife,” he said “It’s just good to get out of the house and get some fresh air.
“I planned to do a lot of golf and travel and I haven’t been able to do either of those.”
Mr McDowell and Mr Banks said they were impressed with the condition of the course despite early rain yesterday making it slightly waterlogged.
“I’ve missed it heaps, the novelty of isolation has warn off,” Mr Banks said.
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“As much as we curse and swear at the little white ball, we love following it around.
“For us old blokes the activity and socialising is important … you can only walk so many times around your house,” Mr McDowell said.
Maroondah Council is only allowing those who pre-book sessions on course, which can be made by phoning the courses in advance.
Sessions are available from next Wednesday, May 20.