Tasmanian golfers master social distancing to a tee

It’s gloves on – and a few other on-course protocols – for local golfers who are being encourgaed to stay on the green.

LOCAL golfers itching to get out on the green have been given extra encouragement from a peak sporting body.

New advice from Golf Australia has suggested golfers should continue playing with new protocols in place.

Golf Australia Tasmania Game Development Manager Simon Weston said golf provided an important outlet for people.

“We know for the majority of golfers it is their form of exercise and it’s a social event for them,” he said.

“Most sports are shut down and gyms are closed, so most golfers recognise that it’s a privilege to play and they don’t want to jeopardise that.”

Daryl Mummery (left) and Phil Smith play a round at the Tasmania Golf Club, Cambridge. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

While the Victorian and Northern Territory governments have prohibited golf, the Tasmanian government has allowed clubs to stay open throughout the pandemic period.

Safety protocols from Golf Australia recommend keeping gloves on, avoiding physical contact, avoiding shared carts, leaving flags in holes and playing only in pairs with greater times between groups.

Mr Weston said he had visited several clubs and was confident players were sticking to the strict new guidelines.

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Tasmanian venues such as New Town Bay Golf Club and Royal Hobart Golf Club have restricted their times and facilities and banned competitive play, while Tasmania Golf Club has trialled a takeaway food system.

Mr Weston said he hoped members would continue to support their clubs and make procedures smoother by booking in advance.

“Some are still doing takeaways, but for most places their only revenue is from members paying their fees,” he said.