The Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing have just confirmed that South Australian golf courses can remain open. The social distancing requirements in South Australia have not changed.
The Grange Golf Club’s paramount goal is to keep the golf courses open allowing members a safe environment to enjoy playing the game at the club they love.
We assure members that we are doing all in our power to protect the privilege of being able to play our sport during these challenging times.
The Committee appreciates that the following changes have an impact on member’s access to the golf course and how you normally go about playing your round, however these inconveniences are considered a far better alternative than closing the facility entirely. Please find below a list of things that have been changed at the Club:
- Clubhouse – Takeaway coffees, drinks and food are available for purchase from the Deli. Entry and exit is via the Northern stairs.
- Catering Cart is in operation every day for your convenience.
- Drink Fountains on course have been turned off and will be out of action. Water is available for purchase from the Deli, Catering Cart or Pro Shop.
- Members Only – Grange is operating on a members-only basis. No guests or visitors allowed.
- Pro Shop – The Pro Shop will continue to be open for essential purchases to support your game, eg. to purchase golf balls, tees etc.
- Locker Rooms – Showers have been closed. Bathrooms and lockers remain open and we remind everyone to practice the correct hygiene protocols and of social distancing.
- Motorised carts are only permitted to carry a single passenger and one set of clubs
- Practice Fairway divided into hitting bays. Putting greens have been divided into 2 with only 2 players per half green to be practicing
- Administration – Whilst the front entrance to the Clubhouse is closed, the office is still operational with normal opening hours but staff numbers have been reduced. Phone 8355 7100 or email info@www.grangegolf.com.au for assistance
- Bunker Rakes have been removed and players may take a preferred lie within one (1) club length in bunker, no nearer the hole. Members are asked to smooth over sand with their foot or club after play to the best of their abilities.
- Foam stoppers have been installed in the bottom of the cups therefore reducing the depth the ball falls in to the hole making it easier to retrieve with your gloved hand.
- Individual Sand Buckets will be provided to each member to reduce possible cross contamination. Please collect one from the Pro Shop and retain with your golf clubs.
- Flagsticks must be left in the hole at all times.
- Gym @ Grange has been closed until further notice in line with government restrictions.
- Timesheets have now been set up with a maximum of 2 players
- Takeaway License – Our Takeaway license means take away and drink at home. Members are not permitted to drink alcohol on the club premises including the course and car park.
- BYO – Members are not permitted to bring their own alcohol from home for consumption at the Club and those that are caught doing so will face disciplinary action from the Committee
Members need to continue to assess their individual circumstances, evaluate their risk and make informed decisions. There is obviously a chance that a member or staff member will be exposed to, or test positive to, COVID-19. It is vitally important that if a member or staff member tests positive to COVID-19, they must inform the club/facility as soon as possible.
Any person who disregards this notice may be subject to disciplinary action by the Club.
We assure members that staff are exhibiting a heightened awareness of personal hygiene, as has been encouraged by state and federal health departments.
It should be noted that the vast majority of Members may continue to visit The Grange and enjoy our amazing golf courses. Golfers should also exhibit a heightened awareness of personal hygiene. 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.
As you can appreciate the ramifications and impact of COVID-19 is changing constantly. We will continue to monitor accordingly and provide updates to members on a regular basis. It is absolutely imperative that all Members follow these protocols and take seriously the invisible enemy confronting us all.
I would like to reiterate that the health and well being of our Members and staff is of paramount importance. We thank you for your understanding and co-operation at this very difficult time for The Grange Golf Club family and the entire country.
Stay safe and keep enjoying your game of golf.
BARRY LINKE
General Manager
TUESDAY 24TH MARCH 2020
CHANGES TO PREVIOUS CORRESPONDENCE
Bunkers
Rakes shall be removed from bunkers. Players make take a preferred lie within one (1) club length in bunker, no nearer the hole. Smooth over sand with feet or club after play
Food & Beverage
We have been advised that we must stop the supply of all food and beverages effective immediately meaning we have closed the take away service area previously set up in the Member’s Lounge and we will not be operating a catering cart. Pro shop, locker rooms and administration office will remain open.
Members Only
The Grange Golf Club is operating as strictly MEMBERS ONLY EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. We apologise to any members who had planned to introduce guests.
NOTICE
The Grange Golf Club remains fully committed to the health and safety of its members & staff as its number one priority. We are perpetually reviewing our operating policies and procedures due to increasing concern in the community and Government mandated changes regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
It should be noted that the vast majority of members can and should continue to visit The Grange Golf Club and use our facilities as per normal. Of course, golfers should exhibit a heightened awareness of personal hygiene and social distancing 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.
As of Tuesday 24th March 2020, Committee and management have implemented the following in an effort to prevent the virus from spreading.
REPORTING
If any member tests positive for COVID-19 you should contact General Manager, Barry Linke, as soon as possible on 08 8355 7100. SA Health and the Chief Public Health Officer will co-ordinate a response with contact tracing activities and the Club will follow their advice.
Members & staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 will be asked not to attend the Club until such time as a medical certificate provides confirmation the member has satisfactorily recovered.
TRAVEL & ISOLATION
Members, staff and any other visitors to the Club who have travelled to South Australia from overseas or interstate must follow the Federal & State Government’s guidance.
All travellers must isolate for a period of 14 days after they have entered South Australia effective immediately.
If you have entered Australia within the last 14 days, you must not enter the Club including usage of the golf courses and practice facilities.
If you have been in contact with a proven case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), you must isolate yourself for 14 days from the date of last contact with the confirmed case.
All persons that have cold and flu like symptoms, including a sore throat, cough, fever, body aches and pains must not enter The Grange Golf Club and should seek medical advice. Please be aware of the symptoms associated with the virus. If you develop a fever or a cough, seek medical advice urgently and follow the guidelines for self-isolation.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Further to the Prime Ministers restrictions announced Sunday 22nd March, we have been advised that we must stop the supply of all food and beverages effective immediately meaning we have closed the take away service area previously set up in the Member’s Lounge and we will not be operating a catering cart.
The locker rooms, office & pro shop remain open.
Congregating / loitering is not permitted anywhere on Club property. Seating has been removed from the balconies and all outside areas.
GYM @ GRANGE
The Gym @ Grange has been closed until further notice in line with government restrictions.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Members and visitors are must maintain 1.5 meters (5 feet) of distance from others at all times.
OPERATIONAL CHANGES
To help reduce the spread of the virus, the following operational changes have been implemented at the Club, effective immediately:
- The Grange Golf Club is operating as strictly MEMBERS ONLY EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. We apologise to any members who had planned to introduce guests.
- Please wash your hands regularly with water and soap for up to 20 seconds, then dry the with a paper towel or hand dryers.
- Hand santisers have been placed around the Club. We encourage all members to use these regularly;
- Since hand-washing is not a practical option out on the golf course we encourage members to carry hand sanitiser and it should be in every golfer’s bag;
- Doors will be left open wherever possible with additional cleaning practices implemented to wipe down door handles and other surfaces regularly throughout the day;
- We are now cashless in the Pro Shop and Clubhouse and will only accept electronic transactions using your debit or credit card;
- Shared sunscreen, deodorant, hair brushes, combs and shoe polishing equipment have been removed from locker rooms;
- No shaking of hands at any time;
CONDITIONS OF PLAY CHANGES
Temporary Modifications to the conditions of play at The Grange Golf Club include:
Scorecard
Players may enter their own hole scores on the scorecard (it is not necessary for a marker to do it). Please follow the process below:
- Each player records their own score on the scorecard (no swapping cards);
- Enter your score as ‘Player 1’ and your partner’s / marker’s score as ‘Player 2’;
- At the end of the round verbally verify that scores are correct;
- Sign your card as player and in the marker signature spot write “Verified by (MARKERS NAME)”.
Flagsticks
Players are required to leave the flagstick in the hole at all times.
Bunkers
Rakes shall be removed from bunkers. Players make take a preferred lie within one (1) club length in bunker, no nearer the hole. Smooth over sand with feet or club after play
Carts
Only one (1) player per cart permitted. A discounted rate of $20 will be offered to all Members and we ask that you respect this policy while on the course. This will place a greater demand on our cart fleet so please make sure that you book in advance with the Pro Shop.
GENERAL INFORMATION
If you are worried but not unwell, please call the National COVID-19 hotline on 1800 020 080. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For the most recent updates from the Department of Health website, please visit www.health.gov.au
We are still contactable via regular means such as phone and e-mail, and our administration office and pro shop will continue operating as per normal. Committee and management will continue to monitor the situation and will provide any updates as they come to hand.
We thank you for your understanding and co-operation at this very difficult time.
BARRY LINKE
General Manager
24th March 2020