Golf Operations:

• Golf can recommence being played in groups of four, regardless of whether they are from the same household or not

• Club competitions can be conducted. Non-contact scoring methods such as digital submission is highly recommended.

• Golfers can only play at a course within 25 kilometres of their home or permitted workplace until 11:59 pm on November 8.

• Pro shops may operate from inside, providing social distancing and maximum density requirements are observed

• Rental clubs, golf carts and pull buggies can be provided for hire, with all equipment cleaned before and after each use

• Practice facilities, including driving ranges, may operate providing social distancing can occur, and a distance of 1.5 metres is maintained at all times

• Masks must still be worn when playing golf. Face mask requirements are located Clubs/facilities must continue to comply with the record keeping requirements. That is, name and phone number recorded of all persons who attend the premises for more than 15 minutes.

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• MyGolf, Get Into Golf and group coaching programs can recommence for groups of up to 10, plus the coach. Please note that, at all times while not undertaking strenuous activity, the coach and pupils must wear a face mask.

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• All clubs/facilities are required to have a COVIDSafe Plan in place.

As competitions are now permissible, clubs are reminded that the Play Management Guidelines continue to be available to reduce the use of shared equipment on the course, for example, pins & rakes.  In relation to carts, it is clear that golf carts can be hired to individuals, however we continue to seek clarity, and if necessary an exemption, to allow two occupants to share a cart.

Food & Beverage Operations:

Clubs/facilities will be allowed to recommence seated hospitality operations from 28 October, 2020 under the following conditions.

Indoors:

• A maximum of 10 people per group

• A maximum of 10 people per indoor space, up to maximum of 20 people per venue indoors

• All patrons must be seated

• Capacities are subject to the density requirement of one person per four square metres

Outdoors:

• A maximum of 10 people per group

• A maximum of 50 people per venue

• Capacity is subject to the density requirement of one person per two square metres

For avoidance of doubt, this means a total cap of 70 people per venue (20 indoors, 50 outdoors).

All clubs/facilities are required to have a COVIDSafe Plan in place.

COVIDSafe Plans

Clubs/facilities are reminded that all workplaces and operations must have a COVIDSafe plan in place. A range of resources relating to the COVIDSafe plans are available below:

• Victorian Government COVIDSafe Plan Template

• Example Golf Club COVIDSafe Plan

• COVIDSafe Signage

• Visitor Record Sheet

• Industry Restart Guidelines - Retail

• Industry Restart Guidelines - Hospitality

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• Golf Australia is also seeking clarification on aspects of the announcement, and once received, will publish any further updates.