Golf Club and Facility Guidance (COVID-19)
Last guidance issued: Thursday 26 March 2020
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This advisory contains:
Key Update
Until formal advice to the contrary is received, we recommend that no maintenance of golf facilities is undertaken during the shutdown period.
General Guidance
New Zealand is now at COVID-19 Alert Level 4.
This means New Zealanders not working in essential services must stay at home and stop all interactions with others outside of your household. This is a major step for the country however eradicating this disease is vital to protect people’s health and ensure our health system can cope and look after New Zealanders who become sick.
The move to Alert Level 4 has major consequences for the golf sector. From Wednesday 25 March at 11.59pm, all operations at golf clubs must cease for at least four weeks.
This means all golf courses, practice facilities, clubhouses, pro shops, bar, function and catering facilities must now be closed. While this a major move for the country, the government is trying to save lives and we urge the golf sector to do all we can to play our part.
Regarding the maintenance of golf clubs and facilities during the four-week shut down period, we are working with the government (with the support of Sport NZ) to seek urgent and critical advice. We accept that if golf courses/facilities are not maintained to at least a basic standard over the next four weeks, the task of repatriating to current conditions may not be achievable nor affordable for a great number of clubs. With that in mind, we have asked for two exemptions on behalf of golf facilities:
We have been seeking an urgent response to these requests for many days and we remain hopeful that advice is imminent. We do appreciate the Ministry is very busy currently and has many matters to consider.
Until formal advice to the contrary is received, we recommend that no maintenance of golf facilities is undertaken during the shutdown period.
New Zealand Golf will continue to communicate any updates through our website, social platforms and via direct correspondence.
Other Advice for Golf Clubs/Facilities
New Zealand Golf Operations
Essential New Zealand Golf services will remain in place over the next four weeks however our office is now closed. All events have been cancelled or postponed through until at least 10 May. Click Here to view more details.
Social Connection for Club Members
Many golfers rely on the social connection at their golf club as a normal and essential part of everyday life. Clubs might consider offering a telephone service where members, particularly elder members, can check in and connect.
COVID–19 Government Financial Support Package
If your golf club, facility or business has been adversely affected by COVID-19 you may be eligible for financial support.
The best source of information on the support available is at this link: https://covid19.govt.nz/government-actions/financial-support/
As a final thought, please look after yourselves and your families – life will return to normal but for now it’s home time. As a golf sector its important to be positive and all stay connected as much as we can. Golf will be important to so many New Zealanders once we emerge from this current crisis.
