“You will be asked to leave the premises immediately.”
It’s the stuff of nightmares for a select group of unfortunate Melbourne golfers after the Victorian Government announced that from 11.59pm Wednesday, July 1, the following postcodes in the state capital were returning to Stage 3 restrictions:
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3012 – Maidstone, West Footscray, Kingsville, Brooklyn, Tottenham
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3021 – St Albans, Kealba, Albanvale, Kings Park
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3032 – Maribyrnong, Ascot Vale, Travancore, Highpoint City
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3038 – Taylors Lakes, Keilor Downs, Keilor Lodge, Watergardens
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3042 – Airport West, Niddrie, Keilor Park
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3046 – Glenroy, Hadfield, Oak Park
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3047 – Broadmeadows, Dallas, Jacana
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3055 – Brunswick West, Brunswick South, Moonee Vale, Moreland West
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3060 – Fawkner
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3064 – Craigieburn, Roxburgh Park, Mickleham, Kalkallo, Donnybrook
The latest state directive was made in response to increasing evidence of significant community transmission of coronavirus (Covid-19) in these postcodes, and brings with it a forced lockdown and ban on recreational activities, including golf, until at least July 29.
It’s sure to come as a minor blow to the industry in Melbourne, which had been enjoying a spike in participation following a delayed return to action on May 12, when Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews finally eased state restrictions long after other states made the call.
“The Victorian Government has advised that clubs and facilities within these postcodes must close from 11.59pm tonight (Wednesday, July 1) until at least Wednesday, July 29,” Golf Australia confirmed in an update on its website. Clubs and facilities can continue normal maintenance practices during this time with either a paid or volunteer workforce.
The update also warns that residents of those postcodes should not be leaving home to play golf outside those postcodes, as golf does not fit into the four essential reasons to leave home
“If you have members who reside in any of the above postcodes who present themselves at your club/facility to play golf or utilise other facilities, you should request the member to leave the premises immediately,” the statements says.
“Green fee players from the above postcodes should not be accepted for play, and clubs and facilities should continue to collect information of all guests of your club/facility. If a guest resides in any of the above postcodes, you should request the guest to leave the premises immediately.”
For more information on your state’s current health directives in relation to playing golf, visit golf.org.au/directives
