It is Golf Australia’s recommendation that, based on the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services directive issued overnight as part of the Victorian Government’s Stage 2 restrictions regarding COVID-19, all golf clubs and facilities in the state of Victoria should close as soon as practicable until April 13, 2020.
The directive that prohibits social sports gatherings applies to golf clubs and facilities, which are classified as ‘recreational facilities’ under clause 5 of the directive. A copy of the directive is located here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/202003/Non-Essential%20Activity%20Directions%20-%2025%20March%202020%20%281%29.pdf
This latest advice follows recommendations from the office of the Federal Sports Minister just two days earlier that golf could continue to be played while adhering to strict social distancing measures as announced by the Federal Government, and in conjunction with state/territory licensing laws.
On Wednesday, Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young also backflipped on a decision to ban Queensland golf clubs operating on their courses following heavy lobbying from Golf Australia.
It would appear no such lobbying is being done in Victoria, with similar recommendations for other states now increasingly inevitable.
For further Federal Government information on COVID-19, the Coronavirus Health Information Line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 020 080.
If you require additional information or have questions about your club, contact Golf Australia on (03) 9626 5000 or e-mail [email protected].
