Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that from Wednesday, all Victorians will be able to return to the fairways of their local golf course.
After getting offside with the majority of the state’s golf population thanks to his strict no-golf stance during the coronavirus pandemic, Andrews today revealed a more-relaxed set of restrictions with regards to recreational activities as the state gains control of the COVID-19 crisis.
“From 11:59pm Tuesday night groups of 10, no more than 10, will be able to participate in outdoor activities, sports activities, recreational activities,” Andrews said.
“Whether it be hiking, fishing, playing golf, going for a walk, kicking a footy.
“No more than 10 (will be allowed to participate), and there will be physical distancing and hygiene arrangements. Common sense basically.
“The rules that have been in place to this point remain in place.”
Update on restrictions in Victoria: pic.twitter.com/j5nKjR0oT8
— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) May 11, 2020
The return of tee-times is set to be well received, particularly from controversial AFL media personality Sam Newman, who has expressed his outrage against the Andrews government’s hard-nosed approach to golf in a series of PR stunts.
The announcement sent social media into a spin this morning, with many taking the opportunity to alert Newman of Andrews’ change of heart:
Going to be a lot of pressure on @Origsmartassam first tee shot on Wednesday morning… @SebCostello9 @mmmhotbreakfast need to get this captured for the public’s interest #COVID19Aus
— Michael Emmerson (@mickeyemmerson) May 11, 2020
Oh good those idiots like Sam Newman that were all up in arms about golf courses closing…can finally stop whining.
Except they wont because it was never about golf.— azninsect (@azninsect) May 11, 2020
— Shaun Brown (@browndog1939) May 11, 2020
I'm glad that restrictions are finally getting lifted in Victoria, however I'm a bit upset that golf can resume. Nothing against golf or golfers, I just wanted Sam Newman to throw his privileged toys out of the box for a little longer.
— Cam Peterson (@cammypeterson) May 11, 2020
https://twitter.com/jktweetsau/status/1259659004852047874?s=20
So now that you can dust off the clubs and play in Victoria, one question remains: where is your first round back going to be? Allow us to make a few suggestions here: https://www.australiangolfdigest.com.au/visit-victoria-golf/
