Victoria was the only state to ban golf throughout Stage 3 of its restrictions, so last week’s announcement came as substantial relief for many.
Benalla Golf Shop’s Wayne Hocking said local golfers were ecstatic to get back on the course, with strong attendance at Benalla Golf Club in the first week of golf’s return.
Benalla Golf Club results - May 16
“That first Wednesday we had about 90 people, Thursday there were 60, Friday not as many, about 40,” Hocking said.
“Saturday was a competition day, there were 150 throughout the day; 110 for the competition and 40 other social golfers.
“People are very happy to play golf again and to get out into some fresh air.
“And from a social distancing point of view, everyone has been very responsive to the rules in place.
“They want to play, and they don’t want to risk it.”
Though it is a return to business as usual for the Benalla Golf Club, Hocking stressed those wanting to play would need to follow the extra rules in place to ensure the health and safety of the community.
Benalla Bowls Club opens up greens for members
He said the club was adamant about eliminating hotspots; practices that see people cross-handling equipment.
“The flagstick is to remain in the hole at all times,” Hocking said.
“And people should either bring their own sand bucket, or we’ll provide one for you for the time being.
“We’ve removed rakes out of bunkers, and we are not running water fountains or ball cleaners.
“In the instance of competition, the player themselves do their own scorecard - there is no marker.
“We are just trying to be sensible.”
Superbikes take first spin at Winton since lockdown
Other rules will see no more than two people enter the Golf Shop at any one time, while no more than 10 people can gather outside - though once out on the course, social distancing becomes less an issue with acres separating players, Hocking said.
He also said people should be wary of those around them when entering the Club and confirmed all people must book in tee-times.
“We want to educate people to book their times in. We don’t want 20 people turning up at the same time,” he said.