GolfRSA has called on all golfers and golf clubs to help display a united front as they work with national government for the safe reopening of facilities.
As it stands, Minister of Sports, Arts & Culture Nathi Mthethwa is reviewing the proposal laid out by GolfRSA, the Club Management Association of South Africa (CMASA) and the SA PGA after a meeting between all stakeholders last week.
During a media briefing earlier this week, Mthethwa further boosted hopes of a favourable response, saying:
‘There are others who have come to us and pleaded their case and golf is one of them. They motivated strongly that the nature of their sport is not a contact sport and in terms of the regulations – the metres between people – they fit in. It would be easier for them to adhere to [physical distancing]. We are looking into that.’
GolfRSA CEO Grant Hepburn says that the indications are that the minister and his team are considering the potential return of golf, taking into consideration the beneficial aspects of the sport.
‘We expect to receive communication from the Department of Sports, Arts & Culture within the next few days as to the next steps that need to be taken,’ said Hepburn.
Part of the process playing out with government is the unified approach adopted by golf’s biggest bodies.
Hepburn has once more asked that the collective work as one because any deviation from the plan could seriously hinder the progress made thus far.
‘We have been made aware of certain clubs that are seeking approval from their local municipality to be allowed to open up their facilities for golf to be played,’ he added.
Lockdown Diaries: GolfRSA CEO Grant Hepburn
‘We have received communication from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture [DSAC] that any facility that opens up for the playing of golf before the Covid-19 National Command Council has given the go-ahead will compromise the sport’s approach to national government. On behalf of the golf industry, we request that clubs do not make any approaches to any government or official structures in relation to obtaining permission to opening up their facilities to golfers.
‘We are currently working day and night to put a framework in place for a comprehensive risk mitigation strategy for all types of golf facilities. This strategy will be presented to DSAC and communicated through our respective platforms within the next few days.
‘We urge all golfers and clubs to remain patient as we follow the appropriate steps and engage with government in order to give the industry the best chance of resuming operations through a safe and measured approach. Our primary focus is on safety and a strategy to contain risk, as well as the repurposing of caddies and vulnerable workers to ensure they will be able to return to the workplace safely.’
