Golf OK at level three says Bishop
Golf could resume as early as next week, after the Government yesterday said New Zealand would move to level three in a week’s time.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand would go to Covid-19 level three at midnight on Monday, April 27.
Sports and recreation were looking to a decision tomorrow to provide certainty around their activity at level three.
But National MP Chris Bishop told golfers yesterday to get ready to get their clubs out.
He told the Kiwi Golfers Facebook page he had ‘‘the word from the government’’.
‘‘Yes people can play golf at level three, but golf courses must put careful measures in place,’’ he said.
‘‘They cannot have people enter the clubhouse or pro shop. No food or drink can be consumed on premises (e.g. the clubhouse). Bookings must be made online or over the phone. Any shared equipment (like rakes and flags) should be removed.
‘‘If people are playing with others from outside their extended bubbles they must maintain 2 metres separation at all times.’’
Minister of
Sport Grant
Robertson said last week there
‘‘isn’t the scope’’ for professional sport to start up again.
‘‘Clearly myself as a sports fan and many others around the country would love to see that take place but it certainly won’t be happening at level three,’’ he said.
Stuff understands sports and recreation activities will increase under level three, but there are complexities across a wide range of activities, which are still being worked through.
Community sport and recreation has sought a clarity from Government, with a decision is expected tomorrow morning.
Whatever stance the Government takes, it will be under strict regulations and guidelines.
Most complex are water sports, and robust activities such as tramping and mountainbiking, all of which involve some level of risk.
Surfing, fishing off the shore or wharf, and day-tramping will be permitted. Boating, including yachting, will likely be not allowed under level three.
With relaxation of essential travel restrictions to the banning of inter-regional travel, sport and recreation could start to sprout.
The level three guidelines for sport and recreation on the Government’s Covid-19 website say the public can participate in activities within their bubble and when equipment is not shared.
Under level three, snow enthusiasts might not be able to hit the slopes.
Snow Sport NZ said last week its athletes will remain training ‘‘on-land’’ at home until the allclear is given.
Major team sports will not be allowed under level three, nor would netball.
New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Greg Peters said last week the organisation was seeking clarity about what the sport might look like under level two.
He said contact sports have ‘‘different dimensions’’ to individual, non-contact sports. Social distancing – which is still required at level two – would be difficult to implement on the field.
New Zealand Cricket’s project lead Martin Snedden said on Friday that he is working with the four other major team sports to see what can be done.
‘‘We are hopeful that community sport in particular will get the green light sometime towards the middle or maybe the late part of winter,’’ Snedden said.