The onus is on everyone to behave and act responsibly
After months of lockdown, self-sacrifice, frustration and restrictions on all facets of our lives due to the recurring scourge of Covid-19, the long challenging journey back to playing golf begins again on April 26th. The recent announcement by the Government and Golf Ireland in relation to the phased re-opening of golf courses comes with a myriad of conditions and responsibilities for us all. The management of the club under the guidance of our president Kieran Casey has been very proactive on behalf of our members, their families and the public at large in its communications with Golf Ireland while the road map was being put together.
But progression to the next phase of the journey puts huge responsibilities on all of our members to once again act in the appropriate manner required and to follow the strict protocol guidelines which will be implemented from April 26th. These will apply to all affiliated clubs right across the country. Mitchelstown Golf Club, Munster Club of the Year in 2011, and its membership has shown great leadership when required during the first lockdown last year. We are now being challenged to show our leadership qualities again from April 26th. This is the first step along that challenging road.
The onus is on all of our members to follow the guidelines which will be in place for everyone using the golf course from that date. The club circulated the “Return to Golf” protocol to all its members in recent days. It is advisable that our members read, understand and comply with the guidelines. Real leadership comes through acting with responsibility and a duty of care to our course staff, to everyone in the club, to our families and neighbours, and most importantly to the different communities we live and work in.
Without exception, the club will be implementing all of the mandatory protocols and guidelines set out by Golf Ireland and the various government departments, from April 26th. Some of the key protocols include the following. The club will be to open for members only. Visitors and guests will not be allowed to use the facilities until this is approved by the governing bodies. Members must only travel from within their own county or within 20km of the county bounds. Members and staff with colds or any symptoms of Covid-19 must stay away from the course. Members are requested to adhere to physical distancing at all times. Golf activity is to be solely on the basis of ‘arriveplay-depart’. Members are requested to avoid congregating anywhere on the club property. Members should arrive close to their allotted tee time and depart promptly after playing.
Until further notified, our daily timesheets will be 2-balls at 8-minute intervals only and tee times must be booked in advance, online or by telephone, even if this is to play just a few holes. With the reduced timesheet, we ask members to be fair to everyone when booking prime slots (weekend mornings), perhaps book one morning initially, and a 2nd one closer to the time if there are still free slots. The timesheet for the first 7 days of golf (Monday, April 26 – Sunday, May 2) went live for members on Tuesday at 9am. The timesheet and course will be monitored by members, under the direction and approval of the management, ladies and gents’ committees to ensure adherence to the tee times and Covid protocol requirements.
Do not take offence if/when asked for your tee time or membership details, this is for everyone’s benefit. The course needs to be played in regulation, without skipping holes, especially from 5 to 12. The practice green will be closed at this time, and players should not touch flags or flagsticks. Avoid shaking hands, hugs, and such physical contact etc. The clubhouse will be open for the use of toilet facilities only, and this should be on a one-in, one-out approach No formal competitions are permitted at this time. However, handicap-qualifying activities are permitted, and these come with some guidelines too. This protocol will be reviewed by Golf Ireland dependent on the public health situation and in line with the Irish Government’s Covid19 Resilience and Recovery Pathway.
Welcome back to all golfers, we hope this is just the starting point, from which the more social aspects of our great game will return over the summer. All the reports coming from the course staff are that the course is in superb shape. The greens are reported to be in tip -op condition following the recent spell of excellent weather. All is in readiness for the phased return to the fairways and the game we all love. Never again will we complain about hitting a ball out of bounds or into the river or lake.
There’s an old saying that says the longest journey starts with one step. This is the first step of our combined journey as a club. Let the journey begin in the knowledge that we do this in the correct manner and with the care and attention expected and required of all of us as members.
WE’RE OPEN FOR MEMBERSHIP
As we begin the road to recovery the club has renewed its policy of recruiting new members. We have a range of attractive options available and a top class golf course to offer to new and returning members. Golf offers a sporting outlet and challenge for everyone. We would be happy to welcome you as a new member if golf is something you might be interested in pursuing as a sporting challenge as well as outdoor exercise and fresh air. Details can be found on our website or can be got by phoning 02524072.
GOLF SOCIETY AND EXTERNAL CLASSIC BOOKINGS CONTINUE IN
SPITE OF COVID-19 DISRUPTION
The club is currently formalising the events calendar for golf societies and external classics for this year. We have already taken a number of provisional bookings for 2021. To avoid disappointment we are advising golf society secretaries and classic organisers to contact Dolores on 025/24072 during office hours or by email at info@mitchelstown-golf. com. If you have a preferred date and time in mind the advice is to provisionally book it now to avoid disappointment.
We are now offering an excellent catering service at the club and we are geared up better than ever to look after the needs of societies on and off the course. If Mitchelstown’s superb golf course is on your list of “must play” courses for 2021 we look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.