Several updates on mandatory procedures

THE easing of some of the restrictions for golf clubs in the National Recovery Programme Phase II has been wholly welcomed and marked with a sigh of relief.

This new development follows an announcement by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for those who have been fully vaccinated and are in states presently under Phase Two and above of the pandemic’s National Recovery Plan.

It allowed for the return of golf on Tuesday, except in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Johor, Malacca and Putrajaya.

Subsequently, the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) said their mandatory standard operating procedures (MSOP) were intended to ensure that all golf clubs undertake and strictly enforce the directives issued by the National Security Council and Health Ministry.

“We have established these mandatory standard operating procedures for golf clubs located within the states of the National Recovery Plan Phase 2 to safeguard the health of golfers, employees and guests,” said the MGA, in a statement.

“Failure and/or non-compliance of the standard operating procedures on the part of a golf club would result in penalties handed out the enforcement agencies, and will include hefty fines or closure of the golf club, or both.

Among some of the revised directives issued are that advance bookings only are to be entertained by the golf clubs, with no walk-ins allowed.

With regards to buggies, a policy of one buggy for one player only is to be adhered to.

So far as family members of the same household sharing a buggy goes, the MGA said this would be left to the discretion of the management of the golf club.

The sharing of caddies by flight-mates is also not permitted, thus it is a case of one caddie one buggy.

Further to this, caddies will not be allowed drive the buggy nor sit alongside the golfer.

Also, they are required to wear masks and gloves at all times during every round of golf.

The clubs have been advised to operate to a maximum of 60% of their total flight capacity per session – with two sessions per day (morning/afternoon).

The move to facilitate jumbo flights has also been suspended, as well as golf competitions.

Changing rooms are to remain closed and driving ranges allowed operating at not more than 60% of total bay capacity. Persons who are not registered to practice/play shall not be permitted to remain at the driving range.

The MGA emphasised the use Mysejahtera to record the entry of golfers and employees to golf clubs and to insist on using online payments or bank transfers for registration purposes.

“Golfers should register 20 minutes before their tee time and the registration staff should be equipped with face masks and gloves.

“Hand sanitisers must be made available at all registration counters and disposable pencils readily available for golfers.”

The national association called for the removable of all touchable surfaces, including bunker rakes, water coolers, sand bags and ball washers.

The MGA said food and beverage outlets, including bars and lounges, are to follow the SOPS put in place by the National Security Council and Health Ministry, and with dine-ins allowed only for those “fully vaccinated”.