Golf back – but with plenty of great care
GOLF is once again being played locally after Ashbourne Golf Club opened their course again on Wednesday.
The club were given the go-ahead by England Golf following latest Government advice and are following the strict guidelines issued.
Members were told: “Due to the continued Covid-19 situation, Ashbourne GC will be implementing a number of changes to the way it operates.
“The club ask every member to be aware of the changes before arriving and adhere to the new regulations until further notice. Our main priority is ensuring the safety of every golfer who plays at our club.”
These are the main points that have been advised to members.
Tee times will be available to be booked online at 10-minute intervals, with each time restricted to two players.
Tee times must be booked for each individual player.
As high demand is anticipated, do not include names of players who will not be playing.
The club is making every effort to ensure all members have access to 18 holes of golf. Play your part in supporting the club with this.
The first available tee time at weekends will be brought forward one hour to 6am.
Members will be able to book tee times 10 days in advance, with tee times available to visitors to book online seven days in advance.
Members’ guests will not be permitted at weekends until further notice.
All visitor fees to be paid online prior to arrival at the club.
Members’ guest fees to be paid online or by contactless methods.
The payment of members’ guests remains the responsibility of the introducing member.
Golfers will not be required to report to the pro shop before play. Staff will monitor the use of the first tee and this will be cross-referenced against the booking sheet.
There then follow instructions on the ways to arrive and depart the course.
Golfers are requested not to arrive at the club more than 15 minutes prior to their booked tee time and should remain in their vehicle if they do so, then go directly to the first tee.
Players are required to leave the club swiftly following play, with group gatherings prohibited.
Before arrival, golfers should understand their personal requirements to follow social distancing practices, maintaining a safe 2m distance from other golfers and staff for the full duration of their time on the premises.
Matters are just as strict out on the course.
The golf club will continue to adhere to R&A, PGA and BIGGA directives for course set-up.
The hole cup will be installed to allow contactless removal of the golf ball from the cup. “Gimmies” will be actively encouraged.
No other “course furniture” will be present on the course, including benches, yardage posts or penalty area posts.
Bunkers will not have rakes. Please smooth over footprints with your club or shoe.
Golfers are requested not to pick up stray balls which do not belong to them.
Golfers must take extra care when navigating through “crossover areas”, including when travelling from the third green to the fourth tee, the sixth green to the seventh tee, the 14th green to the 15th tee and 16th green to the 17th tee.
No balls or tee pegs will be provided for the practice area. Please use your own, marked balls and collect after use. No practice will be permitted when golfers are collecting balls.
The shoe cleaner will be switched off.
Buggies will be available to hire, strictly for the use of one player. They will be sanitised thoroughly daily and after each use.
The clubhouse and locker rooms are still closed but there is access to the toilets in the foyer.
Golfers must change shoes in the car park and store shoes and belongings out of sight in their vehicle.
The pro shop is also closed at least until June, although a click and collect service is available with purchases by prior appointment only.
Priority is being given to members over tee times but visitors are still welcome during the week when any spare times are available to book on line.
The club are hoping the Club Lifestyle Membership category will prove popular as a cost-effective alternative for those who want to play but whose time is limited.
For more details of this and other membership categories, contact the club professional, Steve Clancy, on 01335 347960 or steve. clancy@foremostgolf.com