Sports

Covid restrictions and the Grafton Golf Club

As most golfers would be aware there have been some significant changes to our golf due to changes to the published health orders provided by the NSW Government, with those changes also being endorsed by Golf NSW. 

Basically, there are different requirements for both vaccinated and unvaccinated golfers. Until further notice all competitions will be single Stableford events for those who remain unvaccinated golf is permitted in groups of two only and carts cannot be shared. To enter the Clubhouse or the Pro shop you must be vaccinated. Those not vaccinated can only enter the Club for takeaway purposes (food & drink) or to check in for golf. 

As for as masks are concerned, vaccinated golfers are not required to wear mask outdoors. Persons not fully vaccinated must wear masks indoors and outdoors, unless exercising. Masks remain compulsory in all indoor public venues, including the Pro shop and Club. Access to ball washers, showers and drink bubblers are restricted until the COVID situation eases. In relation to flag sticks and bunker rakes, there is no change. Unfortunately should a member/golfer refuse or is unable to provide proof of vaccination, that player can still participate under the rules applying to unvaccinated, that is maximum group of two and non-share of golf carts.

Obviously to reproduce the entire COVID restrictions and regulations is impossible to reproduce through this column. However a complete list of those requirements is available at the Club house to assist those with any concerns. It is important to remember that all the changes imposed under the public Health orders are mandatory for the Club to observe. Should you disagree with those changes it is not the fault of our Club and Pro shop staff, therefore there is no point in taking out any perceived frustrations out on them. For any questions relating to golf refer your concerns to Club Captain, David Morgan. Any matters concerning the Club house should be referred to Clubhouse Manager, Leonie. The Club must take reasonable steps to ensure all persons comply with those COVID provisions to ensure the safety and comfort of all.

Weekend competitions

Despite the fact that a large contingent of regular Grafton golfers were participating in a interclub competition hosted by Armidale Golf Club a good field of just over 100 starters took part in the Clarence Coast Motors October monthly mug. To determine the Mug winner, the countback procedure was required to sort out the winners. Two players, Mick Beehag (13) and Peter Tracey (15) completed their rounds with a nett 68. Mick being awarded the mug and Peter taking out B Grade.

In A Grade it was Brendan Cleaver (5) who recorded the win in that grade with a nett 71 from Craig McConnell (11) a visitor from Port Macquarie also with 68. Andrew Connor (14) claimed the runner-up spot behind Peter Tracey in B Grade with a 70.  Finally in C Grade Andrew Loy (119) recorded the 2nd best score of the day of 69, one shot clear of the runner-up in that particular grade, Clive Taylor (17) with a 70.  Pro balls went down to those on 74 nett.

As mentioned earlier, all competition until further notice will be single Stableford events which includes next Saturday competition. Unfortunately one of the first casualties of the revised COVID regulations is the Men’s Foursomes Championships, which have been postponed to a date yet to be decided.

Ray Hopwood