Golfers are rejoicing following the news that all golf courses in NSW are permitted to reopen.
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Local clubs aren't wasting any time opening their doors with the Tamworth Golf Club reopening at 12 on Wednesday and the Longyard on Thursday.
All clubs were closed as of midnight on Monday night on the recommendation of Golf NSW following advice from the NSW State Government and the NSW Office of Sport.
But after reconsideration, the NSW Office of Sport has advised that golf is considered an activity that can continue to be played in line with Public Health Orders relating to public gathering limits, social distancing, and the elderly.
The Tamworth Golf Club was short and sweet in conveying the news to it's members and golfing enthusiasts via social media.
"We are back baby. The golf course will reopen today (Wednesday) at 12pm," the post read.
Taking to social media the Longyard said: "like everyone, we are feeling our way through this crisis as things change day to day. One thing we can guarantee, however, is that our dedicated team of staffers will continue working to maintain the course as much as permitted going forward".
"We realise that this golf course is the heart of our local community and we would love you come out for a hit of golf, but it is imperative that you follow the government rules of social distancing strictly to protect each other and our staff."
"As such, you will notice we are enforcing a number of new measures to ensure your safety, such as changes to golf numbers, timing and our sanitation processes. We will also be strictly enforcing the rule of one person per golf cart on the course as well as a minimum 1.5m distance between players."
The club did advise though that the driving range will remain closed, as will Thorny's Putt-Putt while The Mill restaurant is closed except for a limited takeaway menu available during golfing hours.
In a statement the NSW Office of Sport said it would like to clarify the advice that went out on Monday 30 March 2020.
"As you know, there are now restrictions around public gatherings and rules around leaving your home. These new measures are in place to keep the community safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. But it is important to note that people are allowed to leave their homes for the purpose of exercise," the statement read.
"The NSW Government has issued guidelines allowing people to go outside and exercise. Any form of exercise is to be undertaken in compliance with the Public Health Orders, meaning that people must not participate in groups greater than two persons at any point in time. Therefore, individual sports such as golf and tennis can continue provided the Public Health Orders are complied with."
"Maintaining the public's physical and mental well-being is now as important as ever. Where possible, it is important sporting clubs and organisations continue to allow people to exercise, so long as social distancing is practised and rules around public gatherings of no more than two people are complied with."
