Wee Waa golfer Angus Galagher scored a victory at his home course yesterday when the Wee Waa Golf Club held a single stroke event in conjunction with the monthly mug.

In his first game of golf since September, the 16-year-old who plays off a handicap of 20 shot a gross score of 90 to finish with a 70 nett score.

Angus, the son of John and Ann-Maree Galagher, defeated fellow Wee Waa golfer David Cruickshank by just one shot. Cruickshank also claimed the propin ninth and the 5/14th nearest to pin.

Narrabri’s Ryan Meppem finished two shots off the lead with a nett score of 72.

There was a strong field of 21 golfers at that event, nine of whom were travelling Narrabri golfers whose local club and course are both closed.

Sunday’s event and Thursday’s daylight saving pot of gold game, which was won by Robert Britten, were both played adhering to strict new guidelines provided by Golf NSW.

Last Wednesday Golf NSW announced that NSW golf clubs could continue golfing operations provided spatial/social distancing regulations were met.

Wee Waa Golf Club president David Russell said that all golfers respected those rules for the benefit of the club.

“I gave everyone a pre-warning of what was expected and the people who showed up had that understanding and were willing to abide by it,” Russell told The Courier.

“Firstly the actual clubhouse itself is closed down, there are no members or visitors allowed inside the clubhouse.

“There was also a restriction on people who could ride in golf karts, only allowed one person per cart instead of two.

“Golfers had to keep a social distance of 1.5 metres while playing.”

Russell described the 16 golfers in attendance on Thursday and 21 on Sunday as “good numbers considering the circumstances”.

At this stage Russell said that the Wee Waa Golf Club is operating as if this week’s golf events will still be played, however, following Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement of the latest social gathering measures on Sunday night the club is waiting for new advice from Golf NSW.

UPDATE:

Golf NSW announced this afternoon that all golf courses across the state would be closed from midnight tonight.

“Last night the Prime Minister announced further restrictions in relation to social gatherings and self-isolation of the elderly in an effort to reduce the spread of slow the spread of COVID-19,” a Golf NSW statement said.

“Following advice from the NSW State Government and the NSW Office of Sport, it is Golf NSW’s recommendation that all golf courses in NSW close at midnight on March 30, until further notice.

“We all understand the health benefits, both mental and physical our game provides, however the Government has listed the four reasons in which you may leave your home; for work, exercise, food, and for medical reasons.

“Sadly, under the current restrictions, sport is considered non-essential and therefore not exempt. Action by authorities, including fines, could be imposed on people not adhering to these regulations.

“Clubs are advised that golf course maintenance may continue as long as staff adhere strictly to social distancing requirements.

“Further information will be communicated to clubs as it comes to hand.

“The NSW stance is consistent with similar decisions being made in other states and territories, with regular communications also being provided by Golf Australia.”

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