Backflip announced as NSW golfers told they can play on

Golf NSW announced a stunning backflip today, declaring that golfers could play on despite Monday’s ban.

Golf NSW announced on Monday that all courses were closed as of 11.59pm that night following advice from the NSW State Government and the NSW Office of Sport.

However, today, Golf NSW said that the Office of Sport – NSW Government had rethought its stance.

A statement provided to Golf NSW by the Office of Sport – NSW Government said:

“The NSW Office of Sport would like to clarify the advice that went out on Monday, March 30.

“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.”

It has been decided that, for now, golf falls into that category and is safe to play provided that participants adhere to the current NSW Golf regulations.

Three of the Narrabri Shire’s golf clubs told The Courier that their courses have re-opened for social golf.

They were the Wee Waa, Bellata and Boggabri clubs.

The Wee Waa Golf Club will not host any competitions due to the difficulty that the latest social gathering rules, which are now enforceable in NSW, have created but social golf is permitted.

“At this stage the clubhouse is still definitely closed and the course is closed to all competitions,” Wee Waa Golf Club president David Russell said.

“But if people want to go and have a social hit they obviously need to follow the social distancing rules and we won’t stop them.”

That is also the case at the Bellata Golf Club.

Meanwhile the Boggabri Golf Club has not yet held an official meeting but is expected to still run small competitions due to their normal comps usually attracting less than 10 players.

Boggabri Golf Club’s Robert Collyer said that any social golf played at the club must be done so following the rules put in place by the NSW Government and Golf NSW.

Meanwhile Narrabri Golf Club has decided to keep its course closed for the time being after taking into consideration the safety of staff, members and visitors, as well as the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Club Narrabri chief executive Paul Gordon issued a statement tonight.

“We have fielded many inquiries regarding the closure of the Narrabri Golf Course. As you are aware the government’s position is clear regarding the Corona virus pandemic,” he said.

‘Stay at home unless absolutely necessary’.

The Prime Minister, our Premier and their chief medical advisors have been adamant that everyone should abide by this advice.

The (Club Narrabri) board of directors are taking a cautious approach, with the health and safety of our staff, members and visitors paramount.

”We cannot guarantee patrons’ safety in the unsupervised environment of the golf course.

”Some people will abide by the social distancing advice but sadly some will not, therefore our position in the best interest of our members and wider community is to keep the course closed at this time.

”We will update you if and when this position changes.”