On Tuesday July 7, the Victorian Government announced that from 11.59pm on Wednesday July 8 Metropolitan Melbourne & the Mitchell Shire (Restricted Area) would return to stage 3 restrictions.

These new directions override the postcode directions previously announced by the Victorian Government. This means that venues and golfers affected by the previous closure announcements can reopen, and golfers can continue to play.

The new directives are aligned to the Victorian Government State of Emergency. Golf Australia will continue discussions with the Victorian Government over the coming weeks during this time to continue to seek positive outcomes for our sport.

Golf Operations

Golf is be a permitted activity under the directions with the following conditions;

• Travel in or out of the restricted area for the purpose of playing golf is not permitted.

• Within the restricted area;

  • Groups will be limited to two people unless they all reside in the same household. For the avoidance of doubt, groups of three or four will only be allowed if all members of the group reside in the same household. Groups of three where two people reside in the same household, and one does not, are not allowed.

  • It is vital that participants arrive at the facility immediately prior to their pre-booked tee time and depart immediately after completion of their round

  • No hire equipment, including golf clubs, pull buggies, or golf carts, may be made available for hire under any circumstances

  • Club/facility driving ranges, putting greens and chipping areas cannot operate unless a distance of at least 100 metres between groups of 2 can be maintained. Please note, we are continuing to advocate for this restriction to change per the above.

  • Club competitions should not be conducted, but handicapping of scores through non-contact means is allowed

  • 1 to 1 coaching can continue in a non-contact, socially distanced setting

  • Indoor coaching is not permitted

• Outside of the restricted area, clubs and facilities;

  • Will continue to have an obligation to check identification and refuse service to someone who resides within the restricted area

  • Can continue to operate whilst ensuring that all existing restrictions and physical distancing requirements are followed

For further information, please see the Victorian Return to Play document on the Golf Australia website.

Clubhouse Operations

Within the restricted area, clubhouses must close for dine in service. Clubs & facilities may trade for takeaway service provided they can meet all physical distancing conditions in doing so.

Golf Service Centres/Pro Shops must limit the number of people within the facility to comply with the requirement for patrons to keep a minimum of 1.5 metres apart.

For further information, please see the DHHS website here.

Further advice

Click here for the DHHS advice on coronavirus restrictions.

The relevant directions for clubs/facilities within a restricted area are:

• Area Directions (No 3)

• Stay at Home Directions (Restricted Areas)

• Restricted Activity (Restricted Areas)

The relevant directions for clubs/facilities outside of a restricted area are:

• Restricted Activities (No 12)

• Stay Safe (No 4)

If you require additional information or have questions please do not hesitate to contact John Stamp, Club & Facility Support Manager – Vic, on 0418 395 140 or johnst@golf.org.au.