As all members will appreciate, the golf course is our key asset. We have maintained a full complement of grounds maintenance staff who will continue to maintain the course and use the time to complete some important project work. One example of this is the final Course Development Plan ('CDP') works to the swale at the front of the 18th green (see article later in this newsletter) plus the removal of selected cypress trees as a result of a recent arborist report.
I can reassure members that during the closure both the course and clubhouse are being maintained, and both will flourish again once the virus has been contained. Golf Australia, in conjunction with the Australian Sports Turf Management Association, Golf NSW and Golf WA has begun to lobby both Federal and state governments to ensure that - in the event of a further increase in restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 - course staff will be able to continue to access clubs and facilities.
What are the implications for staff?
As you may have heard from the Prime Minister on Monday evening, the Government has announced a $130 billion JobKeeper payment scheme. The scheme is designed to assist organisations to cover the costs of employee wages, enabling more employees to retain their jobs and continue to be paid by the organisation. We think this scheme is a very positive initiative by the Government and will assist in the retention of casual and permanent staff. As a result, The Barwon Heads Golf Club has elected to participate, and we have now registered.
The Club's reception is still operating during business hours, from 9:00am until 5:00pm daily (4:00pm weekends) to handle any member or guest phone or email enquiry.
How are members impacted?
Apart from the obvious impacts of the clubhouse and course closure, at its next (online) meeting the Committee will be discussing how the current coronavirus situation will be impacting the membership of the Club and the measures that can be instigated to assist any member in times of hardship.
As there is no clear timeline for the resumption of play and the opening of the clubhouse (although we are hearing reports of other States resuming the playing of golf under strict guidelines), at this stage we ask members to be patient in relation to subscription and house levy enquiries.
What is the outlook?
The duration of the closures is unknown, but we do know they are necessary. It is possible that there will be a lengthy period of downtime. Keep fit by taking walks, practice #golfathome, use Zoom meetings (or similar) to keep in touch with other members and socialise online.
We need you to continue to do your part. For example, when you walk past the Club and notice Adam Lamb and his team maintaining the course, wave from a distance, but please stay away. By doing so you are helping him, his team and the community. Rest assured any major work being done on the course during the closure will be Committee-sanctioned and communicated to members via the website.
If you have any specific questions, please email me at amasters@barwonheads.golf or via the contact us form below.