Both Harden and Cootamundra Golf Clubs will continue to stay open for play and takeaway food, even during the latest New South Wales statewide lockdown.
The Country Clubs are both operational to a limited capacity due to the latest COVID-19 outbreak, but patrons are still invited to partake in their one hour of essential exercise per day on the golf course.
The Golf NSW regulations state: “NSW Health has been advised that golf is considered exercise and can continue if your club complies with its COVID-19 Safety Plan.”
“Golfers should exhibit a heightened awareness of personal hygiene and adhere to social distancing guidelines at all times.”
Chris Longbottom, General Manager of the Harden Country Club, told The Times that the golf club will remain open to the public in some capacity, while still adhering to strict COVID-19 restrictions.
“We are open for play, obviously following the rules that are set by the Public Health Orders of NSW,” Chris said.
“On the first tee there is a QR Code to sign in. There are also instructions if our members are wanting to play our Saturday competition or our Pepper’s Duck Run which is a nine-hole event that goes from Friday to Sunday.
“Greens fee players can pay their fees in the honesty box which is located near the first tee.”
Chris also confirmed that the Harden Country Club’s kitchen is open for outgoing food.
“We do takeaways and deliveries on Wednesday’s through to Sunday’s which can booked by ringing the club or ordering online.”
The Harden Country Club are opening their arms to anyone who is doing it tough during these unprecedented times.
“As my message to our community on Saturday night at our online raffles was, if any of our residents need help in anyway, they can always reach out to see what we can do for them as we try and be here for the community as best we can,” Chris continued.
The Cootamundra Country Club is also open to the same capacity as Harden, abiding to Golf NSW’s regulations.
A spokesperson for the golf club said that locals were taking the latest restrictions seriously and are still able to enjoy a round of golf.
“Golfers can still go out and play but have to comply with strict regulations, but generally the golf is normal as long as people adhere to the changes, and social distance and wear a mask where appropriate,” the Cootamundra Country Club spokesperson said. “
The major change is that the clubhouse is locked down, we can’t open our door.”
Groups must not have more than two players per group, unless they are from the same household.
Other regulations include not touching flag poles, only having one person per cart and no access to ball washers or bubblers.
The full list of current COVID-19 playing conditions are listed on the Golf NSW website.
Golfers can call the Harden Country Club on 6386 2483 or Cootamundra Pro Shop on 6942 2313 or visit online to book tee times.
Tim Warren