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KAROO NEWS & VIDEO - As the country slowly but surely returns to a sense of something resembling normality, many forms of exercise are slowly being allowed once again under Level 3.
People can now exercise any time of the day between 6am and 6pm; professional athletes can return to distanced training (contact and non-contact sports); and hiking is also permitted.
Amateur sports, however, are still largely prohibited, one of which is strangely golf – a sport that involves virtually no contact between participants, with the only close proximity typically coming after the round when hands are shaken to say thank you for the round. This could of course be replaced with the now-famous elbow greeting that has been promoted during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Like so many other local businesses, the Graaff-Reinet Golf Club is suffering financially as a result of the restrictions.
According to Club President Bernie Weyer, accounts for the new financial year are now being sent out, but there is no indication from government when golfers will be allowed back on the green. Furthermore, profitable local tournaments such as Bokkedag is unlikely to take place.
"We are appealing to members to continue supporting the club to ensure its survival," Weyer told the Advertiser. Those who can afford it are invited to join the 1000 Club, by contributing an additional R1 000 to keep the club going.
Where are the golfers? Guineafowl make a run for it.
According to Weyer, the club has five full-time employees, and in addition employs casual workers when required.
Caddies have also taken a knock, as no golf means no need for their services. For this reason, players were asked to donate towards their caddies, so that the latter could receive food parcels.
Watch a video below:
Although golf is prohibited, the Graaff-Reinet Golf Club is allowed to maintain the course, which is an added expense. A visit to the course on Tuesday afternoon confirmed that it is still beautiful as ever, but all dressed-up and no one to welcome.
Now, the only birdies on the course aren't the golfing kind.
Caddies have also taken a knock, as no golf means no need for their services.
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