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GRAAFF-REINET GOLF NEWS - Around 37 happy golfers braved the cold on Saturday to visit the Graaff-Reinet Golf Course, following an announcement by the government the day before that courses may reopen. Courses were closed for over two months to amateur golfers, as a precaution against Covid-19.
"It feels fantastic to be back," Graaff-Reinet Golf Club Captain, Johnny Ludick, told the Advertiser. His son, young golf talent Johndré (13), was also happy to be back. "I haven't played in months," he said.
GolfRSA, the governing body of golf, said in a statement on 12 June that they welcome the efforts of the Department of Sports and Art and Culture to allow the opening of golf courses.
"We acknowledge and recognise that the safety of human life is of paramount importance," their statement read. The organisation equipped all clubs with risk mitigation strategies and training of compliance officers. "In addition, GolfRSA has provided all facilities with a state-of-the-art application that allows for the scanning and monitoring of all golfers and staff."
Rules in place include no gatherings at the clubhouse after rounds of golf, no touching of the flag pole, and golfers must wear masks and carry hand sanitizer.
"Golfers are requested to ensure that the regulations as published at the clubhouse are strictly observed," said Club President, Bernie Weyer.
"GolfRSA has had extensive negotiations with the minister of sport to enable golf courses to be opened, and this could be jeopardised should golfers ignore the regulations."
Weyer added that the local golf course is still in excellent condition, as course maintenance was permitted during the lockdown. Despite the cold on Saturday, local golfers were happy to return to the stunning course, masks and all.
"I'm thoroughly enjoying it", said Adendorp resident, Flam Pretorius. Godwin Bosch from Graaff-Reinet, who has played golf for at least 10 years, was also happy to be back on the well-loved course.
Golfers were happy to return to the Graaff-Reinet Golf Course. Here are Johndré Luddick (13), Jean Louis du Plessis (17), Johnny Ludick, Eddie Nel, George Kirsten (17) and Stephan Kirsten. Photo: Paula-Ann Smit
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