GWG’s Women’s Match and Play Committee has decided the 2020 GWG Women’s Pennant should go ahead.
The decision is based on advice from Golf Australia (see earlier post).
Here’s the statement from GWG Women’s Golf Captain, Mary Morgan, on behalf of Match and Play:
Hi All.
We have received a query from one of our Clubs regarding concerns about the Covid-19 Virus and the upcoming Women’s Pennant season.
I have reviewed the advice from both Golf Australia and the Department of Health and Human Services and feel that at this point in time the Women’s Pennant season will commence on Monday the 23rd March. As Golf is a non-contact sport and is played in the fresh air we believe that individuals can restrict contact between themselves and their opponents in the match play competition.
A couple of main points that I will reiterate from this article and from the Department of Health are:-
- All people who arrive in Australia from Midnight 15 March 2020, or think may have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus, are required by law to self-isolate for 14 days. (Department of Health)
- If – in the 14 days prior to Sunday, March 15 – your members or guests have recently returned from or transited through China, Iran, Italy, Japan, Mongolia or South Korea, we recommend that they do not visit your facility for any reason – including use of the golf course only – until the 14 day period has elapsed. (Golf Australia)
- It is also recommended that if – in the 14 days prior to Sunday March 15 – members or guests recently returned from or who have transited through Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand or from a cruise holiday and who are experiencing flu-like symptoms do not visit your facility, including use of the golf course only, for 14 days. (Golf Australia)
- It should be noted that the vast majority of golfers can and should continue to visit your clubs or facility as per normal. Of course, golfers should exhibit a heightened awareness of personal hygiene as has been encouraged by state and federal health departments. (Golf Australia)
In speaking with Match & Play and also to President Fran Renehan we will implement the following precautions for the 2020 Pennant Season:
- Players are asked to refrain from shaking hands with their opponent at the start or completion of their match.
- Avoid contact with other players while on the course by staying at least 1 to 1.5 metres away from others.
- Players are asked to wash hands frequently with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet.
- Host clubs are not to provide lunches for players. Players may bring their own lunches if they wish.
- Players must submit the outcome of their games to the host club or the Captain of their team but are not required to enter the clubhouse after their game is completed.
It is up to each individual to look after their own health and to decide whether they wish to play in the competition. It is also up to each Club to decide whether they wish to enter a team in the competition or not. I do ask that any Club who has entered a team in the Pennant competition advise me as soon as possible if there is a change of status with that team.
GWG will be closely monitoring the Department of Health website www.health.gov.au and also any further information circulated by Golf Australia. If there is a change to the advice from these organisation I will email everyone as soon as possible.
Regards
Mary Morgan
Women’s Captain