GUI & ILGU JOINT STATEMENT REGARDING CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 19th March 2020 at 4.00pm
The GUI & ILGU recognise the significant impact that the current Coronavirus / COVID-19 crisis is having on golf clubs across Ireland. While areas within golf clubhouses may not be available due to the need for social distancing, the sport remains open and accessible. Club membership has never been more important. Golf club members can still play and enjoy their golf while acting within the guidelines issued by the Health Service Executive in the Republic of Ireland and Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland. Visitors (e.g. societies, open days) either require some form of screening or should be discouraged for the time being. The Unions also recognise the need clubs may have for business support at this time. We will monitor options available, and engage with the relevant sporting bodies in due course to make representations for our member clubs. As it stands, the period of restriction is due to end on 29th March 2020, however it is anticipated that this will be extended. To provide competitors and host venues certainty for the immediate future, all GUI and ILGU Championships, inter-club matches and practice sessions, Provincial, District, Regional, National Coaching and World Handicap System meetings scheduled up to and including 30th April 2020 will not take place. In line with the expert advice from the health authorities, all events will be postponed indefinitely as long as the period of restriction is in force. Once the end date for the period of restriction is known, the Unions will issue a revised calendar for the remainder of the year. Clubs should note that the 9 Hole Championship qualifiers are included in the list of events postponed and the Unions will be in touch with clubs that have entered in the coming weeks. List of events postponed HERE Note: The period of restriction referenced above relates to the decision of the government in the Republic of Ireland has made to limit public movement. It is recognised that different protocols may be in operation in Northern Ireland. The decisions and recommendations published by the Unions will apply to all golf clubs. The restrictions do not prevent rounds of golf taking place, however we need to be cogniscant of the social nature of our game and how this element of it is impacted. It is important that clubs and members demonstrate social distancing practices to help prevent the spread of infection. Examples of non-compliance with social distancing have been evident amongst the general population. Golf needs to demonstrate total compliance with the instructions laid out by the health authorities. Golf is a great sport for people generally to get out and about, exercise and enjoy fresh air. It is played in an outdoor setting where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is low. All golf clubs should, at this time, aim to keep their members and staff safe and well. As such, everyone should be keenly aware of the vulnerabilities golf clubs will face: The older age profile of golf club memberships than of the general population must be borne in mind
Golf Clubs should observe the need for the following:
Some other measures that clubs may like to consider include:
GUI, ILGU, CGI & Academy Offices GUI Headquarters and provincial branch offices will remain open to fulfil essential functions only and otherwise we are instructing staff members to work from home. Visitor access is restricted at Q House, Sandyford from Monday 16th March, therefore the ILGU Office will not be open to the public but will continue to operate remotely. The GUI National Golf Academy is open for pre-arranged private lessons and custom fitting sessions only, observing the required precautions as advised by the health authorities. PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCES All golf clubs should note, act upon and continually monitor the advice and guidance issued by the Health Service Executive (Republic of Ireland) and the National Health Service and Public Health Agency (Northern Ireland) in relation to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. It is important that we all work together, following the advice of experts, in controlling the spread of COVID-19 infection. This is a very fluid situation and we ask clubs to monitor the latest advice regularly. |