By Laura Michell
Golfers should be allowed back on to Victoria’s fairways for exercise, according to Goonawarra Golf Club chairman Hans van Pelt.
Earlier this month, the state government introduced new rules outlawing golf and forcing clubs to shut their doors.
However, Victoria is the only state to introduce a ban on golf, with the sport able to continue on greens interstate, as long as social distancing regulations are followed.
Mr van Pelt said the Victorian ban had caused a lot of frustration among golfers. He has called for the state government to reverse its decision.
“Golf is an outdoor activity that can be run in line with the isolation requirements,” he said
“I am in close contact with other club presidents and Golf Australia as we collectively lobby for a decision that would enable golf as an exercise whilst we strictly adhere to the wider social distancing rules and recommendation.”
Mr van Pelt said the golf club, like many other supporting organisations, had been impacted financially by the coronavirus pandemic.
He said the club had stood down workers, with the bar, bistro and pro shop closed.
