Golf courses will remain open through the latest COVID-19 restrictions in regional Victoria, but competition play is off the table.
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It's welcomed news for players in and around Ballarat, which were unable to hit the greens during the first wave of stage three measures.
Clubs in the region have been sent details from Golf Australia, which outline a range of strict protocols.
Groups are limited to two people unless players all reside in the same household. Therefore groups of three or four will only be allowed if all members reside together.
Club competitions must not be conducted, but handicapping of scores through "non-contact means" is allowed.
Golf Australia says that club/facility driving ranges, putting greens and chipping areas cannot operate unless a distance of at least 100 metres between groups of two can be maintained.
The state government, on its DHHS website, says "shared facilities and driving ranges cannot open".
No hire equipment, including golf clubs, pull buggies, golf carts or range balls, may be made available. There is exceptions to using carts for people with a disability, those over the age of 65 or who can demonstrate that they require one due to having special needs.
"If you are not doing exercise or a physical activity where you are out of breath or puffing then you must wear a face covering," Golf Australia said in the email.
"You must carry a face covering with you and wear it before and after you exercise."
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Ballarat Golf Club head professional David Wallis said his club would initially not be open for green fee players.
"Due to the high amount of members we have, pushing up to 1000 members, we need to ensure that members have access during this tough time," Wallis said.
He said this decision would be reviewed regularly and the potential for green fee players to be allowed back on course was a possibility.
Other major golf clubs in the region such as Midlands, Buninyong, Mt Xavier and Creswick at RACV Goldfields resort are allowing green fee play.
Stage three restrictions resumed in regional Victoria on Thursday.
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