News Archive

An important message to our Golf Members

As you are all aware we are in the midst of a viral pandemic that has affected communities around the globe. Many golf courses have been closed around the State, and the clubs who remain open have implemented restrictions for any upcoming events and fields.
As the government enforces more restrictions in hope to flatten the curve, social distancing and hygienic practices must be strictly adhered to. The perception of the Warragul Country Club brand within our community is extremely important to us, and as such our golf committee have implemented the following changes to tee times for competitions for the foreseeable future.
 
Changes to this weekend’s competition
This Saturday’s field is almost booked out and the committee feels such a large gathering is not adhering to the current Government directive.  As a result Saturday’s current two tee start timesheet is cancelled and instead we offer two separate competitions on Saturday and SundayNew rules are as follows:

• Open timesheets are in place allowing for family members to play together, adhering to our current cart policy (see below for policy).
• Introduction of one tee starts.
• 10 minute interval tee times.
• Tee times are from 7:00am – 2:40pm.
• Maximum 3 players per group.

Please note that if there are vacant tee times available, Members may play both days.
 
New rules for ALL competition days
Further to the above changes and to avoid Members congregating the following rules have been put in place for all competition days for the foreseeable future.

• Members are not to congregate around the Pro Shop or the course.
• All putting greens are closed until further notice.
• Sharing of equipment is prohibited.
• Members are required to park at the back of the Clubhouse on the practice fairway and gravel carpark.Members with trailers will have the option to park in front car park.
• Players are to arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before their tee time and then proceed to register at the pro shop.
• Only card payments will be accepted – no cash.
• Member’s cards will not be swiped.
• No flags or rakes on the course – you are not permitted to bring your own flag to indicate pin location.
• Holes have been modified to decrease their depth.  Any ball that goes in the hole and bounces out as a result of the hole being modified will be treated as in the hole.

 
I understand that these rules may appear extreme, however in the given climate the uncertainty of golf is high and we should all do our bit to preserve the sport we love.
So please, do you part and abide by these directives and enjoy the game of golf.
We hope that in time, we will be back to playing golf at Warragul as we have always known it.
 
All the best,
Heath Jones
Director of Golf
Warragul Country Club

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Update from the Chairperson

Today the Board met to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Warragul Country Club.  Over the past fortnight we have constantly monitored the situation and have adapted our practices to align with Government directives and legal advice.
Our aim has been to maintain that the Club stay open as long as possible.  Last week we developed a plan on how to continue to operate under the 100 person indoor restriction however this was short lived and unfortunately on Monday we found we had no choice but to close our food and gaming activities.
It has been an extremely hard week for our staff.  I have to congratulate Michael and his team on how well they have managed this week.   Most managers have never in their working life had to deal with such complex and changing issues.  Our focus has been to ensure the welfare of our staff and assisting them with the temporary loss of their jobs.
Our aim is still to keep the course open to our members as long as legally possible.  Later today you will hear from our Director of Golf, Heath, on our latest restrictions on operating the club. These restrictions were developed by our greens committee, in a meeting held yesterday, and I would like to thank them for their contribution.  I ask you all to follow these new rules, we are lucky to be able to play golf at the moment and this may be taken away from us.  Social distancing and good hand hygiene are non-negotiable as well as congregating around the Club before and after your game.
We will keep you informed regularly of any changes for the Club.
Please stay safe and respect your fellow members.
Kaye

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Vale ~ Kevin O'Brien

One of the unfortunate restrictions of the State’s shut down provisions is that Kevin’s funeral and celebration of life will be a graveside service for family and a limited few.    A lot of Members will therefore be unable to attend the service and with that in mind I thought it appropriate to acknowledge Kevin’s outstanding contribution to this Club, over many years and a little about that contribution.
The name Kevin O’Brien prominently adorns the Club’s honour boards and it reflects very well on his service and his contribution.  A long serving member of the Men’s Golf Committee he completed 6 terms as President from 2003 – 2004 and again from 2010 – 2013.
He was Captain of the Club from 1998 – 2000 and again from 2007 – 2008.   Kevin was also C Grade Champion in 1990.
Kevin was a long serving member of the Club, a passionate golfer and a great volunteer contributor in many ways.  He was the tournament organizer for the annual Warragul tournament for many years which included organising sponsors and promoting the event throughout Gippsland.   Kevin was also on the task force which was responsible for setting up the Country Club constitution and the men’s golf rules when the structure of the Club changed.
Right up until his passing, Kevin volunteered his time every Friday night assisting with the Club’s Friday night raffle.   A great contributor, a friend to many and someone who will be sadly missed by all at the Club.

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Important Golf Update

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and Government regulations, please remember no matter what your personal view on the current situation, Club management, the board, golf committees and staff have the best interests of our members and guests at the forefront of our actions. We encourage members and guests to make every effort to conduct themselves in a safe and hygienic manner when visiting the Club.
Over the coming months we will be doing everything we can to get through this tough time, your cooperation and understanding is appreciated. We will keep you up to date with when the current climate changes.

Pro Shop

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CEO Update

Further to my communication this morning, the Club has received its specific legal advice in respect to continuing with golf course play and operating the Pro Shop. I have reproduced that advice for your information.
It is as follows.

The details of the closures are contained in the ‘Non-Essential Business Closure Directions’ (the Directions).

The Directions define ‘non-essential business or undertaking’ as including “a business characterised as a pub, bar or club that supplies alcohol under a general licence, an on-premises licence or a club licence, but not including any part of the business constituted by a bottle shop”, and ‘an indoor sporting centre’.

It is our advice that the intention of the Directions is that they apply to the business of the supply of liquor at particular kinds of premises – not to another type of business or activity conducted by the same entity. The wording “pub, bar or club” is referring to the premises where the liquor is being supplied not to the entity which holds the liquor licence. In other words “club” means the club’s licensed premises not to the club as an entity.

It would also produce an absurdity to conclude that ‘unlicensed’ outdoor sporting clubs are able to operate where licensed outdoor sporting clubs may not.

Separately listed are ‘indoor sporting centres’. This is, in our view, intended to apply separately to licensed clubs that have an ancillary sporting component.

It is our advice that a licensed club can therefore continue the operation of outdoor sporting facilities, including golf, and any retail adjuncts (including the pro shop). The club must, however, cease operation of the licensed clubhouse for social use.

That being said, it is our advice that the operation of a recreational facility (even an outdoor one), may be contrary to the intention of the Directions and the governments initiatives to try and actively discourage non-essential recreational activities. It is further advised that, even if not explicitly prohibited currently, given the rapidly changing landscape it would be unwise to assume that it will not be addressed in due course.

We note that retail shops are permitted to continue operating, including sporting goods and ‘pro shops’. We consider that this would permit such retail premises to operate even where conjoined to a licensed club.

We suggest the following measures might be considered in the current circumstances:

• 1 person per golf cart. Members discount will apply on golf carts.
• Greater separation between groups.
• Requiring golfers to sign a waiver that they have not been overseas in the last 14 days, are feeling unwell or have had any exposure to anyone with the virus.

Whilst it is “play on”, the above advice is realistically suggesting that in this frequently changing landscape this may not be for long. With that in mind I stress to all Golf Members to take the social distancing guidelines seriously and particularly one person per golf cart.
Be conscious of the “passing by traffic” as they may conclude that the Golf Club is ignoring the Government directions and may take it upon themselves to report the same to the Police.
Heath will shortly issue more specific rules and guidelines for tournament play. Please look out for these and strictly observe and most importantly stay safe.
 
Yours sincerely,
Michael Hodge
Chief Executive Officer
Warragul Country Club

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