Date posted:  20th April 2021

Return to Golf Protocol 26th April 2021

Dear Members, 

We are very much looking forward to meeting you all again after what has been a long and challenging lockdown 3.  The weather is picking up, the course looks fantastic, and we can now look forward to a summer of long days with plenty of golf to enjoy. 
As always, the Covid Committee has to ensure that the safety of our members is at the forefront of all we do and that we continue to adhere to the HSE public health guidelines. To this end here are some guidelines which, at face value may appear onerous,  have been drafted with your very best interests in mind.  We would ask that you adhere to them fully so as to enable us all get back to golf safely and to ensure that we can continue to stay golfing till the vaccine roll out gives us our freedom again. 

Welcome back everyone ! 
The Covid Committee 

Golf
As Diane and Brendan have already communicated, rounds will be 9 holes only. Timesheets for the 26th, 27th and 28th of April will open on Wednesday 21st April at 8pm. Like last April you will be permitted to book ONE game in this three-day period. As before if there are spaces available on the morning of play (from 7.30 am) you may book a second game. The second batch of timesheets will open on Sunday 25th April at 8pm and will cover 29, 30th April and 1st of May.  

This year ONLY TWO HOUSEHOLDS are permitted on any one line. All members must observe this rule. For the avoidance of doubt ‘Household’ refers to people residing together and not ‘social bubbles’ or other arrangements.

This unfortunately will lead to a combination of 2/3 and 4 balls on the course so pace of play if you are in a 4 ball will be extremely important. This method will allow the greatest number of members to play in the first week of opening.

Two other points of note, Juniors who have family members within the club are encouraged to play in family groups. Juniors who do not have family members will have some lines allocated on Wednesday / Saturday afternoon and they should confine themselves to these lines.  There will also be two lines available at 6.50 and 7.00am on Tuesday morning which will be reserved for Full Time Workers. To play at this time you must be on the time sheet and must check in on the completion of your round in the Pro shop. Any abuse of this will lead to the withdrawal of the lines. 

Make sure to cancel any bookings if not required.

Access
To access the course golfers must adhere to HSE / Public Health advice as follows: 
- not have been out of the country in the previous 14 days.
- not be displaying any symptoms of Covid-19.
- not have been in contact with a confirmed case within the last 14 days.
- adhere to any relevant government-imposed travel restrictions. 

Visitors
No Visitors / Guests / Clubhouse members are permitted at this time.

Arrival 
Please arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before their tee time. Members are requested to register through the Proshop window (8.00am to 4.00pm) or with the registration desk located outside the Members Bar. 

Lockers
The Basement locker room will be open at all times. Members who wish to retrieve their clubs in advance of Monday can contact the office to make collection arrangements.

Clubhouse
MASKS MUST BE WORN INDOORS - NO ACCESS WITHOUT A MASK

The on-course toilets and toilets in the Clubhouse will be open. Locker rooms will not be accessible.
Members wishing to retrieve items from the men’s and ladies Locker rooms should please contact the office to arrange a time for collection.
Access to the office is by appointment only.

Proshop
The Pro shop will be open each day from 8.00am to 4.00pm. You can reserve your buggy by contacting the Proshop on 089 4977947. Minor items such as Golf balls and tees will be available for purchase. 

Short Game Practice and Range
This is closed due to renovation and will not re-open until the seeding of the new practice greens is completed. It is hoped that the practice putting green will come on stream earlier as this area has been sodded. 

On the Course
Electric trolleys will be available from the pro shop and should be pre-booked on 089 4977947. If your ball is lost, unplayable, or in a penalty area, do not take an option under the rules that involves doubling back on your position. Use an option that allows you to keep your position on the course.

Buggies
Buggies should be used by one person only and cannot be exchanged between people during the round, however members of the same household may share a buggy. Buggies will be sanitized thoroughly after each use. Buggies can be booked through the Proshop on 089 4977947.

Bar/Catering
Under the current restrictions the bar will remain closed. Our Friday evening take way service will continue as normal with Menus published each Wednesday in the Weekly Digest.

Home Safe
Members are required to have vacated the club no more than 15 minutes from the completion of their round. Please note any member who has any post round health issues must email the General Manager to inform him of same.  

Further important information aimed at keeping all golfers safe is contained within the following document:

The Full Return to Golf Protocol from Golf Ireland is Available Here