SOS Golf - 2 May 2020

IS THERE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL ?

This weekend marks the 6th week of  deferred play at the Wembley golf course for SOS members due to the COVID-19 virus.

However, there is now light to be seen at the end of this dark chapter of the club's history!

Indeed, celebrations are in order as we report that the Wembley Pro Shop has invited SOS to submit a new fixtures list for 2020 commencing on Saturday, 16 May 2020.  

That is less than 2 weeks away ! 

With WA's excellent record to-date of containing the spread of the COVID-19 virus the Federal and State governments have been slowly easing the restrictions, including on golf play.  There will continue to be social distancing and many other restrictions for on-course behavior, but groups of 4 are now being permitted.

Sneezing into ones elbow is still mandatory!

https://twitter.com/i/status/1239662278334652416

No more absurd backyard practice sessions !

The revised fixtures list, which has now been circulated to all members by Glen, was approved by your committee at a meeting on Sunday afternoon.  The committee also decided on how the SOS members might meet after the game in order to practice a semblance of our post round rituals.

Please note that the re-opening of the golf course for groups of 4, and the Pro Shop's accommodation of social golf groups, comes with a strict set of rules which SOS members must follow. Many of the rules are listed below. In particular, the timing of payment of course fees has changed considerably to avoid cash handling! Please read Glen's email carefully if you wish to apply for a SOS booking.

The committee noted that it will be a delicate balance between observing the Government and Town of Cambridge rules, including practices that individual members may wish to follow, and trying to re-establish the SOS social spirit!   Accordingly, the arrangements set out below may be changed if found to clash with best practice social distancing or similar issues.

Composing this long blog !

But First . . . . a Message from Wembley Pro Shop

The committee received the following advice from Jason Roach, Operations Manager, on 26 April 2020. 

"We have some better news! J

The WA government has today relaxed social distancing restrictions somewhat to allow up to 10 people per gathering. From tomorrow 27^th April 2020 the Wembley Golf Course will allow groups of 4 players in each tee time.  The timesheets in future have been adjusted to accommodate more players on both the Old and Tuart courses.  Greens renovations will begin on the Tuart course from Tuesday 28^th April 2020.

Social gatherings are strictly limited to 10 People which the WGC staff will be monitoring to ensure social distancing is adhered to.  Timesheets are currently open 11 days in advance which are quite full already (will change as they are now groups of 4) however will be available for all social golf club bookings from Sunday 10^th May 2020 onwards once I get back to work this Tuesday 28/4/2020.  Motorised carts will also remain as one person and one bag per cart. 

 • Online golf bookings only (no walk-ins accepted)

• Groups of 2 players per tee time (8 minute intervals) [now 4 players & longer intervals]
• Tap & Go payments only (cash will not be accepted) [ie for $5 players card]
• 4 customers in the pro shop at any one time
• Social distancing to be practised at all times
• One person per golf cart 18 holes $30 - 9 holes $20
• No hire clubs available
• Gates open 6:30am – Gates close 6:15pm
• Please arrive just prior (15mins) to your tee time
• No gatherings permitted prior to or after play
• No competitions will be administered [will commence from Sunday 10 May]
• Golf Carts will be sanitised before and after use."

Post Game Activity

The Committee has recommended :

Novelties - not to be used for initial rounds, but 'see how it goes' and reconsider.

Post game -  when each group of players completes their round* they proceed to the Perry Lakes BBQ area where groups of  up to 10 can congregate while maintaining social distancing rules.

* first process score cards if Pro Shop are accepting them.

Fines - a large bucket can be used to collect coins thrown by players who have transgressed.

Raffle - a contactless system is being devised including a random number generator to replace the balls and raffle wheel!

Food & Drink - It is suggested that members bring their own food and drink.  Shelley may also have a quantity of beer available, at cost.

Birthdays

And a Happy Birthday to Richard Yeo for 3 May.

Oh Joy !!  Time to play again !

Book early to avoid disappointment.

 SOS has been allocated a set number of bookings and Glen is no longer able to work his magic!

👀    ✌