Golfers have taken to the course with vigour since government allowed amateur golf to resume on June 13.
Veteran green-keepers Stanley Naicker and Joe Khumalo, together with their team, were allowed to ensure the upkeep of the Dundee golf course during the national lockdown that has prevented any sport or socialising from taking place since March 27.
And this is a job they have done splendidly. “We cut the greens and keep the fairways in shape about three to four times a week. We also have done firebreaks so as to prevent any runaway fires as the fire season approaches, accompanied by strong winds,” said Joe, who has been working at the golf club for the past 10 years.
Stanley, who has 48 years of service under his belt, said that, “There was no waiting for the course to get into shape – it is ready to play on.”
Joe, who has been playing golf for nearly 40 years, said he missed the game “desperately”. As a winner of many medals and 27 Monthly Mugs, he was keen to dust off his clubs. For Stanley, it is the social aspect he misses.
“After 48 years of chatting to players and members at the 19th hole, it becomes a way of life. After this long break of not being able to do that, socialising is something we will treasure.”
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