The Country Club Johannesburg’s (CCJ) Woodmead venue is doing well again after a difficult lockdown period.
Golf numbers are up from the same time as last year and as many as 70 new members have joined in little over a month. Many have made use of the walking and mountain bike (MTB) trails while there is also running, cycling, squash, tennis, a gym and swimming pool at the venue. Only the gym and swimming section have yet to reopen.
There are also guided bird walks in an area described as a vast green lung in the midst of an urban environment. There are two golf courses and a nine-hole mashie course as well. “We want to be a strong member club and offer a variety of sports and activities so the whole family can get involved,” explained general manager, Steven Nicholson.
“We have modernised the dress code and are proud of the diversity of people we have attracted to the club. We have also ensured all safety protocols from Golf RSA, PGA South Africa and CMASA [Club Management Association of Southern Africa] are in place.”
These include registers and temperature checks at the entrance, sanitising stations, social distancing and limiting the use of golf carts to one person each. The flags on the green are not to be touched and so the holes have been elevated to make retrieval of the ball easy and safe. All rounds must be pre-booked and coaching is taking place again.
Course assistants (caddies) no longer carry equipment but act as spotters and can rake the bunkers and fix the pitch for golfers. During the early lockdown, when caddies were not working, the club and its members together raised R900 000 for their well-being.
Face masks must be worn when not playing golf or exercising, and the restaurant is open with strict safety measures in place. The restaurant also has takeaways and, in fact, delivers to club members. The club did not escape the harsh financial climate during the first few months of lockdown, when it had to close its doors. Some staff were put on temporary leave but it is expected all staff should return to duty soon.
Details: The Country Club Johannesburg Woodmead 011 202 1600.
