Golf determined to find a solution to lockdown ban

After revealing its disappointment at the weekend, as it remained unclear when recreational golfers would return to the course, GolfRSA said on Monday it was in continued discussions with the “highest level of government” in an ongoing attempt to relaunch the sport.

On Saturday, the sports ministry confirmed that all professional non-contact sports would be allowed to resume once they had received clearance from government, but amateur sport remained suspended under level three of the national lockdown.

According to GolfRSA chief executive Grant Hepburn, meetings had continued over the weekend.

“We had a very positive meeting this morning with a key representative of the department of sport, arts and culture,” Hepburn said.

“Please rest assured that the overriding priority of all South African golf bodies right now is to guarantee the survival of golf clubs and facilities, and to save jobs.

“We are firm in our belief that we are taking the most appropriate approach to ensure that golf can make its safe return in due course.”

Hepburn said his organisation would continue to meet with government as they searched for a way forward, but he urged for patience.

“We will continue to pursue this avenue of dialogue and we are at a sensitive stage in these discussions. Therefore we urge all parties to remain patient at this juncture.”

He also distanced GolfRSA from any clubs or individuals looking to take the legal route to try and force government to open courses.

“GolfRSA and South African golf bodies thus distance themselves from individuals or clubs, or petitions, who regard the legal route as an option at this point in time and we strongly encourage any golf club or golfing facility entertaining thoughts about re-opening on 1 June to seek legal advice relating to the Alert Level 3 regulations,” Hepburn said.

“We ask that you trust us and that collectively we remain calm and level-headed to see this process through to its conclusion.”

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