The ManicaPost
Tafadzwa Tichawangana
Sports Correspondent
HILLSIDE Golf Club has welcomed the Sports and Recreation Commission’s decision to approve the conditional resumption of golf activities in the country.
Golf is among the 15 low risk sports codes that have been allowed to resume during the ongoing Covid-19 national lockdown.
Action was allowed to resume on condition that only a maximum of four players be allowed on the course at any given time while caddies have been banned.
Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) was also asked to avail a list of approved golf courses to the SRC.
Hillside Golf Cub secretary, Polly Crewe said they received communication from ZGA this week, advising them that the club is among those allowed to resume golf activities.
“It is very exciting news for us as a club as our members have not been able to play golf since the nationwide lockdown started. It is great to be able to get back on the golf course and play the game we love.
“Golf is not just a physical activity, but a stress reliever and this is a welcome distraction for our members during these difficult times. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of our lives,” said Crewe.
The SRC said sports granted the authority to resume games have to strictly adhere to provisions of Statutory Instrument 115/2020 and related legislation concerning the containment of Covid-19 in Zimbabwe, as well as any additional guidelines that may be issued from time to time by the SRC, the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation or their respective national sports associations.
Crewe said in golf, physical distancing is relatively easier to enforce, adding that they will be able to abide by the guidelines set out by the SRC, as well as the national lockdown guidelines.
“At Hillside Golf Club, our membership numbers are quite manageable, and golfers will be playing four balls, with just four golfers per group. This is the format we have always encouraged our members to follow so it will not be difficult to enforce this particular condition which has been laid out by the SRC.
“Even with set out playing times of between 8.30am to 4pm, our members should be able to abide by that, so overall we are happy with the conditions that have been set out for us to resume action. “With restrictions placed on movements and non-essential services for the past two months, it has been challenging for the idle sports clubs to be maintained,” she said.
Other sports that have been allowed to resume include athletics, cricket, cycling, triathlon, cricket, angling, polocrosse, tennis, shooting, rowing and equestrian.
