SRC relaxes golf protocols

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has climbed down on Covid-19 protocols it had imposed on the Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) for the game to resume.

ZGA had refused to resume activities under the conditions given by the SRC, arguing that it was impossible to play golf under those conditions.

The conditions included banning of caddies.
Previous conditions also required golfers to be tested for blood pressure and sugar levels before they took to the fairway.

“We have been allowed to resume and have been sent the conditions for the resumption of golfing activities. Golf clubs are now preparing for reopening, with some expected to start operating today (yesterday), depending on their individual readiness,” said ZGA president Mufaro Chivonivoni.

“The conditions are slightly different than the ones we were previously using, but they allow us to resume although we need to apply separately to host tournaments. Changing rooms and showers remain closed, and access to the premises is strictly for golfing purposes only.

“We are confident that all our stakeholders will adhere to the regulations and that we can play the sport in a very safe manner. We hope the Covid situation in the country will improve in the next few weeks to allow for further relaxation of the restrictions,” he said.

According to the new conditions, all the golfers and staff are encouraged to be vaccinated and copies of the vaccination certificates must be lodged with individual clubs for onward transmission to ZGA.

Clubs are expected to maintain a daily Covid-19 register to be completed giving details on the number of golfers, caddies and officials that would have visited the club.

If there are any symptoms of Covid-19 in any golfer or official, this must be recorded in the register and copies of the forms submitted to the ZGA every 48 hours to be passed on to the SRC.

For standardisation, ZGA will provide the template and no entry into the golf premises is permitted except for purposes of golfing and official club business.

Group training also remains banned.