Golfers hit the green

Daniel Suafoa at Keilor Golf Club. (Damjan Janevski) 208534_03

Tate Papworth

Brimbank golfers flocked to the greens of the Keilor Golf Course last Wednesday as the state government started winding back COVID-19 restrictions.

Last Monday, Premier Daniel Andrews announced the first “small steps” in relaxing measures.

Under the new rules, people can have five visitors to their house, as long as they are close family and friends.

Ten guests are now allowed to attend weddings, while funerals have been expanded to 20 mourners.

The new rules are also good news for the real estate sector, with 10 people now allowed to attend an open house inspection.

Outdoor recreational activities have also been expanded to groups of 10 and after a very public debate, golf is back.

Keilor Golf Club manager Jack McDonald said golfers were chomping at the bit to get back onto the green.

“The demand for golf has certainly gone up … the phone was ringing off the hook that first day and our tee times were filled up for the Saturday,” Mr McDonald said.

“We’ve had to implement a no walk-in policy, so people have to book, which has been going quite well.”

Mr McDonald said a number of distancing measures had been put in place around the club.

“We’ve set up hubs around the course to help people keep distance and make sure groups aren’t congregating in places,” he said.

“If players are bored before their tee time we ask them to wait in their cars … it’s all about managing traffic.”

The new restrictions will remain in place until at least the end of May.

Tate Papworth