AFTER weathering months of lockdown and the majority of customers kept away due to border permit rules, Murray Downs Golf and Country Club chief executive Greg Roberts is relieved to see familiar faces on the greens and in the clubrooms.
“We’re back open for business – we wouldn’t have been able to do this without re-engaging with our Victorian club members and residents, we just don’t have enough people on this side of the river to justify being open.”
Mr Roberts said many members were already re-engaging with the club, with 80 ladies on the course playing golf on Wednesday morning.
“And on the first Monday we opened we had ‘Dad’s Army’ out there playing golf as well, supporting the club.”
All the facilities are back open, with the exception of the children’s room and courtesy bus.
“The bistro is open, and our poker night will be back on Thursday,” Mr Roberts said.
“Bingo will be back on Friday, and our members’ draw will be back on Sunday, with $4,300 up for grabs.
“On Saturday we will also be showing sport on the big screen – the NRL preliminary final featuring the Melbourne Storm, and then the AFL grand final.
“Bookings will be essential.”
Mr Roberts said social and local competitions would be back on for bowls and golf, and players had to check into the greens.
A maximum of 50 people could be on the bowling green, and for golf, people could play in groups of four and there can be two people in a golf cart.
Masks aren’t required when playing, but they are when entering the Pro Shop and clubhouse.
“Players are asked to leave flags in the hole, and rakes have been removed from bunkers, we prefer if the bunkers are smoothed with feet,” Mr Roberts said.
“In Victoria, the Swan Hill Club and Spoons Riverside will be re-opening on Thursday, and we do ask that people make bookings as we are still heavily restricted to only 10 people inside and 20 people outdoors.”
