Captains Newsletter – April 2020

April 2020
Captains Newsletter.

Dear Member,

Lockdown day 25 and I am sure by now all members are experiencing golf withdrawal fever at its highest level. Many of you have erected driving nets at home using the washing lines and old duvet, alternatively using the passage to putt and the backyard for chipping. The lawn is starting to look rather depleted but the swing is feeling good and eager to go drive the first ball off the tee box at the club. Probably your second shot as well after the layoff.

On a very serious note, I sincerely hope that you and your families are coping with the lockdown and staying home and safe. Health is critically important and although we all feel golf and exercise should be on the exempt list it is not. There are still a number of days to go before lockdown is completed and should the President not extend, I am confident that we will live with a number of lockdown rules regarding distancing and groups.

Pre-lockdown we had to deal with a number of new laws that prohibited groups larger than 50, and distancing was high on the agenda of actions so we altered trading hours in the bar to discourage groups staying for lengthy periods and placed fewer tables in the facility to ensure we met the criteria. Prize giving’s were cancelled and the AGM postponed until a later date. I would like to thank you all for the manner in which you embraced and accepted the actions required.

I am sure that you all have been reading many articles about COVID-19 and watching CNN/SKY news with their in-depth coverage on the Virus and the preventative measures one needs to take. As we are all aware this Virus spreads in many different ways, so it is critical that each individual takes exceptional care on washing hands, sanitizing and ensuring that distancing is a constant factor.
On our return to golf, I would like to assure you that Milnerton Golf Club will be continuing with preventative measures and request that you the member, abide by them in the spirit of doing what is right for people around you and of course, yourself

I would like to give you some pointers to take note of and some insight as to what has transpired at the club in the interim.

1. Groups. This will be dependent on the Government decision and we await to see if the Law remains with grouping and distancing on our return.

2. Prize- Giving’s. Dependent on point 1.

3. AGM – Also dependent on point 1 but with a possibility to hold the AGM on a Zoom conference facility and ballots to be handed in at the club for election of office bearer’s.

4. Golf Car usage. One golf member per car. The club will look at a reduced rate for members and visitors.

5. Our cleaning company sanitized the entire club on 17 April 2020.

6. Our Pest control company will attend to the relative areas this week.

7. All golf carts checked last week on battery power and I am happy to report that many remained fully charged with only a few requiring a charge.

8. The course has had minimal care and maintenance over this period and is looking very good. Thankfully, we have moved into cooler weather periods, which assists with less watering.

9. The time sheets were opened on 17 April and they are by now fully booked for the first two weeks in May 2020. Should a lockdown extension be implemented and forces the club to remain closed, these bookings will fall away.

10. The club will ensure all staff continue with preventative measures concerning handling of cards, cash and serving in the halfway houses and bar. If possible, please transact all payments by card. Sanitizing stations will be in strategic places in the clubhouse as per pre-lockdown.

11. Shower facilities to be discussed, this will ensure no groups will be formed.

12. No more than four persons in the pro-shop at any given time.

I am sure that there will be many more directives from Government, which we will most certainly comply with and implement. This COVID -19 Virus has placed many businesses into an unprecedented situation, our golf club that we love, without exception. This will no doubt have a financial impact on the club, but we all need to stick together and we will get through it. The committee will review all major projects currently under discussion and continue to explore every saving we can make for the survival of our club. Stay indoors, stay safe and keep your health intact over the next few weeks.

In closing, on behalf of the Board of Governors and Committee members, our deepest condolences go out to the Efron family. Moshe Efron passed away on 18 April 2020. He has left behind a legacy that numerous of you have been part of over many years at Milnerton Golf Club. Past President, Life Member, Captain over many years’ of loyal service, a father and mentor to many a golfer here at Milnerton, which was Moshe’s passion. His love for the club and its well-being was his priority over the years. Moshe will be deeply missed by all. A true Ambassador of the sport. Rest in Peace Moshe.

Captain.