I hope this message finds you well and that you’re coping with these difficult times.
You may well have seen or heard of some of the proposals being made to government by the R&A, England Golf, the PGA and other golfing organisations working collaboratively to allow us to return to golf in the very near future.
However, great as it will be to get back out on the course our return to golf in the early days will definitely not be golf as we knew it before COVID-19. Likely restrictions include such as social/casual golf only (no competitions), 2-balls, no clubhouse opening (except for toilets), changing in the car park and all social distancing and on-course disciplines remaining in place.
Please see the attached ‘Opening Plan for Golf Guidance Document’ that gives the background to the decision and policy making currently being discussed and the possible outcomes (some good bedtime reading!).
Needless to say your Board and Management Committee are working hard preparing for the possibility of an early phased return such that once we’re given the go ahead to get back on the course you will receive a detailed communication about how Bracken Ghyll will start playing golf again – and just as for the game itself please be aware that things will have to be very different to ‘normal’ in the early days.
Finally, I’m pleased to advise that:
1. We have now received the government’s £25,000 ‘Small Business’ COVID Grant.
2. We have made our COVID-19 Job Protection Scheme application and our first monthly furlough payment for the two furloughed green staff is imminent.
3. We’ll be making an application to Sport England for COVID funds for community organisations.
Hopefully, the government will soon allow a limited return to our great course and I’m really looking forwarded to seeing you out there – but only from a safe distance off course!
Stay Safe
Dave Gilbert
President BGGC
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