Golf courses on the look out for COVID-19 cases

Golf courses on the look out for COVID-19 cases

The Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) is urging golf clubs across the country to make declaration forms obligatory after three more confirmed they had been affected by Covid-19 cases.

According to a report in the Malay Mail, Kelab Rahman Putra, Sungai Long Golf and Country Club and Impian Golf and Country Club, all in Selangor, are the latest to report infections among either staff or members.

MGA Honorary Secretary Datuk Zulkifli Ismail told the Malay Mail some clubs were lax when it came to enforcing standard operating procedures (SOPs).

He suggested that all clubs should make it compulsory for members and guests to fill out a declaration form as this will reveal where they have played golf in the last two weeks.

Some golf clubs, he added, are strict in enforcing this rule as they do not want a golfer who played in a golf course in the red zone to play at their club within the next two weeks for fears of infections. Not only that, the information in the form will allow for easier contact tracing if necessary.

“Some are already doing this, but I think all clubs should follow this method and make them sign declaration forms. This is over and above the usual SOPs like temperature checks and MySejahtera check-ins,” Zulkifli was quoted as saying by the Malay Mail.

He added: “I also want to point out that we have said repeatedly that when organising competitions the limit is 100 people, no prize giving at golf clubs in red zones and the men’s room or locker room must be limited to a maximum of 15 to 20 people at any one time, depending on the size of the changing room. However, some clubs are stubborn and are breaking this rule.

“MGA can only advise and provide the guidelines to keep you safe but if the clubs do not follow these steps which we have painstakingly come up with after hours of discussions with both the National Security Council and Health Ministry then we will continue to see cases appear.”

Would hope that the 260 Thai courses will take note as well, and adopt a similar practice here too.