Course to re-open from Saturday
We are pleased to advise members that the golf course will re-open from this Saturday 28th August under the previously introduced modified local rules and playing conditions that were in effect before the course closed for renovations. The Clubhouse food and beverage operations will remain shut until further notice. Additionally, the course will re-open six days per week, remaining closed on a Monday.
Our course team have completed their comprehensive renovations, and as a result all playing surfaces are now in recovery. Preferred lies will therefore be in play until further notice and players should check the local rules board before play to review where relief can be taken.
We remind members of the NSW Government’s current stay-at-home orders in place for regional NSW which have been extended by two weeks, until at least 11:59pm on 10 September, in line with existing orders for the Greater Sydney area.
Under current stay-at-home orders you may exercise and take outdoor recreation within your local government area (LGA), or, if you need to cross into another LGA, stay within 5km of your home. Newcastle Golf Club is located in the Port Stephens LGA.
Exercise will be available at Newcastle Golf Club, playing in groups of two as follows during the 28th August to 10th September period:
- Monday – Course Closed
- Tuesday – Opt-In Stableford from 7:30am to 12:00 noon. Social play only after 12:00 noon.
- Wednesday – Opt-In Stableford from 7:00am to 1:30pm. Social play only after 1:30pm.
- Thursday – Opt-In Stableford from 7:30am to 12:00 noon. Social play only after 12:00 noon.
- Friday – Opt-In Stableford from 7:00am to 1:30pm. Social play only after 1:30pm.
- Saturday – Opt-In Stableford from 7:00am to 1:30pm. Social play only after 1:30pm.
- Sunday – Opt-In Stableford from 7:00am to 1:30pm. Social play only after 1:30pm.
New daily timesheets will be created for the period Saturday 28th August to Friday 10th September inclusive. All timesheets will be available to book into from tomorrow, Friday 27th August at 1:00pm online. The queuing system that allocates a random ticket number to book in will be temporarily disabled.
The Golf Shop will close at 5:30pm daily, except on Tuesday and Thursday when it will close at 4:00pm. Carts hired out must be returned 15 minutes before these closing times.
Given the current NSW Public Health Orders, we do not anticipate the Club’s timesheets being at capacity and therefore members are eligible to bring a guest provided their guest is able to travel to the Club in accordance with the stay-at-home orders and exercise provision.
The Club is currently exploring and finalising possible reciprocal tee time swaps with Clubs in other LGA’s that our members may be able to attend.
A reminder of the current rules or conditions associated with playing golf at Newcastle Golf Club:
PLAYING GOLF
- Rakes will be removed from bunkers with players now able to prefer their lie (within one club length from the original position of the ball) within the bunker, no nearer the hole. We ask players to NOT climb up faces of bunkers. Players observed climbing up faces of bunkers will be subject to disciplinary action.
- Players are to mark their own scorecards (not to swap) and there is no need to have the card counter-signed. However, a form of verbal certification should take place. Cards are not to be entered into the club’s computer. They are to be returned and inserted into the scorecard return bowl located within the office foyer.
- Players must proceed with the flagstick in the hole at all times and the flagstick is not to be removed. Breach of the Local Rule: Two Stroke Penalty.
- Carts will now be hired out on a single use basis only (carts can no longer be shared) at a reduced fee of $20 per person, with the exception that two from the same household may share a cart ($40 twin share).
- Mask wearing is not required during your round of golf only as golf is considered exercise. However masks must be worn in the car park, and internal areas of the Clubhouse (golf shop, foyer, locker room) at all times.
- Members must retain their own sand bucket until further notice (take home or leave in your vehicle and bring back to the course on your next visit to play).
PRACTICE AND ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TIMES BEFORE & AFTER YOUR ROUND
Members must arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before their tee time, and must depart 30 minutes following completion of their round.
In the event you are not playing golf on the course as part of a formal tee time, you are permitted to practice for no more than 90 minutes on premises (this includes use of the driving range, putting green and chipping green but excludes JLGA lessons). This is to limit movement and traffic on the Club’s property as part of our COVID Safety Plan, in addition to ensuring that the use of the practice facilities can be shared equitably.
JASON LAWS GOLF ACADEMY
Members that would like to book a lesson at the Club should contact Jason Laws at jason@jasonlawsgolf.com who will be available for tuition.
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