24th March - Course Closed
Following the Government restrictions announced today, we regret to inform you that Edmondstown Golf Club will close with immediate effect until at least the 19th April.
It is clear that the restrictions apply to Golf Clubs, and the GUI & ILGU governing bodies have strongly recommended the closure of all Golf Clubs, practice facilities and courses in Ireland. In their statement they say
"Following the recent announcements by the UK and Irish Governments in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, the GUI and ILGU recommend that all golf clubs, practice facilities and courses across the island close with immediate effect until April 19th 2020. While golf is an outdoor sport that allows players to exercise in the fresh air, the message is clear. People must stay at home to help to contain the spread of COVID-19."
To view the full joint GUI & ILGU statement click here.
I would like to sincerely thank the Covid-19 Action Group - Tom O'Dowd, George Mellotte and Michael Hand for their tireless work in keeping the course open while ensuring the safety of members and staff over the past few weeks.
On behalf of Edmondstown Golf Club would further like to extend our support and best wishes to Tom, George and all front line medical staff in their fight against this virus.
Thanks also to our staff who kept the show in the road since the start of the crisis. The course staff will continue to work, as two separate teams, to maintain the course during its closure.
I wish all our members, staff, service providers and their families and friends safety and good health during these extraordinary times.
Yours sincerely
Mark Lynch
General Manager
23rd March
The actions the club and its members have taken thus far has helped to greatly reduce the risk of spreading the Covid-19 virus. The Action Group have considered the current situation and the following are the current actions:
Members Under 16 years may play under the supervision of a Parent / Guardian under the following terms:
· May only play after 3pm daily
· They must play with their parents or designated guardians. They may not book on a line with any other person.
· Only one under 16 member per line
· The name of the student & their parent / guarding must be on the timesheet. Please call the office on (01) 4931082 ext. if you cannot book online.
· No access to putting green or practice areas.
· Arrive, play and leave.
· Observe all other Covid-19 rules - social distancing, flag poles etc.
Further Actions for All Member
· The casual tee times on Saturday afternoons have been removed for the duration of the crisis. Booking for those times is available through the online timesheet.
· Only 2 people allowed in the bag storage room at any time. The keypad and handles are being cleaned regularly
· On course ball cleaners are out of use
· Ball retrievers on the 4th / 6th have been removed.
Personal Responsibility
It has been reported that a number of members playing on Saturday afternoon were not observing the recommendations and actions. People observed taking any action that puts other at risk will be asked to leave the course.
Travel Advisory
In line with HSE recommendations, If you have returned from abroad, please do not come up to the course for a minimum of 14 days from your arrival in Ireland.
We would like to thank all members for their continued effort and support.
19th March
The EGC Covid-19 Action Group would like to thank all members for their continued support and commend you for taking the recommended actions to help curb the spread of this virus.
The following are further actions and recommendations from the Action Group:
· Shallow holes are being placed on the greens to minimise touch points
· From Friday 20th March, members will only be able to book 3 balls on the timesheet. For those members who have already booked in as a fourball, we would ask that you to consider splitting up.
· Guests are currently still allowed but this is being kept under review. Only one guest per three ball.
· Please put your name on the time sheet and start from the 1st tee for all golf. Our caretaker Robert Reilly will be monitoring this closely.
· Our green keepers have been split into two teams of 3, working alternative days, to help ensure that course maintenance can continue even if one team needs to self isolate. This will mean that only critical maintenance will take place during the crisis.
· Always wash your hands thoroughly after your round.
· Maintain a 2 metre social distance from your playing partners
· We strongly recommend that you wash your bag and golfing equipment after each round.
Remember, It is incumbant that everyone exercises personal responsibility in the spirit of the game of golf. It is clear from experience that social distancing greatly delays and reduces the spread of the disease. If any of the following apply to you, please self isolate and, if possible, advise the office at info@egc.ie for contact tracing purposes:
· You feel unwell, with cough, fever or other symptoms of the virus.
· You have been in contact with someone who has these symptoms.
16th March
The EGC Covid-19 action group met again this morning to consider the latest medical advice and recommendations. The following further steps are being taken to help protect our members and staff:
· All flags are to be left in the hole. Do not remove or touch them.
· Rakes are being removed from the bunkers. Repair the sand with your club or foot.
· The air shoe cleaner is out of use.
· The showers are out of use.
· The bar & restaurant is completely closed. No refreshments are available.
· The Pro shop is closed.
· There will be no competitions until further notice. Competitions could be a distraction from the model of social distancing.
· No ride on golf buggies allowed.
The best available medical advice suggests that the congregation of children must be avoided. As such, we feel that we need to undertake the unfortunate step of putting in place a complete ban on children under the age of 16 until further notice.
It is incumbant that everyone exercises personal responsibility in the spirit of the game of golf. It is clear from experience that social distancing greatly delays and reduces the spread of the disease. If any of the following apply to you, please self isolate and, if possible, advise the office at info@egc.ie for contact tracing purposes:
· You feel unwell, with cough, fever or other symptoms of the virus.
· You have been in contact with someone who has these symptoms.
13th March
The Edmondstown GC Covid-19 Action Group met today to discuss the rapidly developing situation in the country.
Following expert advise and government recommendations, the following urgent actions are being taken in order to protect our members and staff:
1. Internal competitions are being cancelled until further notice to help prevent possible spread of the virus through the touch screen computers or scorecards. Members and guests may play casual golf at the Weekend, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
2. The bar and restaurant is being closed with immediate effect. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available for those who require refreshments.
3. The office will be closed for walk in queries. To speak to a member of the office team, please phone (01) 4931082 ext. 3 or e-mail info@egc.ie
4. All members under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. While children do not seem to suffer any effects from the virus, they are vectors for infection. Under no circumstances should groups of children congregate in the club.
5. Please use bank cards wherever possible and avoid using cash.
6. The professional shop will remain open for the weekend and a review will take place on Monday.
7. All previously advised actions and recommendations remain in place.
The club are not taking these actions lightly, but we feel that these actions are prudent and necessary for the safety of our members and staff.
The situation will remain under constant review and members will be advised as soon as decisions are made.
11th March
The Club has put together a COVID-19 Action Group consisting of Chair Michael Hand, Dr. Tom O'Dowd. Dr. George Mellotte & General Manager Mark Lynch.
A document has been prepared outlining the risks and recommended actions that the club should take. The group met this morning, and will continue to meet at least once a week until this crisis passes.
As the demographics of the Edmondstown membership is a vulnerable one, the following immediate actions will be taken:
· St. Patrick's Day siren start & sit down meal will be cancelled in its current format. All bookings have been cancelled. It will be replaced by an all day semi open event which is bookable online now.
· Booking will not be available for casual visitors. Please be mindful if bringing guests to the club. If they have recently been to infected areas or are ill in any way, they should not be brought to the club.
· Other events were groups meet in an enclosed space for more than 15 minutes will be actively discouraged and / or postponed.
· Bar seating arrangements will be changed to allow space between each individual. Please do not move chairs or tables.
· Please do not shake hands or otherwise make contact with people.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and advise members regularly.
10th March
The Board and Staff are continually monitoring the situation with the COVID-19 virus. An action group is being appointed to plan, insofar as is possible, for all eventualities.
A risk assessment has been carried out and will be continually updated.
We would ask all members to following the guidelines and updates on the HSE website
We would further ask that if you catch the virus or are self isolating as a precaution, that you contact the office in the strictest confidence so as to allow the club take the necessary precautions.
A Reminder of the Do's & Dont's
Do
· Wash your hands properly and regularly.
· Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze. Click here for more details.
· Put used tissues into a bin and wash your hands.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
· Follow the travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Don't
· Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
· Kiss or shake hands unnecessarily.
· Do not come up to the club if you are showing symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties or fever. Please advise the club in the strictest confidence.