To: Captain/Hon Secretary/Communications Officer:

Gents, this is just to advise that the message circulating on Whatsapp regarding golf starting again on Saturday,      2nd May, purporting to come from the GUI and ILGU is a FORGERY and the message is not correct.
We will advise, through the usual channels, as soon as it is safe and in accordance with government guidelines to do so.
Please feel free to contact me if you wish to check any matter in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kind Regards,

Kevin Stevens GUI

Hi All,

Just to let you know that the expiry dates on vouchers already issued will be extended by a few months, as most, if not all the businesses where they can be redeemed are closed.  When required, we will inform the retailers that the vouchers are valid despite the expiry date.

Keep safe.

Kenny

The following is a joint statement from the GUI and ILGU in relation to the current coronavirus pandemic, issued at 11.10am this morning.

Golf in Northern Ireland:

In its latest measures to contain the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), the UK Government has announced that everyone in the UK must now stay at home except in exceptional circumstances. The new measures state that people in the UK may only leave home:

• to go to work (if you are a key worker)
• to infrequently shop for groceries, medicine and other essentials
• to exercise outside once a day
• to provide care or help a vulnerable person
• for any medical need

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.

With this in mind, it is the view of the GUI and ILGU that all golf clubs in Northern Ireland must close their facilities with immediate effect.

Such closures will have a significant impact on golf clubs and we continue to consult with industry partners to provide clubs with all information and support possible during this time of deep uncertainty.

We know that these decisions are difficult ones to make, but right now, it is our shared responsibility to prioritise the health of our local communities by working together to follow the UK Government guidelines. In doing so, this will ensure that we get the opportunity to play the game that we all love as soon as it is safe to do so.

For security and essential maintenance purposes, greenkeeping staff can still attend work. All work must be carried out in strict accordance with government guidelines on social (physical) distancing. Clubs should divide course staff into two teams where possible and if one becomes unavailable, the other team will still be okay to work.

Golf in the Republic of Ireland:

The GUI and ILGU have consistently reflected the advice of expert medical professionals in advising our member clubs.

It is anticipated that an update on the period of restriction will be made soon by the Irish Government, after which we will issue an updated statement in relation to golf in the Republic of Ireland.

You will appreciate that this is a very fluid situation with new developments almost daily. We will continue to liaise with the appropriate authorities, and will ensure that our clubs are kept informed as to recommended best practice at all times.

HSE: http://www.hse.ie  or PHANI:  https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/

Alan Kelly

Communications & Academy Manager

Golfing Union of Ireland

From the notice below from ANBC, it would appear that the golf course is available for members to use but that the clubhouse and all facilities including toilets and handwashing etc. will be closed.

It is especially important that any member who decides to go unto the course should adhere to Government and Public Health Agency guidelines regarding social distancing etc. and also to those issued by the GUI/ILGU regarding best behaviour on golf courses during this pandemic.

https://www.golfnet.ie/news/golfnet/4642/new-statement-on-coronavirus-covid-19

Keep safe everyone,

Kenny

(Kenny Lee, Honorary Secretary)

Leisure Centre Closures Notification for MORE Members – Update as of 1PM 19th March Following the latest expert advice from the Government, Public Health Agency and Department for Health regarding increasing efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s leisure, sports and cultural buildings are closed until further notice. Monthly MORE membership fees (including adult, family, concession, corporate and staff memberships) will not be charged and direct debits will be frozen from 1st April 2020 until further notice. Some of our MORE members may have received a pre-scheduled email advising that our leisure centres are still open, please disregard this information. We apologise for any inconvenience or confusion this may have caused. As with the Council’s other parks and open spaces, golf courses and the Antrim Stadium can be used. The buildings are closed and users should adhere to Public Health Agency advice about social distancing, handwashing etc. Please note, Play Parks will be closed from Friday (20 March) evening onwards. For more information, including answers to our frequently asked questions, please visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/MORE

Information from Craig Fullerton at 7.01pm (Wednesday, 18th March)

Allen Park is closed until further notice.

The Council has made the decision to close all leisure services and therefore the golf course will be closed until further notice.

If you have a locker and need items from it, please collect them before 10.30pm this evening (Wednesday), as you will not be able to access them after tonight until we reopen. We will continue to update our members when the course will reopen.

If anyone has any questions please contact the Centre.

Kenny Lee