The Goulburn Golf Club has put a call out to any sports-minded locals who are concerned about the current coronavirus pandemic but want to indulge their sporting appetites.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The message comes as COVID-19 restrictions across NSW look set to increase once again as cases continue to climb.
Club president, Morris Owen, sent a letter to the Post in which he emphasised the opportunity for players to stretch their muscles while staying safe and healthy.
"Coronavirus has had a devastating impact on people's health, their businesses, and their social and sporting lives," Owen said.
"I think the one thing that we all miss at times like this is the opportunity to get outside and enjoy our friends and the fresh air, which is in abundance at the moment now that Goulburn's winter is upon us.
"Golf has one of the highest participation rates of any sport and has been one of the few sports that hasn't been greatly impacted by COVID-19; in fact, quite the reverse."
While golf across the state was impacted in the early days of the pandemic - at which time there was confusion about whether or not Golf NSW would ask clubs to close - Goulburn Golf Club professional, Andrew Grove, confirmed in early July that the club had seen an influx of new players during lockdown.
This, Owen said, was in part due to the fact that everyone, not just sport nuts, was looking for a physical outlet.
"Many people, and not just the sporting types among us who are looking for the adrenaline rush that sport provides, are looking for something different," he said.
"A new challenge maybe or just the opportunity to get out and have a social hit and get some fresh air, nine or 18 holes or whatever, and they have discovered golf is one of the few sporting opportunities available to them."
Though Owen admitted that Goulburn, like many other regional courses, are "lagging 25 years or so" behind metropolitan courses such as those found in Sydney or Canberra, he said the club is currently planning possible upgrades for its facilities.
"The club is looking to upgrade its facilities to make it an even more attractive asset, for members and visitors alike, that the town can be proud of.
"Improvements to the clubhouse and upgrading the fairway watering system are two major projects the club is working on."
In recent years, the club has hosted a number of prominent events, most notably the 2018 NSW Country Championships, and is set to host a qualifying round of the 2020 NSW Cup in September.
Owen added that Goulburn's location and the quality of the course makes it a good spot for further high-level playing events.
"Goulburn has the ability to host state and national tournaments, and to become a link for golf tourism connected to the magnificent highland course to the east and the ACT's courses to the west," he said.
Anybody interested in learning more about the Goulburn Golf Club can contact the club on (02) 4821 2454, or through its Facebook page.
While you're with us...
Did you know the Goulburn Post is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up here.
