Members Update 27th March

Dear Members,

Staff Support 

We continue to appreciate the support we have had from members whether that be through entering competitions, purchasing golf equipment, take away food, cartons of beer & wines or the supportive messages we are receiving in person, by phone or email. We have received many calls and emails specifically asking us what the club is doing to support staff in this trying time.

We have been forced by government announcements to make the painful and difficult decision to wind back our operations and as a result have stood down all staff in the Kitchen and the Bar. At the time of writing I am still in the process of communicating with staff in reducing our course and administration staff hours. Our staff are incredibly important to us and I know that our staff are very much looking forward to returning to their roles as soon as we are able to resume normal operations.

We have been asked by several members if there is any way they can assist staff financially or volunteer. We are incredibly grateful for these offers of financial support during these uncertain times. Whilst it is not something we will be overtly promoting, for those members wanting to provide support you can do so by contacting me directly. In the first instance, we will establish a dedicated account for any money received which would be administered by the Director of Finance. All money received will be used solely to assist our staff. Regarding volunteer assistance, at some time in the near future we will be requiring assistance and will put out a notice when required. Thank you so much for all the offers so far.

We are working hard to reduce our financial footprint with many maintenance and non-essential costs being reduced or eliminated. The clubhouse has been powered down to minimise our electricity costs. Our management team is becoming very operational including cleaning of toilets and common areas plus other tasks normally contracted or completed by casual staff. We request that our members be mindful to reduce your footprint when visiting the club change rooms and common areas plus please consider rubbish on course.  Once this task is completed further staff levels will be reduced.

Our Golf Shop will be open for the foreseeable future, however operating hours are planned to be reduced from Monday. Our Course staff are still working hard with the team reduced from 6 to 4 and we continue to monitor as we work through this period of materially reducing operations.

Please rest assured we have a plan in place to maintain the clubhouse and course even if we are forced to close down completely for a period of time. Whilst we are not aware of any intention by government to impose further restrictions, we cannot discount the possibility and must therefore plan for this contingency.

Membership

We are receiving some queries from members in relation to subscriptions and what options are available to transfer category. The General Committee met yesterday and the position is that no transfers will be considered for the foreseeable future. These times are unprecedented and we understand that with limited facilities and the fear of closure that some members are looking for financial relief. The club needs the support of members now more than ever and for that reason no transfers will be considered. This position will be reviewed on a regular basis.

Please be advised should a member be under financial hardship, please contact me directly to discuss other options which may be available under certain circumstances.

Government Advice

Access to the course and the way we play golf is changing every day and even every few hours. Including since I started writing this notice. The Western Australian golf industry continues to receive updates from the Federal and State Governments through GolfWA and we will update members as this information comes to hand.

This is an extremely difficult time, however, rest assured myself and the management team, and the Board are fully committed that when we come out the other side, we will have a great facility for our members to return as normal, our staff to their normal livelihoods for which we will all be proud of being part of such a historical time for the club.

Current Course Access Status

Effective from Saturday all golf will be played in a maximum group size of 2 players. It is now compulsory for all members to make a booking online for social and competition play.

Time sheets are currently being set up with tee times available from 7:30am to 5pm. The tee sheets are all OPEN for men and women and competition entry is optional on registration at the Proshop. All competitions will be Individual Stableford with the same weekly competition schedule available. Please entry in the competitions will now be optional with tee times available all day (7:30am- 5pm)

Scoring is moving to the Mobile App- search for “MiScore” in your app store for android or apple.

All competition prizes will be trophy credits.

Finally, golf continues to be encouraged by the government and health department for personal fitness and mental health. We are committed to working within all guidelines and government advice to ensure we can continue to give our members access to the course.

Please take care of yourself and each other.

Des Shearer

General Manager