Are golf courses in Sydney and Australia still open?
Update: Golf is still allowed in Sydney despite new COVID lockdown  With a new outbreak across Greater Sydney, the NSW Government have announced a lockdown for all areas. It extends to Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains, with people only allowed to leave the house for essential reasons. Luckily, golf is classed as an exercise and members can still play across NSW, as long as their club is COVID compliant. Here's the full statement from Golf NSW. Update: Victorian premier Daniel Andrews allows golf to return  In welcome news for Victorians, premier Daniel Andrews has announced a return to sport and recreation, including golf from Wednesday. From 12:59 PM tomorrow night groups of 10, no more than 10, will be able to participate in outdoor activities, sports activities, recreational activities, Andrews said. Whether it be hiking, fishing, playing golf, going for a walk, kicking a footy. No more than 10 (will be allowed to participate), and there will be physical distancing and hygiene arrangements, common sense basically. The rules that have been in place to this point remain in place.  Golfs back in victoria Wednesday  Tom Browne (@TomBrowne7) May 11, 2020      Golfers must still attempt to obey the 1.5 m distance between partners but the news will be welcomed by many, especially controversial AFL personality Sam Newman, who went as far as protesting on Parliament House steps to get the laws relaxed so he could have a round of 18. Update: Golf Australia announces updated measures for golf to continue to be played across the country. While Victoria are seemingly sticking to their guns about playing social golf, the rest of the country are continuing to play. On Friday afternoon, Golf Australia released a statement detailing some of the measures and protocols in place as five states and one territory continue to have a hit. "Combined with our enduring responsibility for our clubs, their staff and all Australian golfers, we remain comfortable that our position recommending that clubs close has been appropriate to this point," it said. "But, acknowledging the long challenge that lies ahead of all Australians during this pandemic, we have been encouraged to see golf played in comparative safety in five states and one territory in recent weeks as we all adopt social distancing necessities. "Under strict and specific safety protocols  enforced by state and territory guidelines as well as individual club rules  Golf Australia is now satisfied that golf can be played at minimal risk. Having worked collaboratively with our clubs and other stakeholders, we are now comfortable to alter our position and encourage courses to open and for people to play. "As well as social distancing, these safety protocols include keeping gloves on and not touching hands with playing partners, not sharing carts, leaving flags in, reducing hole depth, greater times between groups, not exchanging cards, not using bunker rakes and maintaining personal hygiene. "The ability to play currently does not apply to those in Victoria and the Northern Territory where golf remains prohibited under local laws. As ever, Golf Australia will continue constructive dialogue and advocacy for golfers with these governments. "It is important to note that Golf Australia may again alter our position depending on the changing requirements of governments (Federal, state and territory) as the COVID-19 crisis unfolds." Update: As of Wednesday, April 1, golf clubs in New South Wales can remain open. This is not an April Fool's joke. Merely a day after the government advised all golf clubs across Australia to close, the New South Wales government announced courses in the state may remain open despite the fears surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. Wednesday's announcement carried with it some severe restrictions, including no more than two people per group, and only one per golf cart. Update: As of 4pm, Monday, March 30, all golf clubs across Australia will close. In a release issued on Monday afternoon, Golf Australia advised all clubs across the country to close. Earlier -  Australian PM Scott Morrison announced on Sunday another a ramping up of restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic, with specific restrictions placed on sport and recreational activities. While Morrison did encourage everyone to stay home unless absolutely necessary, he made no mention of golf courses. The short answer is: yes, you can still play golf. The longer answer is: you'll have to check with your club, as many courses around the country have shut up shop for the time being. If your course is still open, you will only be allowed to play solo or in a group of two, as per the government's new guidelines limiting gatherings. As Australia attempts to limit the spread of COVID-19, many of the measures in place make it hard for golf clubs to operate. All bars and restaurants are closed except for takeaway, meaning most club houses are closed, while poker machine areas are also no longer operating. Some pro shops are still open, though the social distancing protocols mean there is a restriction on the number of people allowed in at any one time, as well as different entry and exit points. These restrictions mean many clubs have closed their doors, while courses that are still open are operating under strict new rules. Golf carts, pull buggies and sand buckets are no longer available to be hired and shared at many clubs, while bunker rakes have been removed and handling the flag stick discouraged. So, if you are desperate for some fresh air and a hit, you're still allowed to play golf, just remember to keep your distance and wash your hands thoroughly as often as you can. And if you're wondering what other recreational activities are still permitted, there's not a heap. As of midnight on monday, all public gyms, skate parks and boot camps will be closed, while indoor gyms and all organised sporting competitions have already been shut down. The Prime Minister announced last Tuesday that "community and recreation centres, health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, barre and spin facilities, saunas, bath houses, wellness centres" would also be stopped. That doesn't leave many options and it sounds like it's going to get worse before it gets better, so if you're a keen golfer, you might want to get out there while you still can.