GolfRSA reprimanded by government as certain golf estates break rules

GolfRSA, the unified body of the South African Golf Association (SAGA) and Womens Golf South Africa (WGSA), has confirmed it received an official reprimand from the government on Monday, according to a report by Sport24. 

The South African golfing body received its warning from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture yesterday after "certain golf estates and facilities opened up" under the Level 3 lockdown.

According to the rules of COVID-19 Alert Level 3, professional non-contact sport such as golf is permitted, however, there is to be no recreational or amateur sport played as things stand. 

"The contravention of the above Regulations, in terms of Regulation 48 constitutes and offence, which may amount to a fine or imprisonment," read a letter from the government.

As a result of these facilities opening up golf against the guidelines, GolfRSA claims that these unnamed estates have potentially put the reopening of the entire golf industry at risk.

"The behaviour of a small minority of golf clubs and golfers over the past few days is a direct threat to the reopening of the golf industry, undoing the good work done by the delegation of golf over this period," read a GolfRSA statement.

"GolfRSA does not condone the opening of any golf facilities before the department gazettes the official regulations and we sincerely hope these actions have not put the reopening of the golf industry at risk.

"We have yet to make an official statement in terms of an actual date for golf's return and we request that golfers treat any communication from outside agencies with caution, as there are many misleading communications from clubs, as well as posts doing the rounds on social media. 

"GolfRSA and the SA golfing bodies urgently appeal to all golf facilities in South Africa not to jeopardise Golf's positive position. Please comply with the current Alert Level 3 Regulations and exercise good conduct as we cross the final hurdle."