STATEMENT FOR MEMBERS
Statement for Members
The recent outbreak, and aggressive spread of COVID-19, has enforced some very difficult decisions on those of us who have been tasked with dealing with this issue. We want to outline some of the matters outstanding and help provide some clarity.
Please be assured that all these decisions have been made in the interests of our staff, members, visitors, wider community, and in the interests of Cushendall Golf Club. None of these decisions have been taken lightly, and in all cases we have followed the guidelines laid down by ILGU/GUI and the relevant authorities.
We’re sure that you, like all of us, will be missing our golf and related activities but we must remember that this is in the best interests of everyone involved. We would like to thank all of our members for the patience and understanding they have shown during this difficult time. We all look forward to a time when we can get back to some kind of normality.
Unfortunately this difficult period will continue for at least the 3 weeks of closure imposed by the authorities on Monday evening, and we would ask that you continue to show your support. The Club will still continue to operate and our costs will continue to be due as normal.
The uncertainty throws up many questions and we attempt to deal with these as follows :
- Staff – we have “furloughed” the Bar and cleaning staff and closed the building which means these staff will continue to receive an income via the government scheme for employed who are unable to attend work or work from home. Our office has been temporarily moved to Bronagh’s home to enable her to work from home, however please note that it will not be acceptable to go to Bronagh’s house in any circumstance in relation to Golf Club business. As we have the phone diverted to her house you may phone her on the normal number 02821771318 during her working hours of 10 am to 2 pm Monday to Thursday. The Green staff will continue to work (albeit apart) to maintain the course to ensure that this is ready for full use just as soon as we can open again. We are grateful to our staff for their understanding and fantastic assistance during all of these difficult times.
- Golfing Matters – the course has been closed to all golfing related activities, including the practice area, and we have temporarily closed BRS for bookings.
- Membership Payments – we would ask that membership payments are made/maintained as normal, where possible. With the office being currently closed the fees can be paid in the following ways, by cheque via post to the Golf Club address or by online banking using the Club’s Sort Code and account number (available from Bronagh on the golf club number 02821771318 during her working hours of 10 am to 2 pm Monday to Thursday) making sure that you use your membership number from the back of your card as your reference. We are currently working on a solution to enable Bronagh to take card payments via telephone and we will communicate this when it is made available to us.
- Communications – we are aware that there have been many communications to members, particularly in the past two weeks. We intend to continue to provide updates as and when possible, and wish to assure you that we will continue to communicate any valid information.
Whilst the current situation is regrettable, it has enforced the view that we have an excellent membership base, that we have a strong community feel around our club and that we are happy to pull together in times of difficulty.
Please bear with us as we navigate the weeks ahead and we all look forward to treading our fairways as soon as possible again.
We thank the Council members and club members, all of whom have assisted us through this process. There has been a large volume of work attended to and it has taken significant input from many.
Chairperson Hugh McManus, Vice Chair Christine McSparran, Hon. Sec. Kevin McCann, Hon. Treasurer James Kennedy.
COURSE CLOSURE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT
Dear Member
We have regretably had to take the decision to close the golf course with immediate effect for all golfing activities in light of the following statement which was published today by the GUI / ILGU.
In the coming days it is our intention to provide you with further information and clarity surrounding many of the issues that you will have questions about.
By Order of
Cushendall Golf Club Council
Important Announcement from the GUI & ILGU.
The following is a joint statement from the GUI and ILGU in relation to the current coronavirus pandemic, issued at 11am 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.
COMPETITION'S UPDATE
Dear Member
In light of the aggressive spread of Covid-19 it has been decided that ALL club competitions have been suspended until further notice.
(For any men who entered the Barney McAuley Memorial Competition their entry fee will be forwarded to the next competition.)
For the maximum protection of our members, staff and volunteers we intend to lock down the clubhouse, so for anyone who will be using their golf clubs or equipment currently stored in their lockers we would ask that they would be removed by 6pm Monday at the latest. After this the whole clubhouse will be locked and unavailable to all members -this includes the locker rooms and toilet facilities.
Social golf is still available at this time to those who continue to observe good practice as has been outlined in previous messages.
Please remain vigilant for further updates as the situation evolves.
By Order of Council, Mens & Ladies Committees
Latest GUI & ILGU Guidelines - 19th March 2020
GUI & ILGU LATEST JOINT STATEMENT REGARDING CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 - 19TH March 2020 at 4pm
PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU ARE COMPLYING WITH ALL THE GUIDELINES
Please click the link for the latest guidance
Rest assured we will continue to provide you with updates as and when they happen.
Keep Safe
Kevin McCann
Hon Secretary
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