Golf - one of the few competitive sports in the region where practicing social distancing comes with the game.
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The Stawell Golf Club is focusing on making sure despite social distancing rules, its members aren't succumbing to the feelings of being socially isolated.
Whilst players couldn't get on the course due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, a daily run trivia quiz about the town was hosted on the club's social media accounts.
Work around the grounds was undertaken to ensure the course was ready for the return.
But, the break in play didn't come without costs. Both financially to the club, and socially for its members.
Vice president Stephen Johnston said it was a tough time for the volunteer-run committee to balance.
"We have some new members at the club who are also new to town," he said.
"Those members were the ones we were the most concerned about. While other members have friends and family they could connect with in the area safely - some of our members rely on golf as their only social interaction.
"It was really tough for them. Some would walk to the supermarket in hoping they bumped into someone to talk to.
"Some of the older members found it very difficult because there was a limit of social interaction at that time. The concerning thing is if it goes on for too long or we move to tougher restrictions in regional Victoria again it will have an adverse effect on their mental health."
Mr Johnston said the club had been through a difficult period in the past where it "went broke".
"They pulled themselves out of it and got the club back into a sustainable position," he said.
"You could feel at our very first committee meeting after the restrictions force the closure of the course and bowling green there was stress.
"The committee of management members who were involved at the club during the previous tough period didn't want it to happen again.
"You could feel the anxiety in their voice when we were having discussions about it. It was a very real prospect that the club could have been facing at that time."
Mr Johnston said the course closure meant there wasn't a steady income stream from weekly competitions getting put into the club.
"This includes tournaments and fundraising events which really gives us a boost," he said.
"We do have our yearly income from memberships but the club relies on other income to help with running costs.
"One of the hardest parts about the closure of the course was that the course still needed to be maintained. So there is course staff who are still spending money on maintaining the course because we still need to have a golf course to come back to. Those costs eat into any of the savings the golf club has.
"So right now is a worrying time if restrictions go on for too long or if we're shut down for too long."
Mr Johnston said the club's committee were trying to think of ways to support not only its members but the wider community as well, during the pandemic.
"Golf is a very safe sport to play at the moment due to the nature of the game and the social distancing that comes with it," he said.
It's a great opportunity for sportspeople around the region to come out and get involved in a sporting event with that much needed safe, social interaction.
- Stephen Johnston
"We have followed every guideline and recommendation there has been available. I know some members get frustrated and what everything to go back to normal. But, for the sake of our community, our members and the club we need to stay on this path for however long we need to.
"Due to know other sport being play the committee has agreed to offer anyone who hasn't been a member before or in the last two years a discounted membership.
"It's a great opportunity for sportspeople around the region to come out and get involved in a sporting event with that much needed safe, social interaction."
The club has offered a special COVID-19 membership at $300 to help those within the community stay connected. The membership is valid from July 2020 to March 2021. There is also special membership category for those who live more that 25km from the golf club.
"It's all about learning a new sport and trying new things," Mr Johnston said.
"New members will be able to access free lessons from other club members who are volunteering their time to teach people how to swing a golf club.
"Players tend to take up the game once they have retired from other sport. This is a perfect opportunity to learn the aspects and basics of the game now, ready for that retirement day."
Do you have a story to share? Get in touch cassandra.langley@austcommunitymedia.com.au
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