Golf Lockdown

brick tamland

Are there any non Gui affiliated courses/par 3s open anywhere?

Zedmann

John Divney wrote: »

Tennis read the rules and abide by them and didn’t ask permission. The GUI went hat in hand and got told to do one. I know which approach is the correct one. You have to force people to do what you want you don’t ask. Let them be the bad guys. The GUI is totally discredited over this debacle

https://mailchi.mp/a270e0df9cd8/covid-19-level-3-and-level-9428073?e=cf70e889cf

sheroman01

finglashoop wrote: »

Nope

Individual practice is ok

I think they're still awaiting confirmation on driving ranges? It would be such a joke to allow driving ranges but not allow golf. Sure you'd be closer to a person on the range than a course! And it doesn't solve the problem of people driving over 5km to the courses. (I'm saying this as someone who wants the golf courses to stay open by the way).

John Divney

So they write the rules then tell everyone to shut down until they can confirm the rules and **** it all up. It says in black and white individual training is allowed then there should be no reason to shut a tennis court down let alone a driving range

racso1975

Just to input gor message last night from rugby club. Kids u18 can continue to train in pods of 15 non contact and not onky does the 5k not apply neither does the county boundaries.... As directed by IRFU. Absolute joke of a lock down

Zedmann

John Divney wrote: »

So they write the rules then tell everyone to shut down until they can confirm the rules and **** it all up. It says in black and white individual training is allowed then there should be no reason to shut a tennis court down let alone a driving range

Yes I agree. Golf and tennis should both be allowed. Driving ranges I would say no.

Seve OB

finglashoop wrote: »

Nope

Individual practice is ok

where does anything say this?

curly from cork

Tennis got the chop too this morning

RGS

It appears even golf and tennis coaching for kids is not allowed but is allowed for soccer, rugby and gaa.

Tis makes no sense what so ever.

All kids should be allow coaching in their chosen outdoor sport.

This idiotic rule could push junior golfers to join other clubs where they can get coaching.

almostover

Zedmann wrote: »

Yes I agree. Golf and tennis should both be allowed. Driving ranges I would say no.

I was at the driving range in Ballincollig Tuesday night and the place was rammed full of teenagers sharing clubs and arriving in the same car. I love to see younger folk playing the game but over the last while it became clear to me that driving ranges became a social meet up for youngsters who were denied that privilege in normal meet up locations due to the restrictions. I can understand full why driving ranges would close.

This living with COVID strategy is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. The spirit of the rules in this scenario is far more important that the rules themselves. Golf is utterly safe, as is driving more than 5km to play it. Problem is human behaviour. That goes for the GAA too, the matches themselves can be conducted in a very safe manner. What goes on around that is the issue. Theres no way the people of Ireland will cope with rolling restrictions for another 12 months.

benji79

almostover wrote: »

I was at the driving range in Ballincollig Tuesday night and the place was rammed full of teenagers sharing clubs and arriving in the same car. I love to see younger folk playing the game but over the last while it became clear to me that driving ranges became a social meet up for youngsters who were denied that privilege in normal meet up locations due to the restrictions. I can understand full why driving ranges would close.

This living with COVID strategy is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. The spirit of the rules in this scenario is far more important that the rules themselves. Golf is utterly safe, as is driving more than 5km to play it. Problem is human behaviour. That goes for the GAA too, the matches themselves can be conducted in a very safe manner. What goes on around that is the issue. Theres no way the people of Ireland will cope with rolling restrictions for another 12 months.

I’ve used that range recently, couldn’t get over how busy it was. Couple years back nobody would be there.
They’ve really turned it into a decent spot

Euphoriasean

Would be interesting to know what discussions were had. It would appear that the GUI put forward a proposal or number of proposals that were shot down. Would be good if they came out and said what the reasons were and what was proposed. I doubt they will as they wont want to get on the wrong side of Sports Ireland for future funding. Surely even at 2balls the case was strong to keep golf open.

In my opinion Golfgate played a big part in this and also the ability to control the 5km travel restrictions. Its a pity as you couldn't get a more applicable sport to social distancing. Now to try and find a field i can sneak into hit a few 7 irons. Might be difficult in suburban limerick.

AOH77A

almostover wrote: »

I was at the driving range in Ballincollig Tuesday night and the place was rammed full of teenagers sharing clubs and arriving in the same car. I love to see younger folk playing the game but over the last while it became clear to me that driving ranges became a social meet up for youngsters who were denied that privilege in normal meet up locations due to the restrictions. I can understand full why driving ranges would close.

This living with COVID strategy is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. The spirit of the rules in this scenario is far more important that the rules themselves. Golf is utterly safe, as is driving more than 5km to play it. Problem is human behaviour. That goes for the GAA too, the matches themselves can be conducted in a very safe manner. What goes on around that is the issue. Theres no way the people of Ireland will cope with rolling restrictions for another 12 months.

Good to see a sensible post on the issue.

finglashoop

Seve OB wrote: »

where does anything say this?

Email recieved said range open. I assune its classed as individual practice

Dtoffee

.

I am very disappointed with the GUI on this to say the least, they appear to have just rolled over and ignored their members.

I can understand the 5km travel rule being an issue ....... but as golf's governing body here, the GUI should have had expected the Government to try and close courses and had a few viable alternatives to stop the full closure situation.

Social distancing ia not an issue on the golf course, so how about the GUI asking golf clubs to offer a limited number of time slots to all gui members within 5km of their course with say a €20 green fee. Obviously proof of identity as in your GUI card and photo id would be needed, but it would have two benefits ...... it allows golfers get a casual game of golf and it would generate some income for the club. No doubt it is easy to shoot holes in that idea, but maybe a bit of fine tuning and some leeway from the clubs would see a way forward.

I know some clubs are already offering reciprocal tee times to clubs who's members can't travel. As golfers we are all in this together .... a bit of goodwill goes a long way.

John Divney

AOH77A wrote: »

Good to see a sensible post on the issue.

Teenagers are out the back of my house in their hundreds on the weekend drinking, school and college means kids are back to normal no matter what we want. The driving range is a fart in a hurricane. If the schools are open socialising is open. Shutting down things that have no impact is just a propaganda effort to try and effect others things that are causing the issue, scholes re-opening.

DeanAustin

Dtoffee wrote: »

.

I am very disappointed with the GUI on this to say the least, they appear to have just rolled over and ignored their members.

I can understand the 5km travel rule being an issue ....... but as golf's governing body here, the GUI should have had expected the Government to try and close courses and had a few viable alternatives to stop the full closure situation.

Social distancing ia not an issue on the golf course, so how about the GUI asking golf clubs to offer a limited number of time slots to all gui members within 5km of their course with say a €20 green fee. Obviously proof of identity as in your GUI card and photo id would be needed, but it would have two benefits ...... it allows golfers get a casual game of golf and it would generate some income for the club. No doubt it is easy to shoot holes in that idea, but maybe a bit of fine tuning and some leeway from the clubs would see a way forward.

I know some clubs are already offering reciprocal tee times to clubs who's members can't travel. As golfers we are all in this together .... a bit of goodwill goes a long way.

I honestly believe that golf hasn't been stopped because the activity itself is risky, it's because people wouldn't adhere to the 5k rule. We know that's the case because that's what happened last time and that's what golfers said they would do this time. It's what I'd probably do if I lived 10k or 20k from my course if I'm being honest. The government are simply trying to limit the populations' movement.

In theory, there are dozens of ways you could enforce/police the 5k restriction. But it'd really be up to clubs to do it and, if we're being honest, we all know a lot of clubs wouldn't do it because they have no wish to be the policeman for this and because they don't want to be the ones to piss off their members.

So it's a simple, blanket instruction that leaves no one in any doubt and that removes the temptation. It'll contribute to the government's aim of limiting our movements. I don't like it, I don't necessarily agree with it but, for what they are trying to achieve, it makes sense.

prawnsambo

DeanAustin wrote: »

I honestly believe that golf hasn't been stopped because the activity itself is risky, it's because people wouldn't adhere to the 5k rule. We know that's the case because that's what happened last time and that's what golfers said they would do this time. It's what I'd probably do if I lived 10k or 20k from my course if I'm being honest. The government are simply trying to limit the populations' movement.

In theory, there are dozens of ways you could enforce/police the 5k restriction. But it'd really be up to clubs to do it and, if we're being honest, we all know a lot of clubs wouldn't do it because they have no wish to be the policeman for this and because they don't want to be the ones to piss off their members.

So it's a simple, blanket instruction that leaves no one in any doubt and that removes the temptation. It'll contribute to the government's aim of limiting our movements. I don't like it, I don't necessarily agree with it but, for what they are trying to achieve, it makes sense.

Yeah. Disappointing but true that people were just ignoring the restrictions earlier. Even the county lockdown that happened a couple of weeks ago was being completely flouted. We had visitors at our club last weekend from Dublin. Pretty sure there were more during the week too. What do you do when people just ignore the advice?

B-D-P--

Complaining about other sports is like a 10 year old complaining that their friends are allowed stay up later.

The gaa doesn't decide what golf does, & golf doesn't decide the other.
Different govern bodies decided their own rules. Don't try to say "Well Tennis/gaa/soccer/Irish Ladies Mud Fighting championship is still going ahead, Why cant we?"

Ya show your own level of maturity if ya do, The GUI decided that its best if people lower their movements to stop spreading, if that means closing the courses, then they made the right decision, you might be within 5km & you might not touch the pole, Neither do I. But lets be honest many dont care what the guidance is & will travel & break the guidelines.

This is coming from someone whos played 3/4 times a week last few months, I'm at as much a loss as anyone else to the sport.
But in the greater sight of things, Its a hobby, others are loosing family/friends & loved ones. Its a small price to pay.

monkeybutter

its only fair then to shut it down for everyone


Just cause you happen to be 5k or 5.1k

Seve OB

B-D-P-- wrote: »

The GUI Government decided that its best if people lower their movements to stop spreading,

FYP

Hoboo

B-D-P-- wrote: »

Complaining about other sports is like a 10 year old complaining that their friends are allowed stay up later.

The gaa doesn't decide what golf does, & golf doesn't decide the other.
Different govern bodies decided their own rules. Don't try to say "Well Tennis/gaa/soccer/Irish Ladies Mud Fighting championship is still going ahead, Why cant we?"

Ya show your own level of maturity if ya do, The GUI decided that its best if people lower their movements to stop spreading, if that means closing the courses, then they made the right decision, you might be within 5km & you might not touch the pole, Neither do I. But lets be honest many dont care what the guidance is & will travel & break the guidelines.

This is coming from someone whos played 3/4 times a week last few months, I'm at as much a loss as anyone else to the sport.
But in the greater sight of things, Its a hobby, others are loosing family/friends & loved ones. Its a small price to pay.

If club championships in golf had caused this latest eruption of cases I'd agree with you.

But it didn't. And the very sport that did continues. It's also a hobby. Even at county level. It's not a job.

RGS

B-D-P-- wrote: »

The GUI decided that its best if people lower their movements to stop spreading, if that means closing the courses, then they made the right decision

The GUI didn't decide to close they were told to close by Sport Ireland.
Tennis Ireland decided to stay open and were duly slapped down this morning.

As I previously said there is inconsistencies in the approach towards kids which Phillip Reid nicely put in this mornings Irish Times

"And there is an anomaly at the very root of all this. I know. Last night my daughter could go football training in her pod of 15 players on one side of a pitch. Tomorrow, she can’t go golfing – in a group of three or four – on a golf course of over 200 acres. Where’s the sense in all of that?"

bmc58

Golfhead65 wrote: »

So with that logic. Why are other sports
allowed?? (Rightly so)

One in all in oh,except the GAA.

prawnsambo

RGS wrote: »

The GUI didn't decide to close they were told to close by Sport Ireland.
Tennis Ireland decided to stay open and were duly slapped down this morning.

As I previously said there is inconsistencies in the approach towards kids which Phillip Reid nicely put in this mornings Irish Times

"And there is an anomaly at the very root of all this. I know. Last night my daughter could go football training in her pod of 15 players on one side of a pitch. Tomorrow, she can’t go golfing – in a group of three or four – on a golf course of over 200 acres. Where’s the sense in all of that?"

I think the basis for all this is that the rest of the country is taking a hit so that kids can continue their education and (certain) sporting activity for their long term health and wellbeing. If you look at it in that light, I think you can make sense of it.

John Divney

B-D-P-- wrote: »

Complaining about other sports is like a 10 year old complaining that their friends are allowed stay up later.

The gaa doesn't decide what golf does, & golf doesn't decide the other.
Different govern bodies decided their own rules. Don't try to say "Well Tennis/gaa/soccer/Irish Ladies Mud Fighting championship is still going ahead, Why cant we?"

Ya show your own level of maturity if ya do, The GUI decided that its best if people lower their movements to stop spreading, if that means closing the courses, then they made the right decision, you might be within 5km & you might not touch the pole, Neither do I. But lets be honest many dont care what the guidance is & will travel & break the guidelines.

This is coming from someone whos played 3/4 times a week last few months, I'm at as much a loss as anyone else to the sport.
But in the greater sight of things, Its a hobby, others are loosing family/friends & loved ones. Its a small price to pay.

Golf isn’t a hobby it’s a massive industry, if you’re happy not to play for no good reason other than propaganda that’s great. Others might like to keep their job or club and do it safely. If it’s helping no one and destroying something then it’s not a public good being done.

almostover

B-D-P-- wrote: »

Complaining about other sports is like a 10 year old complaining that their friends are allowed stay up later.

The gaa doesn't decide what golf does, & golf doesn't decide the other.
Different govern bodies decided their own rules. Don't try to say "Well Tennis/gaa/soccer/Irish Ladies Mud Fighting championship is still going ahead, Why cant we?"

Ya show your own level of maturity if ya do, The GUI decided that its best if people lower their movements to stop spreading, if that means closing the courses, then they made the right decision, you might be within 5km & you might not touch the pole, Neither do I. But lets be honest many dont care what the guidance is & will travel & break the guidelines.

This is coming from someone whos played 3/4 times a week last few months, I'm at as much a loss as anyone else to the sport.
But in the greater sight of things, Its a hobby, others are loosing family/friends & loved ones. Its a small price to pay.

Two observations:

1. It's not up to the golf clubs to enforce the 5km guidelines. They dont have to enforce if you break the speed limit or drive under the influence of alcohol on the way to the course. What happens outside the gates of the club is not the responsibility of a golf club. I'd say the very same for the GAA, if players meet up to go on a drinking session after a match it's not the clubs fault provided they did not sanction the event in any way. Personal responsibility is no longer fashionable in our society unfortunately. Golf courses should be open for those living with a 5km radius of them. That's coming from a person who lives outside that radius.

2. Irish ladies mud fighting championship? How have I not known about this until now? And they said the GAA championship was needed to boost the national moral!!!

FixdePitchmark

DeanAustin wrote: »

I honestly believe that golf hasn't been stopped because the activity itself is risky, it's because people wouldn't adhere to the 5k rule. We know that's the case because that's what happened last time and that's what golfers said they would do this time. It's what I'd probably do if I lived 10k or 20k from my course if I'm being honest. The government are simply trying to limit the populations' movement.

In theory, there are dozens of ways you could enforce/police the 5k restriction. But it'd really be up to clubs to do it and, if we're being honest, we all know a lot of clubs wouldn't do it because they have no wish to be the policeman for this and because they don't want to be the ones to piss off their members.

So it's a simple, blanket instruction that leaves no one in any doubt and that removes the temptation. It'll contribute to the government's aim of limiting our movements. I don't like it, I don't necessarily agree with it but, for what they are trying to achieve, it makes sense.

I Agree with above.

If golf is going to take a lockdown - take it now (mid October).

Golf has had bad pr for a while - and there is a focus on why are things staying open all male dominated / privileged activities.

If you agree with it or not - anything staying open now is going to be very seriously scrutinized.

I'd seen a good bit of arrogance and complacency and poor activities at my club. We probably deserve a kick in the arse.

We all know people would break the 5km.

So take the hit now - keep the head down and get back into it in December and then the full of next year.

Even Golfgate is still in the Sunday papers and twitter.

Take the hit now is my genuine thinking.

But be banging the door with a week to go.

Personally I've given up on 2020.

John Divney

Looking for pats on the head with this Government is not a good strategy. I haven't seen any public will for a golf lockdown so there's no reason to think there is a need to go cap in hand to the nation for the right to play. The lockdown can't reverse the virus at the rate it spread, there will always be another lockdown with this strategy, probably in a matter of weeks.

Moon Dice

With courses closed any recommendations for a good putting matt?

almostover

Moon Dice wrote: »

With courses closed any recommendations for a good putting matt?

I have a putt out mat with the putt out ramp thingy. Was an xmas present from the gf last year. I use it a lot, good way to practice indoors. However, I will say that there is no substitute for putting on a green

FixdePitchmark

John Divney wrote: »

Looking for pats on the head with this Government is not a good strategy. I haven't seen any public will for a golf lockdown so there's no reason to think there is a need to go cap in hand to the nation for the right to play. The lockdown can't reverse the virus at the rate it spread, there will always be another lockdown with this strategy, probably in a matter of weeks.

Going down the route of further antagonization of the public atmosphere is not a good strategy.

I've seen significant anger towards golfgate - extraordinary actually.

Then you had a couple of golf society events that had a very significant impact.

At the end of the day lockdown is lockdown - there is lots of bull**** doing the rounds about exceptions for x. y and z.

Golfers were not willing to observe the 5km - they have to accept the consequences of that.

the greatest game

I finished a great game of Golf on Wednesday evening, Word was filtering across the course that golf was to shut down, all over the course golfers keeping distance, getting away from stain of the current situation.

I had to go in to Dunnes Stores on the way home, it was mobbed, nobody adhering to any distancing, free for all as such.

Some here are calling for to take it on the chin, I am very annoyed over this, I have contacted my Local TD's , Better option than worthless petition's imo.

Thy GYM movement have got more traction than golfers.. FFS.. they are sharing each other sweat on equipment ?

Golfers should not take this lying down.. 6 weeks could easily be 3 months.

RoadRunner

The GUI actually WANTS golf to stop for this period. They were never ready for the new handicap system to be implemented next weekend and this gives them the perfect easy way out.

*claims to the contrary on this*

John Divney

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Going down the route of further antagonization of the public atmosphere is not a good strategy.

I've seen significant anger towards golfgate - extraordinary actually.

Then you had a couple of golf society events that had a very significant impact.

At the end of the day lockdown is lockdown - there is lots of bull**** doing the rounds about exceptions for x. y and z.

Golfers were not willing to observe the 5km - they have to accept the consequences of that.

Why are you giving legitimacy to the golfgate nonsense it had nothing to do with golf they were in a hotel. Don’t give them the air to have a go and destroy an industry. I couldn’t give a **** if some Karens who don’t know what they are talking about want to take it out on the game. You don’t give in to smears when the people who are to blame are punishing the innocent for their own crimes. It makes it more egregious that the elites shut it down

prawnsambo

RoadRunner wrote: »

The GUI actually WANTS golf to stop for this period. They were never ready for the new handicap system to be implemented next weekend and this gives them the perfect easy way out.

They are ready. Clubs have got access to the portal this week to check everything. I've seen it myself.

RoadRunner

prawnsambo wrote: »

They are ready. Clubs have got access to the portal this week to check everything. I've seen it myself.

Well, that's simply not scandalous at all

I'll edit my post if there's evidence to the contrary.

ligerdub

RGS wrote: »

The GUI didn't decide to close they were told to close by Sport Ireland.
Tennis Ireland decided to stay open and were duly slapped down this morning.

As I previously said there is inconsistencies in the approach towards kids which Phillip Reid nicely put in this mornings Irish Times

"And there is an anomaly at the very root of all this. I know. Last night my daughter could go football training in her pod of 15 players on one side of a pitch. Tomorrow, she can’t go golfing – in a group of three or four – on a golf course of over 200 acres. Where’s the sense in all of that?"

Don't expect logic from the guys running the show in this country. This whole situation is an absolute farce. If I were a business owner I would be irate with the government and their authoritarian approach to this lockup of the populace.

The govt and media have somehow managed to skillfully create the narrative that the only 2 options available are shutdown or excessive "precautionary" measures with very debatable efficacy.

People are being tested at huge rates and "cases" are ramping up. Let's start seeing the % of tests that are positive, or better yet let's see the level of hospitalisations. If you don't know you have it then you're not sick. What we're hearing now is that cases are going up and it's all because people can't follow orders. What nonsense!

So let's make the rules more draconian. All to thunderous applause. Give me strength.

So despite having a low level of people getting sick as a result from playing golf this year, we're somehow to expect that those pesky golfers have put the country under threat and we must close down the courses. I'm not buying it, and people need to wake the hell up about this sham.

bustercherry

ligerdub wrote: »

Don't expect logic from the guys running the show in this country. This whole situation is an absolute farce. If I were a business owner I would be irate with the government and their authoritarian approach to this lockup of the populace.

The govt and media have somehow managed to skillfully create the narrative that the only 2 options available are shutdown or excessive "precautionary" measures with very debatable efficacy.

People are being tested at huge rates and "cases" are ramping up. Let's start seeing the % of tests that are positive, or better yet let's see the level of hospitalisations. If you don't know you have it then you're not sick. What we're hearing now is that cases are going up and it's all because people can't follow orders. What nonsense!

So let's make the rules more draconian. All to thunderous applause. Give me strength.

So despite having a low level of people getting sick as a result from playing golf this year, we're somehow to expect that those pesky golfers have put the country under threat and we must close down the courses. I'm not buying it, and people need to wake the hell up about this sham.

This couldn't be serious...... surely you've missed the point of all the measures in place since this pandemic started?

prawnsambo

ligerdub wrote: »

People are being tested at huge rates and "cases" are ramping up. Let's start seeing the % of tests that are positive, or better yet let's see the level of hospitalisations. If you don't know you have it then you're not sick. What we're hearing now is that cases are going up and it's all because people can't follow orders. What nonsense!

We do see this daily on the app. Test positivity is running at about 7-8%. Hospitalisations are running at around 30 per day with around 300 in hospital and 30-40 in ICU.

DeanAustin

ligerdub wrote: »

Don't expect logic from the guys running the show in this country. This whole situation is an absolute farce. If I were a business owner I would be irate with the government and their authoritarian approach to this lockup of the populace.

The govt and media have somehow managed to skillfully create the narrative that the only 2 options available are shutdown or excessive "precautionary" measures with very debatable efficacy.

People are being tested at huge rates and "cases" are ramping up. Let's start seeing the % of tests that are positive, or better yet let's see the level of hospitalisations. If you don't know you have it then you're not sick. What we're hearing now is that cases are going up and it's all because people can't follow orders. What nonsense!

So let's make the rules more draconian. All to thunderous applause. Give me strength.

So despite having a low level of people getting sick as a result from playing golf this year, we're somehow to expect that those pesky golfers have put the country under threat and we must close down the courses. I'm not buying it, and people need to wake the hell up about this sham.

There is logic in their approach.

Think of it this way. They haven't said, "we are going to look activity by activity and see what is risky and what isn't".

They've said "We need to limit the movement of the population to limit the spread of the virus" and they've taken measures to limit the populations' movements.

There is undeniably logic in that approach. The more people move and mix, the more likely the virus is to spread. They've taken a very general approach in the interests of time, consistency and clear messaging.

Now, you can disagree with their thinking, you can disagree with lockdowns as a means of managing this virus (which I do personally) but you can't go around saying that their approach makes no sense.

It makes perfect sense. That doesn't necessarily mean it's the right approach but it follows clear logic.

ligerdub

DeanAustin wrote: »

There is logic in their approach.

Think of it this way. They haven't said, "we are going to look activity by activity and see what is risky and what isn't".

They've said "We need to limit the movement of the population to limit the spread of the virus" and they've taken measures to limit the populations' movements.

There is undeniably logic in that approach. The more people move and mix, the more likely the virus is to spread. They've taken a very general approach in the interests of time, consistency and clear messaging.

Now, you can disagree with their thinking, you can disagree with lockdowns as a means of managing this virus (which I do personally) but you can't go around saying that their approach makes no sense.

It makes perfect sense. That doesn't necessarily mean it's the right approach but it follows clear logic.

Well yes, that is true, there is a logic in that severe lockdowns will prevent people spreading certain illnesses of various levels of severity. Of course that needs to be considered versus what sort of impact having a pretty much isolated life indoors will have on people's immune systems, not to mention the other health implications of this.

However, what they haven't presented is the logic that pretty much shutting down the entire country is the right thing to do from a cost/benefit analysis in any sense, and even in an overall health sense.

DeanAustin

ligerdub wrote: »

Well yes, that is true, there is a logic in that severe lockdowns will prevent people spreading certain illnesses of various levels of severity.

However, what they haven't presented is the logic that pretty much shutting down the entire country is the right thing to do from a cost/benefit analysis in any sense, and even in an overall health sense.

And I think that’s a very fair point. I have my doubts that it’s the right thing to do. The way I see it, they have two extreme choices - wreck the economy or let people die most of whom are very vulnerable.

They’re not going to choose one of the extreme choices but they have to choose an option that balances the two. Whatever way they jump, they will do damage to the economy and see people die. There’s no way out because without a vaccine, the virus is going nowhere soon.

For me, they’ve erred too much towards public health and too far from economic considerations. It’s a ****e choice though so I find it hard to be too critical of them.

prawnsambo

DeanAustin wrote: »

And I think that’s a very fair point. I have my doubts that it’s the right thing to do. The way I see it, they have two extreme choices - wreck the economy or let people die most of whom are very vulnerable.

Whatever way they jump, they will do damage to the economy and see people die. There’s no way out because without a vaccine, the virus is going nowhere soon.

For me, they’ve erred too much towards public health and too far from economic considerations. It’s a ****e choice though so I find it hard to be too critical of them.

I also think they've prioritised education.

DeanAustin

prawnsambo wrote: »

I also think they've prioritised education.

Yeah they have. Fair point. Again, I understand the reasons why. And it’s another one people can disagree with and put up a strong argument for schools to be shut. But there is sense in keeping schools open.

eoghan104

I dont like buying into the idea that golf has been somehow singled out but its hard not to think that when 15 kids can go to rugby/football/GAA training but not allowed to go for golf coaching.

prawnsambo

eoghan104 wrote: »

I dont like buying into the idea that golf has been somehow singled out but its hard not to think that when 15 kids can go to rugby/football/GAA training but not allowed to go for golf coaching.

Not allowed to go for tennis coaching either. A possible reason for the exceptions is that they are often carried out in schools.

Mantis Toboggan

prawnsambo wrote: »

Not allowed to go for tennis coaching either. A possible reason for the exceptions is that they are often carried out in schools.

Tennis coaching for juniors is allowed.

prawnsambo

Mantis Toboggan wrote: »

Tennis coaching for juniors is allowed.

If tennis clubs are closed, that probably means schools as well.

ShivasIrons

eoghan104 wrote: »

I dont like buying into the idea that golf has been somehow singled out but its hard not to think that when 15 kids can go to rugby/football/GAA training but not allowed to go for golf coaching.

Golf Coaching for juniors is allowed. It's also allowed for high performance and professionals too.


A group of professionals could also organise an event and play in that. The optics would be pretty bad but it's within the guidelines.


I think the main issues with the guidelines is that they were written by GAA, Soccer and Rugby with them in mind and then put slightly vague language on them. When other sports looked at them, they felt confident that they would be ok but as we saw when Tennis interpreted them quite logically, they were still told to close.


Stephen Donnelly said 'many sports made good cases about staying open but where do you draw the line on one and not the other?' The answer to that is pretty straight forward. Any non contact outdoor sport with 5 kms of your house is deemed to be exercise. It's pretty easy to see which are non contact and which aren't, it also easy to put measures in place in any of them to make sure no one gets too close. Why, for example, would archery not be ok? We all know there is no problem with golf.


If Sports Ireland, felt that the 5km would not be adhered to, say that. Give the reasons why sports had to close, otherwise we just have a whole pile of people making up conspiracy theories as to why.