nav[aria-label="Primary Navigation"] { padding: 0; & ul { list-style: none; width: 100%; display: flex; flex-direction: row; justify-content: start; align-items: start; gap: 30px; padding: 0; & li { margin: 0; } & ul li { list-style: none; } } }

Child Item

Golf Lockdown Discussion No discussion of breaking Restrictions

Keano

Time to discuss what golf is going to look like for next year, maybe more, who knows.

What is your club doing? What would you like to see happen?

Mod note: we have done to death the restrictions(5k jumping to 20k in June) so this is not a thread for discussing that topic, take it to COVID-19 forum

Find more posts tagged with

Quick Links

Comments

Seve OB

ForeRight wrote: »

The blanket ban I was referring to was on sports. I wasn’t comparing golf to any shops that are open which some may consider non esssntial.
If golf was open a whole world of screaming starts for government from other sports who could argue they are safe also and then the full retail, restaurants and pubs follow that was my point.

so to use your own words and flip it around a bit, some shops are open which some may consider non essential, but that is allowed. there is a world out there of other shops who are closed who are screaming at the government to say they are safe.

the point the government are making is that the ones which are open are safe (because there is no way in the world you are going to convince me that a takeaway coffee shop with queues of people gathering outside it all day long is essential).

how would opening golf but keeping gyms closed be any different to this annecdote?

ForeRight wrote: »

I understand your dads situation and it’s crap, I get that but unfortunately the bigger picture is about way more than a situation that’s quite personal to you.
My parents go nowhere. Health wise not great and they are at home with my adult special needs brother. My dad would love to go to golf too.
It’s a terrible situation for everyone. We are nearly there now though imo.

my example re my dad was more about the mental health issue which you seem to be fobbing off as a bigger problem than a well needed escape to a golf course.... it's not. be it golf, bingo, walking, a pint..... everyone has different things to help keep them sane. the lack of being able to get out to the golf course is most definitely affecting many peoples mental health

gypsy79

GreeBo wrote: »

Yeah but it was the same people you were "close" to for those 3/4 hours, that makes a difference afaik.
In the park each "pod/bubble" doesnt interact with anyone else and is pretty much constantly moving, with golf we are standing on the tee and green beside each other for a few mins on each hole, so more chance of spreading something.

Carr golf can confirm there wasn't one case of a virus transmission at any of there courses

They are guessing and go with shut everything carte blanche

Pay peanuts....get monkeys

ForeRight

The Big Easy wrote: »

I fully agree they are worthy of respect, but anyone fully engaged and allowed to be fully engaged with their own work at this time, naturally will have a different outlook and perspective on restrictions.

I’m confused here. Anyone who is in work now cannot understand why golf should be going ahead?

The Big Easy

Raisins wrote: »

I was with you until you went on this tangent. Anyone who has to go out and work as an essential worker, whether politician or healthcare or any others like factory workers and delivery drivers demand a lot of respect.

Healthcare workers in particular, don’t deserve to be accused of not understanding the effect of the pandemic on the rest of us.

I fully agree they are worthy of respect, but anyone fully engaged and allowed to be fully engaged with their own work at this time, naturally will have a different outlook and perspective on restrictions.

GreeBo

not yet wrote: »

I played last year under the new rules, I can tell you I never came closer then I came to people out walking in the park, take what you want from that.

Yeah but it was the same people you were "close" to for those 3/4 hours, that makes a difference afaik.
In the park each "pod/bubble" doesnt interact with anyone else and is pretty much constantly moving, with golf we are standing on the tee and green beside each other for a few mins on each hole, so more chance of spreading something.

Raisins

The Big Easy wrote: »

.

Is it any wonder that those whose lives and work are given more meaning by this pandemic (politicians, reporters, healthcare professionals) can't quite grasp the deleterious effect it has on the rest of us?!

I was with you until you went on this tangent. Anyone who has to go out and work as an essential worker, whether politician or healthcare or any others like factory workers and delivery drivers demand a lot of respect.

Healthcare workers in particular, don’t deserve to be accused of not understanding the effect of the pandemic on the rest of us.

bustercherry

benny79 wrote: »

I get what you are saying ForeRight and I understand a blanket ban but it isnt working and other counties aren't doing it. As someone mentioned golf is allowed in Scotland. Plus it was allowed before xmas when other sports were closed. My point is the need to open sports that are deemed less risk Golf, tennis the likes if for any other reason than to spread people out. Take some away from the parks etc.

The problem is that you keep referring to countries that didn't impose a restriction of movement of people for non-essential journeys a.k.a the 5km rule.

We all know why that was in place so I'm no going to reiterate that but when we opened up last year golfers were breaking the 5km and county restrictions flat out. A certain captains day in wicklow was all over the news if I can remember correctly.

Golf in itself may be safe but the movement of people is what spreads Covid from communities, if you open golf then other sports and segments have to open which ultimately increases the movement of people and risk of it spreading. There are higher priory segments that will open first, schools & construction, including allowing people to move more freely. The arguments seem to always be that golf should be the exception which is not going to happen, it's just futile.

Imagine is Lahinch had an open but there was country travel restrictions in place? There would be people from all over the county at it because they can't help themselves, "shur what harm is it doing" :rolleyes:

The Big Easy

There are people in favour of the current level of restrictions that are oblivious to their own behaviour. Defining themselves and their own excursions as essential, so it's easy to see how they can't understand the frustration of people who actually observe the restrictions as they are intended.

I live about 25km from where I'm studying, I could get the Dart into the city centre to get a book from the library and study (these are the kind of excursions that can be argued as essential in our nonsensical restrictions), stopping along the way for a coffee along the quays and a picnic in the park. I don't do this, instead I study in the loft while my partner works downstairs and I walk in the woods close by.

I observe the restrictions but I want them changed, especially the nonsensical arbitrary ones (such as no golf). I want them changed not just for me, but for the wellbeing of all. It really frustrates me when people who are continuing to go about their daily activities relatively unchanged (relative to those truly affected by and observing restrictions) lecture those about wanting some kind of social or physical outlet for their justified frustrations.

Come on, there are very few who actually have to go into work in these times. You have Michael Martin travelling around the country non-stop lurking over the shoulders of the vulnerable receiving vaccinations. What earthly reason does he have to be in primary care facility at this time and with a camera crew and advisors too no doubt, beyond the opportunity for a photo-op? Then a scrum of reporters awaiting his emergence for more soundbites.

Is it any wonder that those whose lives and work are given more meaning by this pandemic (politicians, reporters, healthcare professionals) can't quite grasp the deleterious effect it has on the rest of us?!

benny79

ForeRight wrote: »

The blanket ban I was referring to was on sports. I wasn’t comparing golf to any shops that are open which some may consider non esssntial.
If golf was open a whole world of screaming starts for government from other sports who could argue they are safe also and then the full retail, restaurants and pubs follow that was my point.

As I’ve said I think golf is safe I’m just saying I understand why it’s not open yet.

I understand your dads situation and it’s crap, I get that but unfortunately the bigger picture is about way more than a situation that’s quite personal to you.
My parents go nowhere. Health wise not great and they are at home with my adult special needs brother. My dad would love to go to golf too.
It’s a terrible situation for everyone. We are nearly there now though imo.

I get what you are saying ForeRight and I understand a blanket ban but it isnt working and other counties aren't doing it. As someone mentioned golf is allowed in Scotland. Plus it was allowed before xmas when other sports were closed. My point is the need to open sports that are deemed less risk Golf, tennis the likes if for any other reason than to spread people out. Take some away from the parks etc.

ForeRight

Seve OB wrote: »

if you want to stick to essential then stick to essential. shops are open and not just supermarkets. warehouses are open, shipping out plastic toys. is that essential? woodies is open where you can buy easter decorations, is that essential? dunnes are open where you can buy t shirts, is that essential? i could go on and on but you get the picture.

the point is, there are a hell of a lot of non-essential things open which can't be considered safe environments if golf can't. so your blanket ban is not working, mainly because there hasn't been a blanket ban in place.

i think you miss the point about mental health. mental health issues are not always just solved by going for a walk!!! if you take away the one thing that someone really looks forward to, it is not going to do their mental health any good. take my dad for example, 72 years old, lives alone, i havent seen him since st stephens day, he sits at home alone. he is not really mobile enough to go for walks etc, (he uses a buggy to play golf). he won't let me do his shopping as it is the only trip out of hte house he takes once a week.

The blanket ban I was referring to was on sports. I wasn’t comparing golf to any shops that are open which some may consider non esssntial.
If golf was open a whole world of screaming starts for government from other sports who could argue they are safe also and then the full retail, restaurants and pubs follow that was my point.

As I’ve said I think golf is safe I’m just saying I understand why it’s not open yet.

I understand your dads situation and it’s crap, I get that but unfortunately the bigger picture is about way more than a situation that’s quite personal to you.
My parents go nowhere. Health wise not great and they are at home with my adult special needs brother. My dad would love to go to golf too.
It’s a terrible situation for everyone. We are nearly there now though imo.

not yet

GreeBo wrote: »

You came close to those 80 or 90 people for what, 2 seconds?

You spend 3-4 hours with the golfers you play with, and I don't believe that you never get close to other golfers on the course, you walk to and from the tee and green together, not to mention rooting for your balls in the trees!

I played last year under the new rules, I can tell you I never came closer then I came to people out walking in the park, take what you want from that.

Seve OB

ForeRight wrote: »

Golf is not essential for exercise or mental health. Anyone can go for a walk.
If swinging a golf club is essential to somebody’s mental well being they should probably get professional help because that’s not a great way to be.

I think you missed my point. Of course golf is safe but so is so much more. If they allow one sport you’d have everyone after that arguing they are safe and the bar for safety just keeps on moving until things are just messy again.
The blanket ban was all that would work. I understand that even if I know golf is safe. I also understand government knowing if they allow one sport they open a can of worms for themselves.

I’m very hopeful for April golf too.

if you want to stick to essential then stick to essential. shops are open and not just supermarkets. warehouses are open, shipping out plastic toys. is that essential? woodies is open where you can buy easter decorations, is that essential? dunnes are open where you can buy t shirts, is that essential? i could go on and on but you get the picture.

the point is, there are a hell of a lot of non-essential things open which can't be considered safe environments if golf can't. so your blanket ban is not working, mainly because there hasn't been a blanket ban in place.

i think you miss the point about mental health. mental health issues are not always just solved by going for a walk!!! if you take away the one thing that someone really looks forward to, it is not going to do their mental health any good. take my dad for example, 72 years old, lives alone, i havent seen him since st stephens day, he sits at home alone. he is not really mobile enough to go for walks etc, (he uses a buggy to play golf). he won't let me do his shopping as it is the only trip out of hte house he takes once a week.

ForeRight

opinionated3 wrote: »

Would probably disagree with you there foreright, in the sense that lockdown has been going on for a long, long time now, and very safe activities like golf should be open to give people that outlet for exercise and mental health. It hasn't been stopped in Scotland and has had no ill effects there. It's unfair to through all sports in together. There's a world of difference between 15 lads from team sports conducting indoor training in the gym,Vs four lads teeing it up once or twice a week. But that's just my opinion. I'm still hopeful for 5th AprilðŸ€ž

Golf is not essential for exercise or mental health. Anyone can go for a walk.
If swinging a golf club is essential to somebody’s mental well being they should probably get professional help because that’s not a great way to be.

I think you missed my point. Of course golf is safe but so is so much more. If they allow one sport you’d have everyone after that arguing they are safe and the bar for safety just keeps on moving until things are just messy again.
The blanket ban was all that would work. I understand that even if I know golf is safe. I also understand government knowing if they allow one sport they open a can of worms for themselves.

I’m very hopeful for April golf too.

opinionated3

Would probably disagree with you there foreright, in the sense that lockdown has been going on for a long, long time now, and very safe activities like golf should be open to give people that outlet for exercise and mental health. It hasn't been stopped in Scotland and has had no ill effects there. It's unfair and wrong imo to lump all sports in together. There's a world of difference between 15 lads from team sports conducting indoor training in the gym,Vs four lads teeing it up once or twice a week. But that's just my opinion. I'm still hopeful for 5th AprilðŸ€ž

Kiith

I hate this idea that golf can't reopen because of the optics - "It looks bad if golf is open and GAA isn't."

Who ****ing cares what the optics are? The science says that you are extremely unlikely to catch or pass on COVID in an outdoor environment when you can practise social distancing. Do some people push the boundaries of that distancing? Sure, but the vast majority of golfers will keep that up if it meant being allowed to play. Remove the 5km restriction, keep it to inter county travel if needed, and open sports and outdoor activities that are extremely important to a lot of people, while carrying practically no risk to anyone involved.

Absolute nonsense.

/rant :mad:

ForeRight

The dog in the street knows golf is safe to play.
That’s not the issue though. It’s a gradual reopening and the schools are far more essential than golf. If they open golf you move the bar for all sports to argue they can open safely and before you know it the retail is arguing then the pubs etc. I understand completely why it’s still closed down even if I don’t agree with it.
A blanket ban on everything is the only way unfortunately. Gradual reopening of schools now bound to add a few cases detected in the coming weeks but should be easily manageable with the elderly currently being vaccinated.

If it remains stable case wise then, vaccines take full effect which will reduce hospital admission and death and also the icu capacity will continue to come back slowly as it is we will have a slow gradual reopening.

It’s the prudent play after a disaster decision in December. I get that.

Is golf safe... yes.
Should it open now.... no

Things ain’t just black and white unfortunately.

GreeBo

not yet wrote: »

I was in the Park today and passed 80 or 90 people on the path. Came closer to these people then I would ever come to another golfer on the course.

You came close to those 80 or 90 people for what, 2 seconds?

You spend 3-4 hours with the golfers you play with, and I don't believe that you never get close to other golfers on the course, you walk to and from the tee and green together, not to mention rooting for your balls in the trees!

[Deleted User]

ClutchIt wrote: »

Wow, very nice. What course is this?

Wicklow Golf Club

ClutchIt

Lip Out wrote: »

Went up to the golf course for a walk this morning to get away from the crowds of people around the town. Parks packed. Footpaths packed. Lines of people queuing up for their designer coffees.

It's a good job I didn't have a golf club in my hand on the course because that would have been dangerous.

Wow, very nice. What course is this?

[Deleted User]

Lip Out wrote: »

Went up to the golf course for a walk this morning to get away from the crowds of people around the town. Parks packed. Footpaths packed. Lines of people queuing up for their designer coffees.

It's a good job I didn't have a golf club in my hand on the course because that would have been dangerous.

That looks great, very tempting.

We are getting a bit of work done on our course, i went up today to have a look at it. I was looking around me at these wide open spaces that we are not allowed to golf on. When as you say parks full of people and streets with people walking up and down, congregating having chats etc.

I haven't heard much about other golfing countries, are they allowed golf, Australia, Sweden, Japan, Germany, France, Spain, USA, Canada etc.

Lip Out

Went up to the golf course for a walk this morning to get away from the crowds of people around the town. Parks packed. Footpaths packed. Lines of people queuing up for their designer coffees.

It's a good job I didn't have a golf club in my hand on the course because that would have been dangerous.

Macker1

benny79 wrote: »

If the government said tomorrow we can play golf and opened up the courses we would all play be delighted and say nothing. What would have changed? The numbers are still there along with the virus its because the government allowed us. Does that make it right? The virus is hardly going to say government said it was ok I'd leave the people playing golf!

We are in the biggest lockdown we ever had and we have a vaccine this time round! We are going to have to live with the virus we cant keep going into locking down the whole country!

You either lockdown the country or you don't this is half arsed like all the others and is just prolonging everything. Plus there is still people entering the country and not quarantining and have been since day one!

The vaccine needs to have been administered to enough of the population so that it starts making the big difference. Just not getting out there quickly enough. Once that happens you will see a huge movement towards relaxing the restrictions.

benny79

First Up wrote: »

I'd be all for that if we could trust people to behave responsibly.

If the government said tomorrow we can play golf and opened up the courses we would all play be delighted and say nothing. What would have changed? The numbers are still there along with the virus its because the government allowed us. Does that make it right? The virus is hardly going to say government said it was ok I'd leave the people playing golf!

We are in the biggest lockdown we ever had and we have a vaccine this time round! We are going to have to live with the virus we cant keep going into locking down the whole country!

You either lockdown the country or you don't this is half arsed like all the others and is just prolonging everything. Plus there is still people entering the country and not quarantining and have been since day one!

First Up

Seve OB wrote:

plenty of scope to enjoy the weather and still play golf responsibly

I'd be all for that if we could trust people to behave responsibly.

bigmac3

First Up wrote: »

You aren't arguing with me. You are arguing with a virus that won't listen.

Brilliant

:D:D:D:D:D

First Up

Golfhead65 wrote:

Definition of stupidity. Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome.. SOUNDS FAMILIAR DOESN'T IT

Well the only thing that seems to have affected the outcome so far is the Level 5 restrictions so factor that in.

And that's the definition of insanity by the way.

Golfhead65

First Up wrote: »

You aren't arguing with me. You are arguing with a virus that won't listen.

Definition of stupidity. Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome.. SOUNDS FAMILIAR DOESN'T IT

Seve OB

First Up wrote: »

It's a global pandemic folks.

yes but the rest of the globe seem to be able to see that playing golf is not a contributing factor to the virus spread

First Up wrote: »

Plenty of scope to enjoy the weather and still behave responsibly.

plenty of scope to enjoy the weather and still play golf responsibly

First Up

Golfhead65 wrote:

Yes Mr Nephet

You aren't arguing with me. You are arguing with a virus that won't listen.

Golfhead65

First Up wrote: »

Plenty of scope to enjoy the weather and still behave responsibly.

Yes Mr Nephet