The Peel region's keen golfers, much like those around the entire country, will have to bid farewell to the fairway for the foreseeable future with local golf courses now among the businesses forced to close their doors until further notice.
Meadow Springs Golf and Country Club, Mandurah Country Club, The Cut Golf Course, Secret Harbour Golf Links and Pinjarra Golf Club were among hundreds of courses nationwide to call off play over the weekend.
The closures come after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced much tighter social distancing laws on Sunday, in the government's continued bid to stop the spread of COVID-19.
It also comes on the back of advice from Golf Australia that all clubs around the country shut up shop.
"It is Golf Australia's recommendation that, based on the Prime Minister's announcement on Sunday evening, March 29 that limits outdoor gatherings to two persons or fewer, all golf clubs and facilities should close until further notice," a statement on the sporting body's website read.
The closure marks a dour day for the five Peel clubs, but Meadow Springs general manager Scott Proctor said it was the right call to make.
"No doubt this will hurt us all financially, but you have to look at the bigger picture and that's the health of the community," he said.
"This will cut off all revenue to the clubs, but it's the wise choice to shut down.
"Now we just wait and see how long we need to be closed for."
Staff members working at the clubs will also feel the pinch of the closures, particularly those working in casual roles.
Most clubs will likely keep a skeleton staff crew on board to maintain the fairways.
"We can't just abandon the course, we'll need to continue the maintenance on it," Proctor said.
"We'll do that as best we can in these times."
Many of the local clubs took to Facebook to notify members of the closure and thank long-term patrons.
"We do not know how long this closure will last, however we will update you via this page as soon as further information becomes available," The Cut wrote on their page.
"We thank you for the support that you have given us through this unprecedented time, and ask that you take the necessary precautions to stay safe over the coming period."
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
