Jackson Reid
During the COVID-19 pandemic, golf clubs in New South Wales (NSW) have been subject to various restrictions and regulations. While golf clubs have remained open during lockdowns, they have had to abide by Golf NSW's regulations, including limiting group sizes, enforcing social distancing, and restricting access to clubhouses. Golf NSW has advised that golf is considered exercise and can continue as long as clubs comply with their COVID-19 Safety Plans. These plans include heightened personal hygiene, social distancing, and restrictions on travel for golfers and professionals. The pandemic has also impacted junior golf tournaments, with some cancellations and postponements occurring due to lockdown restrictions. Overall, the golf industry in NSW has adapted to the challenges of the pandemic by implementing safety measures and adjusting operations to comply with public health orders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is golf considered exercise in NSW? | Yes, golf is considered exercise in NSW. |
| Are golf clubs open during lockdown? | Yes, golf clubs are open during lockdown, but with limited capacity and social distancing and mask mandates in place. |
| Are golf tournaments affected by COVID-19 restrictions? | Yes, some golf tournaments have been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions, especially in areas with high cases or lockdowns. |
| Are there any restrictions on golf during COVID-19 in NSW? | Yes, there are restrictions on group sizes, with a limit of two players per group unless they are from the same household. People can only play within their Local Government Area (LGA) or within 5km of their home if crossing into another LGA. Clubhouse operations are also restricted, with limited services and mandatory mask requirements in some areas. |
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What You'll Learn
Golf is light exercise, not high-intensity
Golf has been deemed a form of exercise in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that golf courses have been allowed to remain open during lockdowns, provided they comply with their COVID-19 Safety Plan. However, golf clubs have had to implement strict regulations to ensure social distancing and adherence to other COVID-19 restrictions.
While golf is indeed a form of exercise, it is important to note that it is not a high-intensity activity. Golf is typically played at a leisurely pace and does not require strenuous physical exertion. The amount of walking involved in a round of golf can vary depending on the course layout and the player's choice of shot. However, golf courses in NSW have implemented restrictions to manage the flow of players and ensure social distancing, which may further reduce the intensity of the exercise. For example, during the lockdown period in 2021, clubs were advised to ensure competitions were conducted in groups of no more than two players, unless they were from the same household. Additionally, players were instructed to not touch flag poles, use ball washers, or share golf carts unless they were from the same household.
The classification of golf as a form of exercise during the pandemic was crucial for the mental and physical well-being of golfers in NSW. It allowed them to engage in outdoor physical activity while adhering to the restrictions imposed during lockdowns. Golf provides fresh air, sunshine, and a sense of normalcy during uncertain times.
However, it is worth mentioning that golf, as a sport, can vary in intensity depending on the individual and the context. For example, carrying golf clubs and walking the course can increase the intensity compared to using a golf cart. Additionally, the size of the golf course and terrain can also impact the level of physical exertion required.
In conclusion, while golf is considered a form of exercise in NSW during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not a high-intensity activity. The classification of golf as exercise prioritises the mental and physical health benefits of outdoor activity while ensuring compliance with lockdown restrictions. Golfers in NSW have been able to continue playing their favourite sport while adapting to the necessary changes to stay safe during the pandemic.
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Walking the course is better exercise than using a cart
Golf clubs in New South Wales have remained open during the COVID-19 lockdown, allowing locals to enjoy a round of golf while adhering to strict regulations. Walking the golf course is a great way to get exercise and fresh air while social distancing.
Walking can improve your game by giving you time to think about your strategy and select the right club. It can also improve your overall enjoyment of the game and make the post-round beer that much more satisfying! Walking is a more social way to play, allowing for better conversation and keeping the flow of the round going.
While walking the course, you can also push a cart if you don't want to carry your bag. This can be a good option if you are not used to exercising frequently or have back issues. However, carrying your bag can be a great way to get a full-body workout if you are in good shape.
So, the next time you head out to the golf course, consider leaving the cart behind and giving walking a try. It's a great way to improve your health, your game, and your overall enjoyment of the sport.
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COVID-19 is still spreading in NSW
As of May 2025, COVID-19 is still spreading in NSW, with the virus active in the community. While new cases continue to emerge, there are measures in place to mitigate the spread of the virus.
In May 2025, the NSW Government advised those exposed to COVID-19 to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others. People exposed to the virus are at risk of contracting and transmitting it for up to 14 days. It is recommended to monitor for symptoms such as cold or flu-like symptoms, including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, or fever. If symptoms develop, it is advised to stay home and wear a mask when leaving the house. Maintaining physical distancing and opting for outdoor or well-ventilated spaces for social gatherings are also encouraged.
In March 2021, there were concerns about the growing Brisbane and Byron Bay outbreaks, with NSW officials anticipating new cases in the state. Queensland's COVID-19 cases had impacted NSW, with two infected individuals from Queensland visiting Byron Bay.
During the lockdown in 2024, golf clubs in NSW remained operational, providing an opportunity for locals to engage in their one hour of essential exercise. However, golf clubs operated with restrictions to adhere to COVID-19 regulations. These included limiting groups to two players unless from the same household, maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, and avoiding touching flag poles and ball washers.
While COVID-19 continues to spread in NSW, the situation is actively managed through various measures, including public health advice, contact tracing, and restrictions on gatherings and activities.
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Face masks, distancing, and hand washing help prevent COVID-19
Golf clubs in New South Wales have been open during the COVID-19 lockdown, albeit with restrictions in place. Groups of golfers must not exceed 10 people, in line with outdoor exercise rules, and social distancing must be maintained. Golfers are also required to comply with other regulations, such as not touching flag poles, only having one person per cart, and no access to ball washers.
Face masks, distancing, and hand washing are indeed effective ways to help prevent COVID-19. The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020, and countries around the world responded with various containment measures, including lockdown, self-isolation, social distancing, hand washing, and wearing face masks.
Social distancing is a key containment measure, giving communities time to mitigate the spread of the virus. However, maintaining a distance of 6 feet from others in public places can be challenging due to population movement. Therefore, it's important to combine social distancing with other measures, such as hand washing and wearing face masks, to effectively reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Hand washing can limit the spread of the virus through indirect contact. The use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and disinfectants is also recommended, especially when soap and water are not readily available.
Face masks are crucial in preventing the spread of respiratory droplets, which is one of the main transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2. Masks should be worn in public settings when around people who don't live in your household, especially when it's difficult to maintain a distance of 6 feet. It's important to wear the mask correctly, covering both your nose and mouth, and to avoid touching the mask with your hands.
By combining social distancing with proper hand hygiene and the correct use of face masks, individuals can significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect themselves and others from infection.
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Boosters offer extra protection against COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, so does the virus. To keep up with emerging variants and subvariants, COVID-19 vaccine boosters are being updated to provide extra protection. The newest tool in the fight against COVID-19 is an updated booster shot designed to protect against the latest versions of the virus, specifically targeting the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of the Omicron variant, which are currently the most common strains. These updated boosters are known as bivalent vaccines, containing mRNA sequences that prompt our cells to produce antibodies against two versions of the COVID-19 virus: the original strain and the Omicron subvariants.
The bivalent boosters from Pfizer and Moderna have been authorized in the United States and are now available to eligible individuals. These updated boosters offer several advantages in the ongoing battle against COVID-19. Firstly, they retain the original protein that has proven effective in protecting people from serious illness and death from all versions of COVID-19. Additionally, they include a new protein that provides targeted protection against infection from the latest strains. This dual-pronged approach enhances the immune system's ability to recognize and combat the virus.
The benefits of the mRNA platform used by Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are highlighted in this context. The mRNA sequence can be quickly updated through a small change in the manufacturing process, allowing the vaccines to adapt to evolving viral strains. This agility in vaccine development mirrors the annual adjustments made to the flu vaccine. While the updated boosters were not subjected to the same extensive human clinical studies as their predecessors, they are sufficiently similar to the original versions, ensuring safety and efficacy.
Getting the updated boosters is particularly important for several reasons. Firstly, protection from previous vaccinations or infections wanes over time, leaving individuals vulnerable to new strains. Secondly, COVID-19 remains a significant threat, especially to older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and those with certain medical conditions. Even for young, healthy individuals, the risk of long COVID-19, with its lingering symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and respiratory issues, is a concern. By getting the updated boosters, individuals can strengthen their protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and the long-term impacts of COVID-19.
In conclusion, boosters indeed offer extra protection against COVID-19. The updated bivalent boosters are specifically designed to target the most prevalent strains currently circulating. They build upon the foundation of protection provided by earlier vaccinations or infections, bolstering our defences against this ever-evolving virus. As the pandemic continues to pose challenges, staying up to date with the latest vaccine recommendations, including boosters, remains crucial in safeguarding our health and well-being.
In New South Wales, golf clubs have been operational during lockdowns, adhering to strict regulations set by Golf NSW. Groups playing golf are limited to two players unless they are from the same household, and social distancing and mask-wearing requirements must be followed. The clubhouse remains closed, and other measures include restrictions on touching flag poles, one person per cart, and no access to ball washers or bubblers. These measures allow locals to continue enjoying a round of golf while complying with COVID-19 safety protocols.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, golf is considered exercise in NSW.
Yes, golf clubs in NSW have been advised that they can continue to operate during lockdowns if they comply with their COVID-19 Safety Plan.
Yes, golf clubs in NSW must follow certain restrictions during lockdowns, including closing their clubhouse for normal business (except for takeaway, home delivery, or 'click and collect'), limiting group sizes to two players unless they are from the same household, and adhering to social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines.
There is no specific restriction on golf lessons from professionals during lockdowns in NSW. However, individuals should consider the appropriateness of offering these services, and any lessons must adhere to the Public Health Order regarding gathering and geographic limits for exercise.
Golf clubs in Greater Sydney must not hold events or tournaments during lockdowns. Regional clubs outside of Greater Sydney should consider the risk of community transmission and question the need for presentations or tournaments.
