Golf swings off at Millennium Lakes

THE Millennium Lakes Golf and Country Club, in Trincity, reopened its doors, on Tuesday, after almost two months because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Government announced on Saturday that restricted non-contact outdoor exercises are allowed once physical distancing is practised.

Golf administrator at the club Lauren Lara said, “We had to reopen with a lot of restrictions and regulations for the safety of all our members and staff. We are one of the lucky entities to be the first to open because golf is a social-distancing game.”

Lara explained the club’s new policies, “A maximum of four persons are going out at a time and they will keep six feet apart. Our check-in system has drastically changed, so you can drive through without coming out your car to register.”

On changes to the golf schedule for the season, Lara said, “We had to reschedule all our tournaments. We have to wait until we are reopened fully because most of our tournaments have over 100 players.

“Throughout the time we were not at the golf club, there was little maintenance going on. So, it would have been overgrown and out of control but now that we have our full crew back, we will get back to where we used to be.”

Taking the first swing, on Tuesday morning, was amateur golfer Philroy Phillip. “I am very elated because the club has been closed for just under two months. It’s a non- contact sport so we were really happy when we heard that can we could return to play.” Speaking on what he learnt during covid19 lockdown Phillip said, “It taught us about humility, we have to adjust and adapt, it is a new norm and we have to take the positives out of the negative scenario.”

Also enjoying time out on the greens was qualified golf teacher David Dass. He said, “It was a bit shocking for me because this is my job, passion and hobby. This is the longest that I ever stayed away from golf and I’m just happy to be out. We are following the proper precautions by washing hands, wearing face mask and social distancing. We just have to wait it out and be patient, go with the flow and follow the proper guidelines.”