With the course looking as good as it ever has Craig Mears would obviously love to see hordes of players on the Dubbo Golf Club fairways.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That can't happen amid the ongoing lockdown but there's still been a number of positives for the club.
After a recent backflip, golf courses in NSW remain open but there are a number of restrictions and modifications in place.
The Dubbo course is only open to members currently, something which has resulted in many people signing up to play.
"Player numbers are up and we've signed well over 50 new members as well because we had to close to the public because of the restrictions in place," Dubbo club professional Mears said.
"The competition player numbers are way up. This Saturday it's looking like we'll be fully booked at 190 and last week we had 184.
"But ultimately we want to be reopened to the public and social golfers."
READ ALSO:
There was disappointment at the club after the annual Easter weekend tournament, headlined by the Macquarie Cup, scheduled for last weekend had to be cancelled.
But the club's other two major events - the club championship and Dubbo Open - are set for later in the year and Mears is hopeful the current measures in place to battle the coronavirus will be lifted by then.
But for now the club is doing what it can, following all guidelines in place to offer some kind of release for people who may be otherwise facing a tough time.
"We felt we had a responsibility for people's mental and physical well-being and we were happy to proceed," Mears said.
"People can get out and walk around in the sunshine while playing nine or 18 holes.
"It's been good to be at least open and the course is probably the best condition I've ever seen it."
The course was in pristine when players and fans flooded it for the NSW Women's Open earlier this year but the current guidelines mean there's no crowds or groups out there currently.
Groups have to be limited to two players with only one player per cart allowed, there is a one-tee start, and eight minute spacings, while players are also asked to arrive no sooner than 20 minutes before their tee time and then leave the course as soon as they can after finishing.
On the actual course the holes have been modified so people don't have to reach in, bunkers are closed, and flags are regularly cleaned.
The club itself remains closed as part of the lockdown.
"It's proved no issue and the members have been good," Mears said.
Do you want more sport from the Dubbo region? Sign up to our newsletters here:
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
