Hi ladies,

I attach the text of the email I received from Leopardstown providing further information in relation to the rules and protocols to be adhered to in preparation for our return to golf of the 23rd May.     It is very important that we make our best effort to follow these rules and, whilst all of them are important, I have highlighted some of the ones that I believe will be of specific interest to the Saturday Strollers.

The first thing to note is that Leopardstown has no special exemption from the public health advice on over 70s age demographic and for the 5 km travel distance limitation.   It is up to each individual member to ensure that they are compliant in these matters.

Our normal allotted timetable has changed and for phase 1 of the reopening of the course our time slot will run from 12 noon up to 4 pm.   This provides us with one additional hour of play and the ability to facilitate 54 players in total with a 14 minute interval between each tee-time, which is great news.

The time-sheet will open and close at the usual time, i.e. open at 7 p.m. on Thursday, 14th May and close at 6 p.m. on Friday, 22nd May for play on Saturday, 23rd May.  All tee times MUST be booked in advance.  You cannot turn up on the Saturday morning hoping to find a vacant slot.  Once Leopardstown receive the timesheet from us on the Friday evening they will keep it for up to six weeks to facilitate contact tracing.    If you need to take your name off the timesheet please do this before it closes on the Friday evening, so as to permit someone else to pre-book into your vacant slot.

I am very hopeful that the number of players that fall within the guidelines for this phase will be accommodated within the 54 available tee-times.  However, in the interest of fairness I will be monitoring the timesheet to ensure that everyone who can play will get a turn to play, if not in week 1 (23rd May) then they will be given first preference in week 2 (30th May).  Please feel free to contact me if you fail to get a tee-time on the 23rd and would like to play on the 30th May.

Outside of our society timelines the course will be open from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday for society members only.  No guests or visitors will be permitted.  The regular fee of €10.00 will apply.   A timesheet will be available each day and times must be booked over the phone in advance.   Players should go to reception to let them know you have arrived and you can pay by tapping your card.   They will start taking bookings from Monday, 18th May when they have re-opened.

I am sure you are as excited as I am with the prospect of getting back to golf and I hope you thoroughly enjoy your ‘day out’ whilst observing social distancing.

Best wishes,

Paula
Lady Captain