Source: 7news
Golfers are up in arms over the imposition of a toilet ban at Melbourne’s golf courses.
The Victorian government allowed golf courses in Melbourne to resume operation on Wednesday, as part of a slight easing in COVID restrictions across the state.
However the return to golf was soon soured by the realisation toilets would have to remain closed, despite the fact golfers often spend up to four hours on the course.
The troubling restriction was revealed in a Golf Australia email on Wednesday night, with the governing body disclosing it was working urgently with government on the issue.
“Please note, toilets must remain closed at your facility,” GA wrote to members.
“This is different from previous advice received on this topic, and GA will make urgent representations to government on this point as we understand full well that this is a significant impost.”
The ban has left many golfers furious, with Victorian Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien raising concerns about golfers with bladder and bowel conditions.
Meanwhile, Royal Melbourne Golf Club captain Andrew Kirby called the restrictions a “joke” that soured the return to golf for many Victorians.
“I know the blokes can do a number one in the trees, but there are lots of women playing,” Kirby told 3AW.
“We’ve been through this opening and closing and opening again so many times that you’d think they’d get it a little more down pat. To be honest, I think the problem I see is too much micro-regulation of it.
“Golf courses have really gone out of their way to embrace COVID-safe, scores are done on an app, you don’t touch anything, we’re vaccinated, so we’re trying to work with it and make it safer.
“Maybe there’s been a miscommunication or something has been misconstrued but we have staff there, we have lots of women playing, we have people with medical conditions – they need to use the toilets.
“It’s just a bit disappointing after the excitement of opening yesterday.”
3AW radio host Mark Allen was dumbfounded.
“Seriously – the toilet ban that @VicGovAu wants at golf courses in Melbourne is the stupidest thing I‘ve ever heard,” Allen tweeted.
“I’m assuming that all the toilets in parks across our city will be closed as well?”
The uproar has seemingly hit home with the Victorian government with Premier Daniel Andrews flagging the ruling was being reviewed.
“That (public health) team works as hard as they possibly can,” Andrews said.
“These directions are a good deal more complex than they might seem sometimes, but the good news is, there’s a query been raised, it’s being followed up, and, hopefully, there can be a positive response to that quite soon.”
Golf Australia was hoping for a quick resolution to the issue on Friday morning.
“Small update: we’re still awaiting news on the review of the Vic Government’s toilet ban at clubs and facilities, as flagged by the premier,” GA wrote on Twitter.
“Golfers’ views have been passed on, and we will keep everyone posted. Hoping for a swift resolution.”
