The golf industry in Malaysia will come to a standstill for two weeks beginning tomorrow, March 18, in line with the government’s move to impose a nationwide movement control order to curb the recent spike in Covid-19 cases.
From golf clubs and driving ranges to retail stores and custom-fitting outlets, all golf-related businesses will shut down until March 31, barring new developments. Events such as tournaments, demo days and sales have also been cancelled or postponed.
While the economic impact will be tremendous, golf is not the only industry affected and the move is widely seen as the best way to combat the surge in Covid-19 cases over the last week or so.
Golf Club Managers Association of Malaysia (GCMAM) president Dr Ronnie Yeo noted that the imposition of the movement control order was necessary, although golf is an outdoor sport and does not involve mass participation when played socially.
“Personally, if you ask me, golf is an activity that is not as hazardous as other sports. Golf is a non-contact sport and is played in the outdoors, under the sun. Players seldom get close to each other or even the caddies. Unfortunately golf is grouped with other sports, some of which involve physical contact and are played in confined spaces,” he said.
“But it is difficult for the government to segregate the various sports as there are thousands of activities to regulate. So golf clubs, as good corporate citizens, must comply with the directives and regulations under the movement control order and shut down for two weeks,” he added.
Dr Yeo stressed that golf industry players have to look at the bigger picture.
“Although this undoubtedly will have an adverse economic impact on the golf industry, we have to look at the bigger picture. Our government has acted firmly and we must comply fully as we do not want the Covid-19 outbreak to get worse and endanger more lives.
“Stay safe, everyone!”
