The Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) has established Mandatory Standard Operating Procedures (MSOP) for golf clubs following a recent spate of Covid-19 cases at golf clubs in the Klang Valley.
The MSOP is essentially a mandatory version of the association’s previous Covid-19 Guidelines for Golf Operations, which have been issued and updated since the pandemic hit Malaysia in March. There are two main changes from the previous version on December 7, 2020 – firstly, golf tournaments are not allowed at clubs located in red zones and, secondly, golf buggies are to be fitted with plastic screen separators to minimize the risk of infection when golfers share a buggy (golf clubs have been given a grace period of up to February 1 to install the separators).
In a circular sent out to golf clubs today, MGA president Admiral Tan Sri Dato’ Setia Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor appealed to golf clubs to adhere strictly to the MSOP: “Following several meetings and conversations with the officials from the National Security Council, we urge all golf clubs to be in strict compliance with the said MSOP. Any breach or failure on your part for the non-compliance of the MSOP’s, may subject your club to be imposed with sanctions that may include but not limited to the closure and/or issuance of fines or compounds.”
The circular also reiterated that bunker rakes are not to be used and that golfers should use their feet or clubs to smooth the sand after hitting.
Golf Club Mandatory Standard Operating Procedures during Covid-19:
