Golfers in and around Ipoh are celebrating the reopening of Meru Valley Resort’s highly-rated 27-hole golf course to walk-in play, with new social distancing policies and sanitisation protocols reflecting the new normal for golf.
The golf course has been allowed to reopen as part of tentative steps from the government to ease the Movement Control Order restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meru Valley reopened its golf course on May 7 but kept play limited to members for the first few days, then allowing members to sign in guests from May 10. With more traffic expected now with the advent of visitor play, the resort’s general manager, Florence Foo, noted that they promise socially distanced play, frequent cleaning and health checks to keep everyone safe.
“The safety of our members, residents, guests and staff is our priority. We took a staggered return approach; golf members were first allowed back onto the course, to test new socially distanced playing rules, health checks and booking systems. Then they were allowed to bring guests and now the course is open so that all golfers can safely enjoy the resort,” said Foo.
Hole 9, Meru Valley
“We will be conducting temperature checks and a health declaration that must be made by anyone who intends to enter the resort. We are doing everything we can to keep our community safe, which also means golfers have to adhere to a new set of social distancing guidelines.”
Signs are located throughout the golf course reminding players to stay at least one metre away from each other. There is a limit of one golfer per buggy, while tee times are spaced by 14 minutes to allow more separation between groups and individuals. Additionally, rakes have been removed from bunkers and golfers have to hole-out with flagsticks remaining in the cup, to avoid touching common surfaces. Additional local rules and guidelines have been imposed to suit the new normal for golf.
Meru Valley member Joshua Lim noted that he was impressed by the club’s social distancing protocols. “I missed my weekend golfing very much and I was excited when I got the news that Meru is open for play. I am impressed with the green upkeep and the social distancing policies which have been implemented by the club. It’s great to be back on the greens,” he said.
Hole 27, Meru Valley
New scheduled golf course walks allow residents to enjoy the fresh air and open spaces. “Our local community enjoys using the golf course for physical activity at allocated times and different routes, every weekday,” said Foo.
Walk-in golfers enjoy a special ‘Game On1’ package rate for tee-offs before 2pm until May 31, priced at RM180 nett for weekdays and RM250 for weekends and public holidays, covering green fee, single rider buggy and daily insurance, plus a sleeve of golf balls thrown in.
Golfers have to make advance tee-time bookings at least 48 hours in advance by emailing golf@meruvalley.com.my or calling +605 529 3300/3333.
The resort’s dining outlets (The Dome, The Terrace Grocery and Café) are open for takeaways with free in-resort delivery. The tennis courts and driving range are also operational.
For more information and updates, log on to meruvalley.com.my
