THE INDIANA COURSE
A PHASED RETURN TO PLAY
Dear Property Owner and Member,
In accordance with the Spanish Governments announcement of its four-phase plan for de-escalation, and in accordance with Phase-One effective from Monday 11th May, we are pleased to announce that the Indiana course at Desert Springs Golf Club will re-open on Thursday 14th May.
The Royal Spanish Federation (RFEG) has led the development of a coordinated opening plan for golf courses with support from the Spanish Association of Golf Courses (AECG), the Spanish Association of Greenkeepers (AEdG), the Spanish Association of Managers (AEGG) and the Spanish Association of Professionals (PGA), with a view to introducing a series of guidelines and recommendations for the safe practice of the sport and wellbeing of golfers and members of staff alike.
The purpose of this guide formulated into the ‘Players Golf Protocol’ attached is to stipulate the main applicable measures and recommendations for golfers, thus ensuring adherence to social distancing and minimizing the risks of contagion (Covid-19). These guidelines may be updated depending on further Government advice or amended social distancing measures.
The health and safety of our owners, members, staff and visitors is as always, our number one priority. It is important to stress that this remains an extremely difficult situation, that the effects of the virus will continue to be felt for a long time to come and it will be essential that golf re-opens in a responsible and safe way. Government advice and policy must be adhered to at all times, ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of everyone is maintained at all times.
A PHASED RETURN TO PLAY
The Club is initiating a phased return to play commencing Thursday 14th May, with available tee times limited to two hours per day from 09.04hrs – 11.04hrs. and course closure at 15.34hrs.
In the knowledge that members will be understandably exceptionally keen to play the course once again, the Club has elected to make the course open for play to members only from Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th May inclusive.
For golfers arriving for their pre-reserved tee time, social distance marker posts have been placed at 2 metre intervals along the pathway leading from the road crossing of the Golf Academy practice facilities to the 1st Tee. All players MUST respect social distancing.
In consultation with on-site Club committee members and to mark the reopening of the course, they have organised a social competition to be held on Thursday 14th May with tee times reserved from 09.04hrs. – 09.36hrs. Further information will be issued to all members shortly of how they can register for the tournament.
Please note that in accordance with the Spanish Governments Phase-One plan, inter- provincial travel is not permitted, and consequently only members residing in Almeria will be permitted to play the course until the government announces a change.
All tee time reservation requests must be made preferably by email to golfreservations@almanzora.com or by calling the Club Reception Monday – Sunday between 09.00hrs. – 11.00hrs. on +34 950 091 518
From Monday 18th May, in the interests of ensuring that members have reasonable playing time options and availability, one half of the golf course capacity each day (09.04hrs. – 10.00hrs) shall be held available for a rolling period of 30 days ending 7 days prior to the date to be booked for members to make reservations. Subject to availability, members will be permitted to make one tee time reservation per day for themselves whilst registering up to a maximum of 3 additional players.
NEW MEMBERS ONLINE TEE RESERVATIONS SYSTEM COMING SOON!
Desert Springs Golf Club will shortly introduce the Members Online Tee Time Reservation System that will allow Members to book their tee times online 24/7 from the comfort of their homes, from any computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, without the need of contacting the Club.
Members will be provided with a User Name and a Password, which will be required to login within the Online System and will be able to book their round of golf as well as their fellow members’ and guests in a very simple manner. Further details will be announced shortly.
GOLF ‘ROLL UP’
With the intent to encourage renewed golfing participation over the next month, the on-site Club committee members have organised a ‘Roll Up’ for each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to commence on Tuesday 19th May.
The ‘Roll-Up’ is open to members only with the competition format to be announced shortly.
Tee-times: – Four (4) Tee times; 09.04hrs. 09.12hrs. 09.20hrs. & 09.28hrs. have been pre-reserved for each ‘Roll-Up’. If there are more than sixteen (16) entrants, then more tee times will be reserved. The Competitions Committee will draw the groupings and advise the Golf Reception the day preceding the ‘Roll Up’ before 12:00 hrs. to enable for them to confirm to the players their tee times by email.
To assist with the control of required tee times for the ‘Roll-Up’, players that wish to play must register their name with the Golf Reception via email no later than 12.00hrs. two days preceding the ‘Roll Up’.
CLUB HOUSE
The Club House Reception will be open Monday – Sunday from 08.45hrs – 11.00hrs.
Two (2) metre interval markings are set out on the floor from the Club House courtyard entrance through to the golf reception desk and social distancing MUST be adhered to at all times.
Be advised that El Torrente restaurant and the Men’s and Ladies locker rooms will be closed, however the Men’s, Ladies and Disabled lavatory facilities will be open.
HACIENDA TOILETS
The Men’s and Ladies toilet facilities will be open during the hours of play.
GOLF ACADEMY
Measures have been implemented at the Golf Academy to provide the opportunity for practice to take place.
- Every other bay is closed to allow for practice in accordance with social distancing.
- Sanitising wipes are available at the ball machine.
- Payment for range balls will be made by Euro coin at the ball machine dispenser.
- At the chipping and putting greens the holes have been equipped to prevent the ball from descending completely to the bottom of the cup. The player will collect the ball with the greatest possible prevention of touching the flag pole.
BAG & TROLLEY STORAGE
For those members that have either their golf bag or trolley stored at the Caddy Master Office, please liaise with golf reception if you wish to collect them and be advised that thereafter they will need to remain in your possession, until such a time in accordance with health authority advice we can accept them back.
RESUMING FULL SERVICES
The introduction of our phased return to play will be under constant review. Over time, as we continue to work our way together safely through the de-escalation plan, in accordance with golfing demand and Government and World Health Organisation recommendations, we shall look forward to being able to slowly integrate and increase our Club services to full operation, for the benefit and enjoyment of all.
In the meantime, we would thank you all for your continued support and understanding in these unprecedented times. We are delighted to be able to welcome you back once again and encourage all to stay safe, stay well and enjoy your golf!
For further information:
Simon Coaker
scc@almanzora.com
+ 34 950 091 554
