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Golf Australia Chief Executive, James Sutherland has welcomed the Victorian Government announcement green-lighting a return to play once the state reaches 80% first-dose COVID vaccinations.

Play will be in groups of two but groups of four are allowed under the government's guidelines provided the players are vaccinated and are not from more than two different households. There will also be a 15-kilometre travel limit, and masks must be worn.

Melbourne has had golf course closures on and off over the past 18 months including since 5^th August.

Victoria is at 72% first-dose vaccination rates and the 80% mark is flagged for 26th September, meaning golf courses could reopen as early as Sunday.

Golf has been allowed to continue throughout most of Australia during pandemic lockdowns, although the ACT had a brief golf ban recently before returning.

Sutherland said he was adamant that golf was safe, even in a pandemic and noted "that's the case we've been arguing for a long time. I can't think of a more socially-distanced sport than golf. I don't know what people think happens on a golf course, but I know you don't get close to anyone on a golf course. It's not really possible."

Image: Royal Melbourne golf course. Credit Visit victoria

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