THIS was going to be a story of passion, dedication and innovation - about the little golf club that could despite the ever tightening rules to try and reign in the coronovirus threat.
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As recent as Monday, golf was just about the last organised sport standing in the Valley as it continued to adjust to enable play.
On Saturday, golf competition at The Island Golf Course at Nambucca Heads saw groups of up to four players.
With the tightening of outdoor meetings then being limited to no more than two - the club responded, with 'tee for two' plans.
While the clubhouse as a venue in itself had been off the table - the course had remained open for play and the pro shop was also operating within the social distancing rules.
There had been other tweaks too at Nambucca - to eliminate a number of items which could be touched by more than one player: the rakes had been removed from the bunkers, the flag sticks were to be left in the holes, and no more than one player could ride in a motorised cart.
Club secretary manager Johnathon Zirkler and resident professional Paul Habgood were at the forefront of keeping the show going within the fast-changing confines of the law.
"With the club's reduction in revenue, competition golf is one of the few remaining sources of income, outside of the yet to be finalised government grants, incentives and top-up payments, that will help to maintain our golf course," Johnathon wrote in an email on Monday to the membership.
"When playing socially you must play in groups of no more than two players unless you are playing in a group comprising only of family members from your household.
"If families are looking for an exercise to do during these social isolating days and one that can be played by the family, golf is a great sport."
Hours later, came the knockout - when the sport's parent body ordered the closure of all courses.
How long that will be for - despite golf being considered a low risk activity in the COVID-19 environment - is not known.
What is determined is that the Easter Bowl will not go ahead, nor will the Vets Week of Golf (refunds will be processed in due course).
All club honour board and knockout events are suspended until further notice. This includes the current fourball knockouts, eclectics, etc. A decision will be made on the reinstatement of these events at a later date.
All inter-club events, including men's and women's pennants have been postponed.
"Any further changes that occur to our operating environment will be communicated as soon as practicable. The club appreciates the assistance and support it is receiving from its members and guests," Johnathon wrote.
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