While Qatar has begun to ease lockdown restrictions, there are still plenty of safety precautions in place that make exercising and playing sport in a social environment difficult. However, golf – where natural social distancing can easily be achieved – is proving to be the ultimate sport this summer.
According to Education City Golf Club Deputy General Manager Mohammed Al Naimi, golf really is a great social distancing sport because it is played outside where it is possible – and extremely easy – to keep a safe distance between players.
It is a great sport in general as it is both a mental and physical game. And this is especially pertinent now, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, golf requires an incredible amount of concentration, helping to engage the mind, and being outdoors – in a green, open space – combined with physical activity, can play a role in helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
Safety is on top of the Education City Golf Club’s priorities, says Al Naimi. Their team is now implementing strict procedures to make sure that guests and staff members are well protected – from booking online, to the guests arrival at the facility, and eventually, when leaving the grounds.
As soon as members arrive, temperatures and Ehteraz apps are checked – a green barcode is required to enter the facility – and all those on site need to wear facemasks. Strategically placed stickers on the floor are also used to remind guests about the importance of social distancing.
Additionally, only four players are allowed per group, with one golf cart per person, and specifically timed slots ensure there is no overlap on the various courses. At the end of the sessions, individuals are directed to the staging area to minimise contact between players.
Many of the Education City Golf Club facilities are now open, including the 18-hole, 9-hole, and 6-hole courses, as well as the driving range, which utilises an automatic power tee, providing contactless ball delivery to the golfer; short game area; centre of excellence; and pro shop. And with the country entering Phase 2 of the gradual lifting of lockdown rules a few weeks ago, members can now rent equipment, which is rigorously cleaned and sanitised, before and after use, by their staff.
We are also offering our members coaching at the moment, all following strict safety procedures. We have 1:1 and 1:4 classes, with four different studios and the option of outdoor activities.
While the facility is open only to members at the moment during Phase 2, the club offers a number of summer membership packages – from monthly packages ranging from one, two, or three months to a full year. Al Naimi said that if all goes according to plan, and the lockdown continues to ease, Phase 3 will see them open to the whole community, member and non-members alike.
Since we opened a few weeks ago, we’ve had a lot of people come down to the facility. It is an activity that is safe to practice, and therefore ideal for people who love sport.
For more information about membership packages at the Education City Golf Club, visit their website at ecgolf.com.