Our speaker Russell Donovan, General Manager of the Box Hill Golf Club, did not entertain us with stories of birdies, putts, chips and holes in one.
His presentation was about a much more circumspect topic - how does a golf club and its members meet the challenge of having a golf course and great club house facilities that cannot be used due to our stage four Covid restrictions.
Russell indicated one of the key aims has been to ensure the welfare of the club's staff and members. A very conscious effort has been made to regularly contact members, particularly those who are living alone just to check that they are coping and whether they need any assistance.
Staff, of which there are around 60, have fortunately been able to get the jobkeeper allowance and many staff have been able to work at least a few hours each week. The club has not been able to hold functions or let members and guests use the poker machines which has impacted on the club's income. Fortunately a small activities has taken off providing take-away meals which has helped keep some staff active.
Russell said the club's financial position is at this stage reasonable having received two government grants. To our surprise Russell indicated there is an ongoing electricity expense as the poker machines cannot be turned off even though they are unable to be used!
One of the Russel's pleasing observations was that across Australia the number of golf rounds has risen over the past six months when compared to the previous year in part due to limited alternative sporting events that the public can get involved with.
It was a pleasure to have Russell speak positively about how the golf club is coping and his optimism for the future when golfers will be allowed back on the course and the club facilities are able to open.