KOLKATA: Restrictions eased, golfers are teeing off with confidence as most city clubs have vaccinated caddies and support staff.
However, club managements have made it clear that only inoculated members can hit the fairways.
The city’s courses have reopened since June 16, as the state began relaxing measures.
Golf is now among the outdoor activities that can take place, along with football, cricket, tennis and basketball.
Last June, golfers had swung back into action after the lockdown was lifted, but they had to carry their own golf bags or pull their own trolleys as no cart or caddy was allowed.
“When golf was allowed to resume, we jumped at the chance,” said Samaresh Das, a seasoned player at Ecopark Golf Arena (EPGA).
Neel Law, managing partner, EPGA, said, “We are open from 9am to 6pm.
The greens are full of happy golfers enjoying the sport they love.
Everyone is respecting Covid norms like before.” Some notable changes in the rules for the past year include players staying at least three metres apart when hitting the ball and not removing the flag from the hole.
“Thank god that most of us are vaccinated this time.
We conducted two inoculation drives in the last two months, covering 650-odd people, including our 147 caddies.
Members cannot enter unless they have received at least one dose.
We are not having guests over at the moment,” said Anil Mukherji, CEO, Tolly Club.
Royal Calcutta Golf Club, the oldest golf club outside the British Isles, too, has vaccinated 90% of its 300-plus caddies and 95% of its support staff and those from outsourced agencies.
Col Devrishi Singhal, CEO, RCGC, said, “Most of our 2,500 members got vaccinated on their own.
Though it’s not in our circular, but everyone understands that only vaccinated persons are allowed to use the premises.” The club, in a drive on June 6, inoculated 513 people and is planning follow-up camps.
“The vaccines and the social distancing norms are encouraging more golfers to return to the putting greens.
Last Sunday, 200 of them were here,” RCGC Captain Rohan Ghosh said.
But tee-off times are still staggered and clubhouses and shops remain closed.