All three golf clubs in Baguio made sure no player from the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal has hit the fairways in the Summer Capital from March 29 to April 4.
These areas have been placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) during the period due to the surging Covid-19 cases, and sports activities such as golf are not allowed.
As a result, the city government of Baguio has shut down its doors to tourists coming from the NCR plus bubble, including golf players from these areas.
To help the city, the Baguio Country Club, Camp John Hay, and Pinewoods Golf & Country Club have been closely monitoring the places of origin of players entering their facilities.
Players outside Baguio and Benguet are also being required to present a negative RT-PCR or antigen test result before they are allowed to play or use any of the facilities of the three clubs.
In Manila, National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) Secretary General Valeriano Floro II has advised all golf clubs in the NCR plus bubble to stop operation during the ECQ period.
“NGAP urges all members and friends in the golf community to consider the ECQ as a special Holy Week break and try to stay home as much as possible,” Floro said in a letter to member-clubs.
Meanwhile, the three golf clubs in Baguio have been subjecting their caddies and other personnel to regular RT-PCR or antigen test and imposing sanctions against those violating the minimum health protocols. – Harley F. Palangchao
