CAVITE COVID-19 RESPONSE

Remulla orders golf course closure over alleged quarantine violations

Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla has ordered the indefinite closure of Sherwood Hills Golf Course in Trece Martires City after it allegedly conducted an "unauthorized tournament" despite the implementation of quarantine measures.

In a Facebook post, Remulla bared that last week, a total of 91 members of the Sherwood Hills Golf Club had conducted an unauthorized “tournament” in the guise of a “Member’s Day” event. 

"The members tried to circumvent the rules by claiming that there were no trophies, awards, score cards nor prizes. They made it appear that only token gifts were provided to the participants," Remulla said.

"The participants played in a 'Shot-Gun' format to begin play," he added.

Remulla noted that the national government prohibits mass gatherings in sporting events "beyond the 50% rule."

"Spectators in all non-contact sports and exercises shall be prohibited, thus organized play is not allowed under quarantine," Remulla said.

He further said the club's claim that no tournament was conducted "was clearly disingenuous and dishonest because of the organizational efforts made to conduct the same."

Likewise, he insisted that the intent of the organizers was really to conduct a tournament but it was only "disguised" to supposedly evade sanctions.

The governor said the local government would wait for the response of the club management before it decides to allow its re-opening.

Reached by GMA News Online, the golf club's general manager who refused to be identified said the management prefers to withhold any comments on the issue in the meantime, and that they have high respect for the governor who did what was for the best interest of the majority. —LBG, GMA News