Golf Australia is backing Royal Melbourne’s decision to only allow vaccinated players on to the course when golf resumes in Victoria.

The world famous club appears to have led the way with its announcement to members recently that they would have to prove they were vaccinated against Covid-19 – or have a legitimate excuse – before they could play.

Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland told the Herald Sun that this was an obvious next step for the sport as it tries to get back on course.

Golf has been banned throughout Victoria for the last few weeks and also is off limits in the Australian Capital Territory, although regional Victorian golf clubs will reopen from Friday after a relaxing of restrictions by the Victorian Government.

“I think it is a bit of a no-brainer right now with where we are,” Sutherland told the Herald Sun.

“By and large most golfers will have had at least one jab. It goes to encouraging people to get vaccinated but also provides a gateway for golfers to get back on the course.

“People have a right to choose to be vaccinated or not, but if this allows the powers that be to have confidence in golf courses and golfers being a safe environment, then this is the way to go and we are leading on that front.”