GolfRSA CEO Grant Hepburn has urged South African golfers to continue to pay their annual membership fees at their golf clubs during the coronavirus pandemic.

Currently South Africa is in lockdown Level 4 to help combat the spread of Covid-19 with golf courses closed around the country.

In Monday's GolfRSA newsletter, Hepburn urged all golfers who belong to a club to pay their membership fees and help keep their respective clubs afloat during the lockdown.

"The outbreak has resulted in the shutdown of all South African sports and we are hopeful that golf facilities will be reopened in the near future," he said. 

"Once we can get our golfers back out into the healthy environment that golf courses provide, we can also support the over 40 000 individuals, who are employed in the golf industry. After nearly two months of closure, many golf clubs are suffering financially and the sad reality is that some are even at risk of closure.

"Right now, golf clubs are dependent on the loyalty of their members to help carry them through this challenging period, and I urge all golfers who can to please pay their annual membership fees."

READ | To open or keep golf courses closed? Some of the changes golfers will encounter

Sport24 reported that the Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa is considering allowing golf to return behind closed doors.

Last week, Sport24 asked its readers whether they would like to see golf courses reopen during the nationwide lockdown - and the response was overwhelming.

The vast majority of our readers pleaded with the South African government to reopen courses in the country during the lockdown.

While some parts of the country are expected to drop to Level 3 by the end of May, other 'hot spots' with higher infection rates of Covid-19 may remain at Level 4. Level 3 involves the easing of certain restrictions, including social activities.

- Compiled by Sport24 staff