Golfers in the UK -England, Scotland and Wales – could get back to playing golf mid to late next month.
England Golf is currently waiting for an official green light return with CEO Jeremy Tomlinson believed to have already arranged for a guidance pamphlet called ‘Play Safe, Stay Safe’ to be soon issued to all England golf clubs immediately the UK Government announces it is safe to reopen golf courses.
If so, and what has been the practice in place in Australia for the past few weeks, it will be a case of only singles, two-balls and followed by ‘same householders’ who will be allowed to initially tee-up ahead of an eventual but unknown full return to golf.
Initially, there will be no exchange of scorecards while bunker rakes will remain off the course and flagsticks continue to sport a raising of the cup so that players will not have to reach down to the bottom of the cup to retrieve their golf balls.
It would seem it will not be to around September when UK golf clubs will see sights like this as noticed last year at Crail Golfing Society. (Photo @tourmiss)
Clubhouses will likely remain closed, but locker-room facilities will be open.
Along with a return to golf, the UK government is expected to allow also the playing of bowls and a return to fishing.
UK Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden recently said at a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee that if there was evidence that the three sports could re-open safely then he would press the case to the prime minister and the COBRA emergency response committee.
“We are gathering the necessary information,” Mr Dowden told a Commons select committee.
“In respect of all sports, I want us to ease restrictions as quickly as we are able to, but that has to be consistent with the public evidence and guidance.”
Though newly-appointed Scottish Golf CEO Karin Sharp, speaking on the subject, indicated a return to golf was ‘very much still in the planning phase’.
Newly-appointed Scottish Golf CEO Karin Sharp
“We have had positive discussions in the last few days with government and have their support in what is a planning phase,” said Sharp who took over following the shock resignation a week ago of then CEO Andrew McKinlay.
“We are also collaborating with key industry partners to ensure that across GB&I we are developing a consistent approach that can be adopted when the time is right.
“It is highly likely that any return will be in phases, with single golfers or household groups in the first instance to ensure that the golf industry continues to adhere to government guidelines.
“Within our clubs, we will have a mix of front line and key workers, along with vulnerable groups who have been shielding or self-isolating for lengthy periods and we must continue to ensure we can keep everyone safe.”
