BAN IS BIZARRE

Golf chief calls for ‘ common sense’ ruling to open courses

Ayrshire’s golf chief has branded the ongoing ban on the sport “bizarre”.

County secretary, Alasdair Malcolm, warns the future of some clubs could be threatened by the order to keep fairways closed.

It follows the green light for unlimited daily exercise in Scotland during coronavirus lockdown.

But golf remains axed – even though bosses insist it would satisfy all social distancing measures.

Alasdair ( right) said: “The public are getting the thumbs up to go for walks on golf courses as part of their daily exercise.

“Yet members at our clubs can’t do the same, which is their frustration.

“Obviously there’s scientific advice at play here, but it seems a bizarre decision.”

Moves to adapt courses – including a ban on touching flags and altering cups – has done little to spare the sport. Courses in England re- opened today but greens stay closed north of the border. Alasdair’s Ayrshire Golf Association represents 63 clubs across the county.

He said: “If they can’t get re- opened and playing in some capacity in the next two or three months, we’ll have real problems in terms of some struggling to survive. “Evidently some wi l l have better reserves than others to see them through this, but a large number will be worried financially.

“The frustration for our members is that social distancing can be observed on a golf course.

“There comes a point where certain things have to be permitted again.

“It’s pretty baffling to see people cycling around in packs while exercising but you can’t go golfing while walking yards apart.

“You fully understand the contact sports like football, rugby and hockey not coming back.

“But with golf, it just feels like there could be common sense steps taken.”

A spokesman for Scottish Golf confirmed they were continuing to follow government advice.

He said: “The message is still clear – stay at home and save lives.

“We remain in daily dialogue with the Scottish Government and other golfing bodies throughout the UK, to ensure that when it is deemed safe to do so in Scotland, that we are ready to support our golf clubs with a concise protocol for re- opening.”