Scotland courses shut down as golf hit by restrictions.

Into the bunker

Golf courses across Courier Country have gone into a complete shutdown as a result of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s new restrictions of public movement to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

While playing golf was being encouraged as a form of safe exercise during the crisis – using safe distancing and without touching course equipment like flags – right up until last week by figures such as the Scottish Government’s national clinical director Jason Leitch, the new restrictions announced by the governments in Westminster and Holyrood changed the narrative abruptly.

Scottish Golf, the amateur game’s governing body north of the border, issued a statement asking golfers to “refrain from playing until further notice”.

“The message to all of us is clear, we must stay home and play our part in containing the spread of Covid-19,” read the statement.

“With this in mind Scottish Golf asks that all golfers in Scotland refrain from golfing until further notice.

“We understand this advice will have a significant impact on golf clubs across the country and we will continue to consult with industry partners to provide clubs with all information and support possible during this time of deep uncertainty.

“It is our shared responsibility to prioritise the health of our local communities by working together to follow the government guidelines.

“This will ensure we get the opportunity to play the game we all love as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Scottish Golf’s statement was not as definitively worded as that from England Golf, which ordered an immediate closure of all clubs, courses and facilities south of the border.

“Keeping golf courses open is simply no longer compatible with the updated government policy which is designed to save lives in a time of national emergency,” read the statement.

Golf courses and facilities were not specifically mentioned in the government’s detailed advice on what was regarded as essential and non-essential businesses released on Tuesday morning, but government minister Michael Gove, appearing on the BBC’s Breakfast Time, said that the exercise intended by the policy would be walking, cycling or running.

“I don’t think people should be playing golf,” he said.

St Andrews Links, the biggest golf operation in the country with seven courses, the Himalayas Putting Green and a golf academy, announced a complete closure of all operations with immediate effect.

The majority of clubs using the links – including the R&A – had already closed their clubhouses, but play was still being permitted until yesterday.

“We will spend the next 48 hours assessing the implications and most appropriate course of action,” said a spokesman.

“The health and wellbeing of colleagues, customers and golfers remains our number one priority.

“We look forward to reintroducing our facilities as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.”

Gleneagles’ golf operations were closed along with the rest of the Perthshire hotel ahead of the government policy change.

Both Carnoustie and Monifieth Golf Links had been operating with some restrictions, but are expected to also close.

Private clubs across the Courier area had also enacted special measures with clubhouses closed but locker rooms open, and instructions for players to play with two metres safe space between them.

“The message to all of us is clear, we must stay home and play our part in containing the spread of Covid-19. With this in mind Scottish Golf asks that all golfers in Scotland refrain from golfing. SCOTTISH GOLF

Mark Alexander. St Andrews Links – the biggest golf operation in Scotland – and King’s Course, Gleneagles, have both closed as Scottish Golf announced a ban on the sport until further notice.