All Scottish Golf fixtures cancelled

Scottish Golf has cancelled its entire 2020 schedule and also its performance programmes due to the coronavirus.

The huge decision was revealed by Eleanor Cannon, chair of the governing bodies, in a statement issued to its 575 affiliated clubs.

It means events such as the Scottish Men’s Open at Muirfield, Scottish Amateur at Murcar Links and Scottish Women’s Amateur at Ladybank will not be held this year.

The statement read: “Scottish Golf, like its member clubs, is having to make some tough decisions in light of a significant delay in our member income, so that we can continue to support our clubs as we come through these difficult times.

“To this end we have furloughed the majority of our employees and made the necessary decisions as regards our season’s calendar of events.

“We have taken the decision to cancel all our events and our performance programmes for the remainder of the 2020 season.”

England Golf has also furloughed staff but only cancelled events up until the week commencing 27 July.

“There is important work that we will continue to deliver to ensure we are in

a positive position when our clubs and their courses reopen,” added Cannon.

“Scottish Golf are continuing the development of our Hive elearning platform. This will allow clubs to access self-learning tools to manage various aspects of the club, including assistance with educating members on WHS [World Handicapping System].

“Secondly, the works continue on the development and testing of VMS [Venue Management System]. We know that many clubs are using the current down time to learn the new system and we have retained team members to support you in this.

“We are also in the final stages of completing the build of our WHS system, which will allow golfers to see what their new WHS handicap index will become.”

The statement went on: “Scottish Golf want to support you and your clubs during these challenging times.

“We continue to liaise with sportscotland and the Government and we will ensure that we communicate with you as and when decisions about the game are made.

“In time, we will all get back out there onto our courses. For now, we must look after each other and the communities that our clubs serve.

“Once we can start playing the game we love again, we will all work together to re-establish golf as the life blood of our communities.”