Warning is issued over ban on open competitions

Scottish Golf has warned that it is ready to take action if current advice about open competitions not being permitted due to Covid-19 restrictions is ignored.

The message was delivered by Karin Sharp, the governing body’s chief operating officer, yesterday in an email to member clubs.

Since courses re-opened in Scotland at the end of May, club competitions have started to resume with Scottish Golf’s approval.

But, even having now moved into phase 3 of the lockdown restrictions being eased by the Scottish Government, there is still no return for open events in sight.

Earlier this week, it emerged that one Scottish club was in the process of refunding more than £6,000 in fees for two opens that have had to be cancelled later this month.

“Following continued discussions with the Government during the transition into Phase 3, our guidance on open competitions has had to remain the same, in that these cannot be played at present,” said Sharp in her email.

“During the easing of lockdown restrictions, golf has been, and continues to be, viewed as an extension to exercise, not a return to sport.

“This is consistent across the sport sector in Scotland and it is imperative that all golf clubs follow the current rules regarding competitions that are in effect.

“Golf is a game that prides itself on sporting integrity and, as the national governing body, we must again emphasise that we all have a role to play in maintaining the integrity of the game and, if necessary, applying sanctions to any organisation found to be in breach of the ruling on running open competitions.

“This is not something we would wish to see and would encourage all clubs to familiarise themselves with the current guidance and take appropriate action to ensure that all guidelines are being met.”