Scottish golf courses to stay open during new lockdown
Golf clubs in Scotland are being allowed to remain open during the new full lockdown announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
But, in line with the restrictions aimed at combating the new Covid-19 variant, play will be restricted to one and two-balls on a local basis.
It had been feared that clubs would be forced to close under the new lock down, as had been the case when that step was taken at the star t of the pandemic in March.
However, Scottish Golf has managed to persuade the Scottish Government that golf should be included on a list of permitted outdoor activities.
In an update on guidelines to affiliated clubs, Scottish Golf ’s chief operating officer Karin Sharp said: “As we turn the corner on an extremely difficult 2020, star ting 2021 with additional restrictions and further uncertainty is not how anyone wanted to begin the new year.
“Following today’ s announcement from the First Minister and with an understanding that our affiliated clubs will need to make some adjustments to their business operations, we wanted to provide all clubs with the information we have available to us at present.
“As has been the case throughout the pandemic, we have worked alongside both sport scotland and The Scottish Government to demonstrate that golf is as port that can be played outdoors with physical distancing and increased safety measures in place. We are pleased that this continues to be recognised and from 00.01 on Tuesday 5th January:
“Golf courses can remain open for play with a maximum of two players from up to two households. Golfers must stay close to home, travel only for essential purposes and in line with the new legislation
“We are continuing to seek further clarification on a number oft hew ider aspects for sport from our partners at sport scotland and Scottish Government and as soon as we have sufficient detail with which to work, our more detailed guidance will be updated. ”We currently envisage being in a position to provide a more in-depth update for all affiliated clubs within the next 24 hours."