» Golf clubs to reopen:
GOLF clubs in Wales will reopen, it was announced yesterday, with next Monday being the advised date for the go-ahead.
Clubs in England were given the green light to open from today by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the weekend, providing golfers follow certain restrictions.
But Welsh golfers were told clubs this side of the border would be staying closed until further Welsh Government guidance was provided.
That came yesterday, with Jason Thomas, the director of the Welsh Government’s culture, sport and tourism department, telling a Senedd committee that clubs can reopen.
Wales Golf are advising clubs to open from next Monday (May 18) in a co-ordinated approach.
Mr Thomas said: “Legal clarification is that golf courses are not included on the list of businesses or establishments that must remain closed - they have never been on that list.
“It’s been other measures in force that has restricted the ability of the clubs to open - travel measures etc, so we have clarified this.
“Legally they don’t have to be closed. We have clarified that we do want to encourage people to exercise but exercise locally, so we are expecting a statement from Wales Golf imminently on the back of our clarification, because they may be minded to suggest to clubs that they can open so they can ensure that local members can play.”
A subsequent Wales Golf statement read: “Following recent Welsh Government announcements and the revision of certain Covid-19 related restrictions golf clubs are permitted to open if they so wish. It is entirely at each golf club’s discretion as to whether they choose to open and if so when they choose to do so.
“We would advise that clubs that do wish to re-open do not do so immediately so as to ensure they have sufficient protocols in place to adhere to these guidelines, which we will be on hand to assist with. This would allow for a managed and co-ordinated reintroduction of golf across Wales from next Monday 18 May at the earliest.”
Golfers will only be permitted to play locally, with travelling distances by vehicle to undertake exercise still advised against in Wales.
According to Welsh Government guidelines, “our laws are clear that you must exercise alone or with members of your household”, which suggests playing with a friend will not be permitted. This is not entirely clear at this stage.
In England, golfers are allowed to play with one person from a different household from today (Wednesday).
People will also have to follow strict social distancing measures and there will also be a ban on touching things like flags and bunker rakes, while golfers must keep at least two metres apart.