GOLFERS’ REVOLT
Thousands hit out at plans to close the nation’s clubs
MINISTERS could find themselves in a hole after a major lockdown revolt from golfers.
Players are furious that courses are to close – despite the fact that the outdoor sport is as socially distanced as you can get.
An online petition calling on the Government to think again reached the 100,000 signatures it needs to be considered in Parliament within a matter of hours.
Players including former world number one Lee Westwood shared a link to the petition on social media. England Golf has also confirmed that they will ‘respectfully challenge’ the decision not to exempt golf courses.
Asked about the ban in the Commons last night by Tory James Sunderland, Boris Johnson said: ‘We will look at all the suggestions made and at any exceptions we can sensibly make, but it is difficult to take out one part of the Jenga block without disturbing the whole package.’ Earlier, his official spokesman said that guidance sets out that individuals can exercise in a public space with one other person or with someone from their own household.
‘It’s not the intention, however, for tennis courts or for golf courses to remain open,’ he said.
However the chief executive of England Golf, Jeremy Tomlinson, said his organisation had not been consulted.
He said: ‘Listening to the Prime Minister, the news that he is actively encouraging safe and responsible outdoor exercise for households or two individuals pointed to our great game of golf being at the heart of this policy.’ The organisation has now offered to work with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf to establish restrictions on the sport.
The national lockdown will also see all indoor and outdoor leisure and sports facilities including gyms, swimming pools, climbing walls, archery and shooting ranges close from Thursday.
Jane Nickerson, chief executive of Swim England, said it was a ‘horrendous’ situation. ‘We’ve proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that indoor leisure and swimming pools have a very low transmission of this virus and are safe places for people to go and exercise,’ she added.