Play Better Golf
With Niall McGill
Golf courses in Perth and Kinross can remain open following the tightening of coronavirus restrictions this week.
Those wishing to tee-up, however, can only do so as part of a maximum of two players from up to two households.
New restrictions note people only being allowed to leave their homes for an essential purpose or if they have a reasonable excuse.
The Scottish Government’s website states that“local outdoor recreations, sport or exercise, walking, cycling, golf, or running that starts and finishes at the same place (which can be up to five miles from the boundary of your local authority area) as long as you abide by the rules on meeting other households”is a reasonable excuse.
Scottish Golf said golfers must stay close to home, travel only for essential purposes and in line with the new legislation.
A statement added: “As with all of our COVID-19 guidance, this is subject to further change which can take place at short notice.
“Should any changes take place, we will inform all affiliated clubs as soon as possible.
“We are in a unique and privileged position in Scotland with our golf courses being permitted to stay open and we respectfully ask that everyone adapts their operations accordingly to ensure that every facility continues to adhere to the revised guidelines.
“In doing so we can, as a sport, play our part in minimising further spread of the virus, whilst ensuring that golfers across Scotland can continue to enjoy the many health benefits from playing golf.”
Blairgowrie Rugby Club’s players are hoping to keep their fitness up in the opening months of the new year as the nation continues to get to grips with the latest COVID-19 restrictions.
The JJ Coupar Recreation Park club has announced short, weekly, fitness sessions will be posted on its social media accounts from this week.
The workouts are to be posted until the country moves down to a coronavirus pandemic level which allows rugby to return and are the brainchild of head coach Duncan Campbell.
They have also been designed to encourage anyone involved in the club to take part in the Doddie AID challenge – a mass participation exercise event running through January designed to raise awareness and funds for the charity foundation set up by former Scotland international Doddie Weir in aid of motor neurone disease research.
A spokesperson said: “The sessions will focus on fitness, skills and fun activities for members of the senior playing squad and the wider club community – including social members, family members and age-grade players.
“Here’s your chance for people to prove if they are as fast as Dave Rattray, as strong as Matty Michie, or have the stamina of Andy McOuat – or be able to speak as much as Mikey G! Prizes will be available for the winners in the different categories.”