A bit of relief as four-ball returns

Scottish Golf has cleared the restart of four-ball play at the country’s golf clubs, from today, with no restrictions on households. But those involved will have to stay within their local authority area.

The approval to play in four-balls is a key staging post on golf’s return from the Covid19 restrictions and will be welcomed by clubs and golf facilities as a means of maximising tee-time revenue.

After First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s latest update on Covid-19 restrictions, Scottish Golf, the governing body for the amateur game, presented proposals based on the new guidance to sportscotland and the Scottish Government.

While the detail has yet to be confirmed, Scottish Golf was able to advise clubs that operational changes to welcome four-balls can begin.

“Guidance previously allowed golfers to travel up to five miles outside their local authority area to take part in informal exercise using household rules,” read a statement from the governing body.

“Yesterday’s announcement to allow organised sport will allow four-ball play with no restrictions on the number of households; however, this is only applicable to members who live within the golf club’s local authority area.”

Celtic winger James Forrest admits his long lay-off made him at times feel like “an outsider”.

The 29-year-old’s rehabilitation from an ankle problem was complete when he made his comeback as a 78thminute substitute in the goalless draw against Dundee United at Tannadice on Sunday.

Forrest had not played since September 24, when he came off in Celtic’s 1-0 Europa League win with an injury that required an operation.

And as the Scotland cap looked forward to more game time, he revealed that Covid-19 protocols and restrictions had also helped keep him on the periphery.

“I was absolutely delighted to get some minutes,” Forrest told Celtic TV. “I can’t even describe how it felt. It’s been such a long time.

“I was delighted to be back training with the boys over the last 10 days or so and get back out on the pitch and trying to help the boys.

“It was a great feeling and I just want to keep continuing my comeback, get more training under my belt and, hopefully, get more games as well.

“It was really tough to not be involved. With all the protocols, I’ve had to watch most of the games on Celtic TV.

“You feel like an outsider and you want to be there constantly. It makes you want to work harder to get back as quickly as possible.

“It was towards the end of December that I was ready to start running again outside.

“It was simple things as well, like being in the gym at the same time as the rest of the boys. I felt more a part of it from then. That helps and lifts your mood.”

Forrest is more than grateful for the support he received from the backroom staff who took him through the whole fitness journey.

“Credit to the staff here, they’ve been there for me every day,” he said.

“They’ve been on it every day It’s a credit to them.”