Wait goes on for opens in Scottish golf
● But representations on behalf of clubs being made in ‘strongest possible way’
Scottish golf clubs have been dealt a blow after failing to get the green light to restart open competitions.
The chance to bring in much-needed revenue after the Covid-19 closure of courses earlier in the year was blocked as Scottish Golf announced its current guidelines “remain unchanged”.
But the governing body insisted it is making representations on behalf of clubs to the Scottish government in the “strongest possible way”.
Open stroke-play competitions in Scotland are still not being permitted after Scottish Golf informed clubs that its Phase 3 guidance “remains unchanged”.
But the governing body insisted it is making representations on behalf of member clubs to the Scottish Government in the “strongest possible way” to bring about change.
Club competitions have been taking place around Scotland since restrictions started to be eased following courses reopening following the Covid-19 closure at the end of May.
The green light was also given earlier this week for professional events to restart in Scotland with immediate effect. That raised hopes of open amateur events following suit, but instead the wait goes on, as clubs have been informed in an update from Scottish Golf.
It read: “Following the First Minister’s update today, we wish to inform all clubs that there are no further easing of restrictions directly relevant to golf clubs or their operations and as a result, our Phase 3 guidance remains unchanged at this time.
“However, following an increased volume of enquiries and growing confusion across the membership, we wish to take this opportunity to clarify Scottish Golf’s position on open competitions.
“The definition of an open competition concerning the current route map out of lockdown is “a qualifying round of golf (ie for handicapping purposes) played at a venue away from a player’s home club.
“Any other format of play that takes place by visitors to golf clubs is permitted provided that all related Covid-19 regulations including travel restrictions (no car sharing), sanitation protocols and physical distancing protocols are met, along with industry-specific guidance being adhered to both on and off the course.”
Scottish clubs and members have done their game proud since golf became the first sport to get back up and running following the Covid-19 lockdown.
Some people have no problems with the stance on open competitions, but others are beginning to lose patience with the Scottish Government and Scottish Golf over the issue.
“We continue to respect and follow the guidance issued by the Scottish Government and will continue to work with them to contain the spread of the virus to save lives,” added Scottish Golf.
“We urge all our member clubs to continue with the current guidance but can assure our members that we will continue to make representations on behalf of our clubs to Government in the strongest possible way to bring about change.
“We will continue to keep all member clubs appraised of any changes to guidance and as always clubs should note that restrictions may be reintroduced if anything changes on a local or national basis.”
The current situation means that plans to push ahead with the Standard Life Gold Medal, the world’s oldest amateur stroke-play tournament, at Leven Links on Saturday week are set to be scuppered.
A decision had been taken to reduce it to a 36-hole oneday event, but organisers had stressed that it was subject to Government guidelines.
At club level, a senior gents’ open and ladies open have now been cancelled due to the guidlines staying as they are at the moment.
However, due to the fact there will be no SSS as a result of it being played over a “nonmeasured course”, Alan Tait’s new ‘Get Back into Golf’ initiative will be getting underway as planned at Crail today.
“We continue to follow the Scottish Government guidance and will work with them to contain the spread of the virus”
SCOTTISH GOLF