Golfers in Scotland will get an idea on Thursday when exactly they can return to the game but it won’t be until the end of the month at least.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s briefing yesterday revealed that a “road map” out of the lockdown imposed in mid-March will be published on Thursday, and would include “some limited outdoor sports activities like golf and fishing”.
The indications are that golf under suitable social distancing procedures will be given the go-ahead, with it possible that the green light may be given at the Scottish Government’s next review of the lockdown, set for May 28.
If clear indications are given on Thursday at the road map publication, that would give clubs and golf facilities a full week to make the preparations required for safe play.
Golf restarted in Wales and in the Republic of Ireland on Monday, after facilities opened in England last Wednesday. In all three countries varying degrees of social distancing have been implemented, with only two balls permitted from those not from the same household in England and Wales.
Scottish Golf, who implemented the shutdown of the game in mid-March, released a statement following the First Minister’s briefing.
“Following the First Minister’s daily briefing on Monday 18 May, Scottish Golf welcomes the announcement that more detail will be shared later this week on Scotland’s road map out of the current lockdown restrictions in Scotland.
“Scottish Golf are working through final details with the Scottish Government and sportscotland to ensure that when the time is right, golf can be included in any extension to exercise guidelines and we look forward to sharing more detail of the Scottish Government’s publication on Thursday.”
Meanwhile the R&A has released a £7 million finding package for golf in Great Britain and Ireland to help counter the effects of the pandemic.
The R&A Covid-19 Support Fund will be largely aimed at national associations and other affiliated bodies and targeted at golf clubs and facilities are facing serious financial difficulties.
Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “The pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on golf and many clubs are facing dire financial situations through no fault of their own.
“Golf is in our DNA and we want to see the sport continue to thrive from grassroots right through to the top level on the professional tours. We have a responsibility to do what we can to help in such a crisis.
“The R&A Covid-19 Support Fund will enable national associations and other key bodies to provide support to some of their members.
“We know that many challenges lie ahead but club golf is the bedrock of our sport and hopefully this fund will help to begin the process of recovery.”
The R&A is working with its national associations and other selected organisations on communications, with each body being responsible for controlling and allocating its share.
