Golf courses could open in mid-May

Golf courses in the UK could be re-open for play in the next few weeks, according to the chairman of the UK Parliament’s All-Party Group for Golf.

North Warwickshire MP Craig Tracey has chaired and taken part in virtual meetings with golf industry bodies, including the R&A, the PGA, the UK Golf Federation and the British Golf Industry Association in the last few days, and has said he will be speaking to greenkeeping association BIGGA and the home golf unions in the next few days.

“The initial challenges with lockdown meant golf had to close in Britain, but the nature of the game means it can, and should, return quickly provided there are steps taken by all involved to maintain social distancing and to meet any other government instruction,” Mr Tracey said.

According to a statement issued on behalf of the All-Party Golf Group, Tracey is currently liaising with ‘colleagues in government to ensure that golf can return as quickly as possible with temporary rules, actions or measures in development to be implemented immediately once there is any lifting of lockdown restrictions’.

“There are so many elements and stakeholders in the golf sector that there is no single body that can or should dictate to others,” Tracey said. “However, all recognise the symbiotic relationship between the different elements and that any failing in one area could cause significant reputational damage. I would like to say well done to all the different bodies involved. What they are doing now will make a huge difference and has the potential to make golf all the stronger if this co-operative way of working can be continued.”

He added: “I have been hugely impressed by the response of the different leading golf stakeholders in coming together and working to secure a coherent response to COVID-19. Members of Parliament know how valuable golf is to the UK as it has a huge economic impact, employs large numbers across the UK, and has significant positive influence on people’s physical and mental health.”

According to a report in the Daily Mail, The golf industry in Wales has already been given advanced notice that golf courses will be able to re-open from mid-May provided certain rules are followed, and if there is a relaxation of the lockdown on May 7. The paper stated that it is likely that the guidance will apply to the whole of the UK and not just Wales.

While golf courses could open in the first stage of the lockdown loosening process, it is likely that clubhouses would remain closed, with only outdoor catering allowed and pro shops limited to ‘one-in, one-out’ rules.

Pic credit: Andy Hiseman

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