Scottish Golf gives green light for courses to open
Scottish Golf has told member clubs they can reopen on May 29 after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gave the green light.
She confirmed that the first phase of the Scottish Government’s plan to ease the country out of the coronavirus crisis would proceed, adding that the changes must be “careful and cautious”.
Last week, a document published on the Scottish Government website – ‘Scotland’s route map through and out of this crisis’ – confirmed that in Phase 1 “we are planning to allow unrestricted outdoors exercise adhering to social distancing measures and non-contract outdoor activities in the local area – such as golf, hiking, canoeing, outdoor swimming, angling – consistent with the wider rules and guidance applicable to any activity in this phase”.
Following Sturgeon’s announcement, Scottish Golf issued a statement, which said: “Scottish Golf welcomes the news that our golfing community will benefit from the Scottish Government’s revised guidance for exercise as we enter Phase 1 in the easing of lockdown restrictions.
“Ahead of golf’s return, we have issued guidance developed in partnership with the Scottish Government, Active Scotland, sportscotland, Health Protection Scotland and key industry partners to support our clubs in preparing their facilities and we are pleased to confirm that the return of golf can now take place from Friday, 29 May.
“We know that this confirmation will be well received by all of our members and will have a positive impact on the physical and mental health of golfers across Scotland in the days and weeks ahead.
“We hope everyone enjoys returning to the fairways and would encourage all golfers to familiarise themselves with the current guidance to ensure we can all return to playing the game safely.”
Golf courses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have already been given the go ahead to reopen.
What do you make of the decision? Let us know in the comments, or tweet us.
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Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.