Golf clubs are hoping to open their doors again in mid-MAY provided players practise social distancing
- Courses in Denmark and Australia have reopened with a list of conditions
- Realistic prospect of clubs in Wales being allowed to reopen in mid-May
- Social distancing is fairly easy to achieve when playing the game
Golf clubs in Wales will be allowed to reopen next month if there is a relaxation of the lockdown on May 7.
It is expected that similar guidance will be given to clubs in other parts of the UK over the next few days.
With social distancing being something that is fairly easy to achieve when playing the game, the sport was always likely to be in the vanguard when it comes to the easing of the lockdown.
Golf courses in Denmark and Australia have reopened with a stringent list of conditions
Now, clubs in Wales have been told there is a realistic prospect of being allowed to reopen by the middle of May, albeit with a stringent list of conditions.
Only social golf will be allowed, and in no more than two-balls. Bookings will need to be made online and at least a 10-minute gap will be required between tee times. It is likely that clubhouses will remain closed, apart from the use of bathroom facilities. Courses in Denmark and Australia have reopened along similar lines.
All this remains contingent on the Government deciding they are on top of the Covid-19 pandemic sufficiently to move to the next phase. But all the signs are good.
Advance notice has been given, to allow clubs in Wales to prepare for what will be a radically different version of club life. But the fact there is cause for optimism will provide a massive boost in itself to the tens of thousands of golfers for whom playing the game is an integral part of their existence.
Clubs in Wales have been told there is a realistic prospect of being allowed to reopen in May
As for clubs in England, its governing body is waiting for the official green light. Jeremy Tomlinson, chief executive of England Golf, has prepared a guidance pamphlet called Play Safe, Stay Safe that will be issued to all clubs once the go-ahead is given.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said last week that he was carefully weighing up the considerations of non-contact sports such as golf. ‘We are gathering the necessary information,’ he told a Commons select committee.
‘In respect of all sports, I want us to ease restrictions as quickly as we are able to, but that has to be consistent with the public evidence and guidance.’
He could ask for no better guidance than from his Government’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance.
Just before the lockdown began, he said that golf was allowable provided players practise social distancing.