Are Scottish golf courses closed during lockdown? Latest update after announcement of tighter restrictions

Golf clubs in Scotland are being allowed to remain open during the new full lockdown announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Scottish Golf has issued guidance to affiliated clubs following the announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon about a new lockdown. Picture: Scottish GolfScottish Golf has issued guidance to affiliated clubs following the announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon about a new lockdown. Picture: Scottish Golf
Scottish Golf has issued guidance to affiliated clubs following the announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon about a new lockdown. Picture: Scottish Golf

But, in line with the restrictions aimed at combating the new Covid-19 variant, play will be restricted to one and two-balls on a local basis.

It had been feared that clubs would be forced to close under the new lockdown, as had been the case when that step was taken at the start of the pandemic in March.

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However, Scottish Golf has managed to persuade the Scottish Government that golf should be included on a list of permitted outdoor activities.

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In an update on guidelines to affiliated clubs, Scottish Golf’s chief operating officer Karin Sharp said: “As we turn the corner on an extremely difficult 2020, starting 2021 with additional restrictions and further uncertainty is not how anyone wanted to begin the new year.

“Following today’s announcement from the First Minister and with an understanding that our affiliated clubs will need to make some adjustments to their business operations, we wanted to provide all clubs with the information we have available to us at present.

!As has been the case throughout the pandemic, we have worked alongside both sportscotland and The Scottish Government to demonstrate that golf is a sport that can be played outdoors with physical distancing and increased safety measures in place. We are pleased that this continues to be recognised and from 00.01 on Tuesday 5th January:

Golf courses can remain open for play with a maximum of two players from up to two householdsGolfers must stay close to home, travel only for essential purposes and in line with the new legislation

“We are continuing to seek further clarification on a number of the wider aspects for sport from our partners at sportscotland and Scottish Government and as soon as we have sufficient detail with which to work, our more detailed guidance will be updated.”We currently envisage being in a position to provide a more in-depth update for all affiliated clubs within the next 24 hours.“Scottish Golf asks that all golf clubs and golfers adhere to the new guidance with the same spirit and integrity that has been shown throughout the last year to ensure we can all continue to benefit from playing golf through this new period of restrictions.”

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