Golf in St Andrews is strictly for Fife residents in new lockdown

Golf in St Andrews is being restricted to Fife residents during the new lockdown introduced by Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The Old Course at St Andrews is only open to Links Trust ticket holders who reside in Fife. Picture: David Cannon/Getty Images

Steps to keep a strict control of the people playing the most popular courses in the town, including the Old Course, have been announced by St Andrews Links Trust.

“Ticket holders should not make a booking on the Links’ courses unless they permanently reside within Fife,” said the Trust in an update on guidelines.

“Please note that, should it become obvious in the booking process that a ticket holder resides outside Fife, the booking will not be accepted.

“Please also be aware that any guest of a ticket holder must also follow the travel guidance and should not be travelling from outwith Fife. We would encourage all ticket holders to ensure that this is the case.”

The guidance has been issued after it was announced that golf courses in Scotland are being allowed to remain open at a time when the sport has been placed into lockdown in England, Ireland and Wales.

Play can only take place in one or two balls from a maximum of two households, with golfers being advised to stay close to home and travel only for essential purposes such as exercise.

“The nationwide response to the pandemic remains a fluid and dynamic situation,” added the Links Trust, which normally welcomes golfers from all around the world.

“Throughout 2020, the considered response of our community of colleagues and golfers demonstrated that golf is a sport that can be played outdoors with physical distancing and increased safety measures in place.

“Everyone connected with the Home of Golf is pleased that all of our efforts continue to be recognised by the Scottish Government.”

Ticket holders have access to all seven courses operated by the Links Trust, though the Castle Course is currently shut for the winter season.

Players can play on their own on all the courses except the Old Course, where, due to the ballot still being overscribed on a “regular basis”, it’s two-balls only.

Shops are catering outlets operated by the Links Trust, with the exception of the Old Pavilion, which is providing a takeaway service, have been closed since November.

A message from the Editor:Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.