Playing golf in Scotland in lockdown covered by "travel for essential purposes"

Playing golf in Scotland – but only for residents – has been confirmed as being covered by “travel for essential purposes” under the toughened Covid-19 restrictions.
Scottish Golf chief operating officer Karin Sharp has issued an update on guidelines to member clubsScottish Golf chief operating officer Karin Sharp has issued an update on guidelines to member clubs
Scottish Golf chief operating officer Karin Sharp has issued an update on guidelines to member clubs

In an update on the implications of the new measures announced on Monday by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish Golf has informed member clubs that golf is, indeed, part of the permitted exercise activities.

Karin Sharp, the governing body’s chief operating officer, said: “Golfers must stay close to home, travel only for essential purposes (which includes golf as part of the permitted exercise activities) and in line with the new legislation“As with all of our Covid-19 guidance, this is subject to further change which can take place at short notice.

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“Should any changes take place, we will inform all affiliated clubs as soon as possible.”

It has also been confirmed that outdoor coaching is still permitted but on a restricted basis.

Only a coach and pupil aged 12 or over can work together, though a coach can take larger groups of up to 30 under-12s.

“We are in a unique and privileged position in Scotland with our golf courses being permitted to stay open and we respectfully ask that everyone adapts their operations accordingly to ensure that every facility continues to adhere to the revised guidelines,” added Sharp.“In doing so we can, as a sport, play our part in minimising further spread of the virus, whilst ensuring that golfers across Scotland can continue to enjoy the many health benefits from playing golf.”

The updated guidance came after the First Minister had warned Donald Trump that he would not be allowed to visit Scotland to play golf later this month instead of attending Joe Biden’s inauguration as the next US president.“We are not allowing people to come into Scotland without an essential purpose right now and that would apply to him, just as it applies to anybody else,” she said at her daily briefing."Coming to play golf is not what I would consider to be an essential purpose."

Trump, the outgoing US president, owns both Trump Turnberry and Trump International near Aberdeen.

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