Scottish Golf clear up 'competition bubble' instruction to clubs

Events can go ahead as they have been, say governing body

Scottish Golf has issued an update on restrictions to member clubs following First Minister Nicola Sturgeon introducing new Covid-19 restrictions. Picture: Scottish Golf

A 'competition bubble' highlighted by Scottish Golf in its latest update on Covid-19 restrictions does not affect how member clubs are currently running competitions.

In today's update, the governing body said that a 'competition bubble' should be effective immediately following First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announcing measures to combat the pandemic in the Scottish Parliament yesterday.

"For adults, a maximum of 30 people including coaches and officials can combine to essentially create a ‘competition bubble’ as long as physical distancing measures are maintained," said Scottish Golf's chief operating officer, Karin Sharp.

"Competition organisers should ensure that no two ‘bubbles’ come into contact with each other at any time throughout the day."

That led some club managers and secretaries to think it meant that only 30 players could be allowed on the course in a competition at any one time.

But The Scotsman has been told by Scottish Golf that is not the case and there is no change in terms of how competitions are being held by clubs due to the group sizes being three-balls or four-balls.

It appears the 'competition bubble' was advice given to all sports by sportscotland and is aimed more at team sports.

Today's update did include information, though, that will affect clubs, golfers and caddies in Scotland.

Any golf club/course which is accessed regularly by over 200 members or visitors, in a single day, must have in place a designated Covid officer and appropriate risk assessments.

Indoor and outdoor hospitality, including clubhouse facilities and beer gardens, will be required to close at 10 pm from Friday while golfers from different households should travel separately.

Caddie services, meanwhile, may resume, providing all physical distancing and hygiene measures are adhered to.

There are no restrictions on the number of households a caddie can have contact with per day but services should be limited to carrying of a bag, providing advice only and not passing golf clubs to the player.

"Once again, we would like to thank all of our clubs and golfers across Scotland for your continued co-operation and adherence to the current guidance during these challenging times," said Sharp.

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