Scottish golfers given green light to increase playing format

Normal three balls now permitted plus resumption of competitions

Play has mainly been in two balls since courses reopened in Scotland on 29 May. Picture: SNS

Scottish golfers have been given the green light to resume playing with two friends in a three ball from tomorrow under the latest guidance from Scottish Golf as the sport continues to take careful steps on the journey out of the Covid-19 crisis.

Following First Minister Nicola Sturgeon signalling the start of phase two of lockdown restrictions being eased, four balls comprising of people from three households are also now allowed from tomorrow.

In addition, clubs have been given the thumbs up to resume competitions, though not open events on the basis that the "broad five miles" as a travel guideline from the Scottish Government remains in place for recreation.

Play in Scotland had mainly been limited to two balls at clubs around the country since courses reopened on 29 May, but the move to three balls will help take some pressure off tee sheets.

"I have been greatly encouraged by the many positive updates we have received from golf clubs over the last few weeks, with full tee sheets and many clubs signing up new members in pretty healthy numbers," said Scottish Golf CEO Karin Sharp in an update to clubs.

"I believe that this next phase on the journey can bring further benefit to the golf community and ask for your continued support in ensuring that we all play our part in operating within the guidelines.

"I hope your members enjoy the increased group sizes permitted and any of the other aspects that you as a club determine will return in the weeks ahead.

"Let’s ensure that we position the great game of golf in a positive light and continue to demonstrate that we are a healthy sport that can be played giving due consideration to social distancing, whilst contributing to the improved health and mental wellbeing of many people across the country."

Earlier this week, Scottish Golf revealed that a "small number" of its member clubs had been pulled up for "misinterpreting" elements of the guidance in phase one.

More so, it seems, than in those guidelines, it has been stressed that "travel restrictions remain in force which are very clear in terms of staying local for exercise".

That follows an earlier warning from Joe FitzPatrick MSP, the Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, and sportscotland chair Mel Young it could be law if people ignored that advice.

"Whilst some of the changes are effective from tomorrow, we recognise that clubs might need longer to implement amendments to tee sheets and it is for each club to determine the correct time for them to adopt any of the changes permitted," added Sharp.

"We have been working with sportscotland and the government to ensure that golf aligns with the guidelines laid out for Phase 2. It is important to remember that we continue to benefit from extension to exercise guidelines versus this being a full return of sport.

"This is a key distinction for the golf community to be aware of, as it does mean that some aspects or traditions of our game can’t yet return.

"The Scottish Golf guidance document has been updated and reviewed by appropriate Scottish Government channels and we would again ask that all clubs familiarise themselves with the discretionary aspects and the mandatory elements particularly in relation to physical distancing, hygiene and travel.

"It is important that clubs update their own guidance and continue to ensure that golfers understand their obligations as we move to this new phase."

In her announcement about the start of phase two of the Scottish Goverment's lockdown route map, the First Minister said that people who had been shielding during the pandemic can also start playing golf again from tomorrow.

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