‘Small number’ of Scottish golf clubs ‘misinterpreted’ safe golf guidelines

Governing body issues fresh call over restrictions

A couple of golfers respecting the lockdown two-ball limit and the two-metre social distancing rule as they play at Murrayfield GC. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Scottish Golf has issued a fresh call to member clubs to continue following Covid-19 guidelines after revealing that a “small number” had been pulled up for “misinterpreting” elements of the governing body’s guidance for the first phase of reopening.

In the guidelines provided by Scottish Golf for the sport’s eagerly-awaited restart on 29 May, clubs were advised to limit play mainly to two-balls with social distancing measures in place.

Groups of up to four but from only two households in the first phase of the Scottish Government’s Route Map were allowed at the discretion of individual clubs.

The majority of Scotland’s 550-odd clubs have adhered to those guidelines over the past three weeks, even though it has put an enormous strain on tee sheets.

However, rumours that some clubs have been allowing more than two balls comprising of people from more than two households have now been confirmed.

In a statement, the governing body said: “Scottish Golf has been made aware of a small number of clubs who have misinterpreted elements of the Phase 1 guidance.

“Where this has been brought to our attention, we have engaged directly and positively with clubs to rectify any misunderstanding.

“It remains important that we all continue to play our part by understanding and following the guidelines, particularly as we move through further stages in the weeks to come.”

Phase 2 is due to kick in following First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s next official review of the lockdown restrictions tomorrow.

In England, where courses reopened a fortnight before Scotland, the second phase involved clubs being allowed to return to three and four-balls.

Step two of the “protocol for the safe return of golf” in Northern Ireland commenced a week past Monday, with four-balls being allowed at 12-minute intervals and competitions also being started up.

“Our Phase 2 plans for the return of golf were submitted to the Scottish Government last week,” said a Scottish Golf spokesperson.

“We are currently working within the Government’s framework to achieve approval on these proposals and do not anticipate being in a position to issue anything by way of an update before the First Minister’s daily briefing on Thursday afternoon.”

Gordon Simpson, the manager of Gullane Golf Club, which has one of the biggest membership in Scotland, said the golf industry is “waiting with baited breath” to hear what comes out of that.

“It would be very helpful if fourballs were allowed to resume,” he added. “Also, we really need to be allowed to start opening facilities such as toilet facilities, both on the course and in clubhouses, especially if we are allowed to open up the food and beverage provision in outside spaces.”

A week after courses reopened, Scottish Golf was urged to reinforce guidelines for recommended travel in phase one of lockdown restrictions being eased after a warning that the “broad five miles” could become law.

The message was delivered to the chief executives of all the sports governing bodies in Scotland in a letter from Joe FitzPatrick MSP, the Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, and Mel Young, chair of sportscotland.

They acknowledged that the “majority” of people had adhered to the guidance to not travel more than five miles since golf was among the sports allowed to return. But the letter also highlighted “evidence” of a minority not abiding by the guidelines and travelling “significant distances unnecessarily”.

Posted on the Scottish Golf website, the letter went on: “This is something we do not want to do, but may have to if we think it is necessary for the collective safety and wellbeing of everyone. We ask that you reinforce this with your clubs and members as a matter of urgency.”

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