Wait goes on for open amateur golf events in Scotland to get green light

Scottish Golf has told clubs it is making representations to the Scottish Government in the "strongest possible way". Picture: Scottish Golf

Open stroke-play competitions in Scotland are still not being permitted after Scottish Golf informed clubs today that its Phase 3 guidance "remains unchanged".

But the governing body insisted it is making representations on behalf of member clubs to the Scottish Government in the "strongest possible way" to bring about change.

Club competitions have been taking place since restrictions started to be eased following courses re-opening at the end of May.

The green light was also given earlier this week for professional events to restart in Scotland with immediate effect.

That raised hopes of Open amateur events following suit, but instead the wait goes on, as clubs have been informed in an update from Scottish Golf.

It read: "Following the First Minister’s update today, we wish to inform all clubs that there are no further easing of restrictions directly relevant to golf clubs or their operations and as a result, our Phase 3 guidance remains unchanged at this time.

"However, following an increased volume of enquiries and growing confusion across the membership, we wish to take this opportunity to clarify Scottish Golf’s position on Open competitions.

"The definition of an Open competition concerning the current route map out of lockdown is “a qualifying round of golf played at a venue away from a player’s home club.

"Any other format of play that takes place by visitors to golf clubs is permitted provided that all related Covid-19 regulations including travel restrictions, sanitation protocols and physical distancing protocols are met, along with industry-specific guidance being adhered to both on and off the course."

Scottish clubs and members have done their sport proud since golf became the first sport to get back up and running following the Covid-19 lockdown.

Some people have no problems with the stance on Open competitions, but others are beginning to lose patience with the Scottish Government and Scottish Golf over the issue.

"We continue to respect and follow the guidance issued by the Scottish Government and will continue to work with them to contain the spread of the virus to save lives," added Scottish Golf.

"We urge all our member clubs to continue with the current guidance but can assure our members that we will continue to make representations on behalf of our clubs to Government in the strongest possible way to bring about change.

"We will continue to keep all member clubs appraised of any changes to guidance and as always clubs should note that restrictions may be re-introduced if anything changes on a local or national basis."

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy YatesEditorial Director