Golf carries on in Scotland – but some clubhouses forced to close
Golf continues in Scotland but “new hospitality restrictions” will apply to clubs across the country, the governing body said today.
Scottish Golf have been in talks with sportscotland and the Scottish Government to get clarity “about the new national restrictions being implemented across Scotland and how these might impact private member clubs” after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced new coronavirus lockdown restrictions on Wednesday.
A statement said: “On-course golf activities can continue under our current Phase 3 Guidance, with up to four players from four different households allowed to participate together.
“There are no changes to access to toilet facilities, locker rooms or professional shops which can continue to be utilised provided all appropriate measures, such as use of face masks, increased sanitation are adhered to.”
But it added: “The key changes that apply to all golf clubs, are the hospitality restrictions which apply to private members’ clubs across the country. These are summarised below and are effective from 6pm on Friday 9th October 2020:
- Pubs and licensed cafes in five Scottish health board areas – Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire & Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley – must shut to all but takeaway customers.
- In other parts of Scotland not mentioned above, pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes can operate 6am to 6pm but cannot serve alcohol indoors during that time. These premises can sell alcohol outdoors until 10pm.
- Rules on gatherings remain the same with a maximum of six people from two households permitted.”
With the changes varying in different regions of the country, Scottish Golf encouraged clubs to familiarise themselves with the latest guidance and “how it may impact their operations”.
“Scottish Golf remains in dialogue with sportscotland and the Scottish Government to seek further clarification on the potential impact of restrictions on indoor activity for driving ranges and swing rooms,” they said.
How will your club be affected by the new coronavirus restrictions? Have your say in the comments, or tweet me.
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Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.
