England Golf issues updated guidance to clubs for period of national mourning
Clubs and counties across the country have been invited to mark the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II “in a respectful and appropriate manner”.
Having acknowledged that clubs and members would have questions at “how best to approach this time”, given the depth of feeling in the golfing community at Her Majesty, The Queen’s loss last Thursday, England Golf gave advice in a statement, issued on Friday in conjunction with the Golf Club Managers’ Association.
It said, per government guidance, that was no formal obligation for organisations or clubs to cancel or postpone sporting fixtures or events and invited them to show their condolences as they deemed appropriate.
With The Queen’s funeral taking place on Monday, September 19, the two bodies have now updated their guidance and have announced the following:
“As the nation prepares for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to be laid to rest on Monday 19 September, England Golf can now update clubs and counties on our own operations as well as signposting to the latest government guidance.
“At this time our thoughts remain with King Charles III and the Royal Family during a period of national mourning.
“Ahead of Monday’s funeral, our Captains’ event at Fulford Golf Club on Thursday, the English Women’s County Finals at Stoneham Golf Club from Friday through until Sunday and the English Champion Club at Lilley Brook Golf Club on Saturday and Sunday will all go ahead as planned.
“Similar to our championship events held at Woodhall Spa over the weekend, each occasion will be marked with a minute’s silence prior to the presentation ceremonies and flags will fly at half-mast in honour of our late patron.
“As per the government’s guidance sent out to clubs and counties on Friday, there remains no formal obligation for organisations/clubs to cancel or postpone sporting fixtures or events.
“Further guidance for sporting events in the official period of mourning can be found on the DCMS pages of gov.uk.
“On Monday 19 September, the day of the State Funeral, all offices, facilities and both courses at the National Golf Centre at Woodhall Spa will be closed for the full day as a mark of respect. These will all re-open on Tuesday 20 September.
“We invite clubs and counties to mark Monday’s solemn occasion in a respectful and appropriate manner. It is for each club and county to use their discretion and choose how to do this.
“During the days ahead our communications will continue to operate in a way that reflects the wider mood of the nation with our social media content scaled down and our digital channels and website design altered to include a black overlay.
“Further updates will be provided to clubs and counties as and when necessary.”
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.
