How will the new Covid rules in England affect golf?
Golf clubs must “consider the layout of their facilities, especially their clubhouses” when applying new rules on Covid-19 restrictions, England Golf have explained.
The governing body has issued advice to clubs following the Government’s announcement of an increase to the mandatory use of face coverings and working from home.
Considering the effect the changes will have on golf club operations, on face coverings, which came into effect on December 10, England Golf said the guidance stated: “In England, face coverings are now required by law in most indoor public places.
“Face coverings are not required in hospitality venues where food and drink are consumed.
“Where a premises or part of a premises is being used for an event where the main activities include eating, drinking and dancing, face coverings are not required. Face coverings must be worn in communal areas of the premises not being used for the event.
“In indoor settings where a face covering is not legally required, you should still continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet.”
England Golf added: “Golf clubs must consider the layout of their facility, especially their clubhouse, when applying the rules.”
On working from home, which comes into effect from December 13, England Golf said government guidance revealed: “Office workers who can work from home should do so. Anyone who cannot work from home should continue to go into work – for example, to access equipment necessary for their role or where their role must be completed in person.
“In-person working will be necessary in some cases to continue the effective and accessible delivery of some public services and private industries. If you need to continue to go into work, consider taking lateral flow tests regularly to manage your own risk and the risk to others.
“Employers should consider whether home working is appropriate for workers facing mental or physical health difficulties, or those with a particularly challenging home working environment.”
England Golf said it was for each individual golf club to determine, in line with the government guidance, the advice for employed staff to work from home where possible.
Visit the England Golf website for more.
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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.
