Scottish Golf gives green light for courses to open

Scottish Golf has told member clubs they can reopen on May 29 after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gave the green light.

She confirmed that the first phase of the Scottish Government’s plan to ease the country out of the coronavirus crisis would proceed, adding that the changes must be “careful and cautious”.

• Related: Scottish Golf issue golf after lockdown guidance to clubs

Last week, a document published on the Scottish Government website – ‘Scotland’s route map through and out of this crisis’ – confirmed that in Phase 1 “we are planning to allow unrestricted outdoors exercise adhering to social distancing measures and non-contract outdoor activities in the local area – such as golf, hiking, canoeing, outdoor swimming, angling – consistent with the wider rules and guidance applicable to any activity in this phase”.

Following Sturgeon’s announcement, Scottish Golf issued a statement, which said: “Scottish Golf welcomes the news that our golfing community will benefit from the Scottish Government’s revised guidance for exercise as we enter Phase 1 in the easing of lockdown restrictions.

“Ahead of golf’s return, we have issued guidance developed in partnership with the Scottish Government, Active Scotland, sportscotland, Health Protection Scotland and key industry partners to support our clubs in preparing their facilities and we are pleased to confirm that the return of golf can now take place from Friday, 29 May.

“We know that this confirmation will be well received by all of our members and will have a positive impact on the physical and mental health of golfers across Scotland in the days and weeks ahead.

“We hope everyone enjoys returning to the fairways and would encourage all golfers to familiarise themselves with the current guidance to ensure we can all return to playing the game safely.”

Golf courses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have already been given the go ahead to reopen.

What do you make of the decision? Let us know in the comments, or tweet us.

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