Friday, July 10, 2020

COVID - 19 GUIDANCE - Scottish Golf publish new guidance following further lockdown relaxation


Scottish Golf have released the latest COVID-19 guidance relating to golf in Scotland following the further relaxation of restrictions announced by the First Minister of Scotland on Thursday 9th July.

From Friday 10th July Fourball groups with players from any number of households will be permitted, whilst clubhouses will be permitted to provide indoor hospitality from Wednesday 15th July, subject to social distancing and hygiene rules.

There is however still no projected start date for the return of Open competitions at clubs, with only club members competitions being permitted still.

Scottish Golf Chief Operating officer, Karin Sharp, issued the following information to member clubs on Thursday 9th July.

Following the First Minister's update today, Scottish Golf is now in a position to provide all Clubs with Phase 3 Guidance for all Golf Clubs and Golfers as Scotland continues to transition through its route map out of lockdown.

The following changes are effective:

From tomorrow, Friday 10 July: 

Groups of up to four golfers with no restrictions on the number of households represented provided they adhere to the Government’s physical distancing rules.

Face coverings must be worn by members of the public when entering professional shops (retail facilities)

From Wednesday 15 July: 

Golf Clubs may offer Indoor hospitality subject to maintaining physical distancing and appropriate hygiene routines. 

Ahead of the wider re-opening of indoor hospitality venues, we have issued an updated version of our readiness guide to assist you with preparing your clubhouse for re-opening. The document is prepared based on the latest information we currently have. This could be subject to further change or additional measures that will require implementation.

At this time there remains no change in stance on the playing of competitive golf, with only club competition permitted despite the relaxation of travel restrictions. This decision is consistent across all sports and is based on the continuing premise that we are operating under an extension of exercise and not a return to sport. All clubs are asked to continue to respect the government position in this regard and not seek to jeopardise the image or trust in the golfing community by overlooking this key aspect that is applicable across all amateur sports that are currently operating.

Chief Operating Officer for Sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “It is a positive step for sport that public health guidelines for daily exercise have been extended further as part of the Scottish Government’s route map through the pandemic.

"While this is good news, it is not a return to sport as we know it and the most pressing priority remains public health and wellbeing.

"As such, it is crucial that participants, and everyone connected with sport in Scotland, continue to play their part by adhering to the latest government guidance and the advice issued by the governing body of each sport to ensure the safety of all those involved.”

The latest guidance on a return to competitive sport can be found on Sportscotland's website. 
Scottish Golf will continue to keep all clubs and tournament organisers updated via our dedicated COVID-19 webpage.

 We would once again like to thank all of our clubs and gofers across Scotland for your continued co-operation. We continue to make good progress as a community and by adhering to the latest guidance, it will ensure we can all continue to enjoy playing the game safely.

Kind regards,

Karin Sharp, Scottish Golf COO

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