OPEN COMPETITIONS - Two more events cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The 2020 competition for two more established events in Ayrshire have been cancelled this week, as a consequence of the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.

The Prestwick Junior Open, which was due to take place at Prestwick St Cuthbert GC on Friday 7th August will not be held this year, but will be back, all being well, in 2021.

Also announced by Golf South Ayrshire is the cancellation of the popular Troon Golf Weekender which was scheduled to take place from 28th to 30th August.

COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS - Scottish Golf issue further guidance following relaxation of lockdown rules

Following the Government announcement last week on some relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, Scottish Golf’s Chief Operating Officer Karin Sharp has circulated further information as the clubs and golfers in the country enter Phase 2 of golf’s return in Scotland.

“Whilst this move was welcomed by all of us here at Scottish Golf and has allowed for some additional flexibility to the way we enjoy our game, it does remain within the extension to exercise guidelines and not a full return to sport as we know it. One of the most positive changes in Phase 2 is that those who have been shielding can now return to the fairways and we hope that those golfers enjoy being reunited with the game over the days and weeks ahead.

 While the majority of affiliated clubs in Scotland continue to adhere to the guidance set out by us https://scottishgolf.org/phase-2-guidance-for-golf-clubs-and-golfers-in-scotland/ , there has been some evidence of breaches in guidance by a minority of Golf Clubs.

 In Phase 2, the Scottish Government’s restrictions on travel remain the same, that people should remain local (not travel more than broadly 5 miles) for recreation. In turn, this means that Clubs cannot run Open Competitions in Phase 2. Both as a community of golfers, and as a nation, we have made significant progress in tackling COVID-19, and we must continue to work collectively to adhere to the rules currently in place. By doing this, we will continue towards a return to the traditions of our game as we all know it.

 To support Clubs who are preparing to run Club Competitions, Scottish Golf has issued new guidance to support Committees across Scotland in facilitating counting competitions and this can be found here. https://ocs-sport.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/sg/2020/06/Scottish-Golf-Covid-19-Qualifying-Competitions-Guide-v1-2905204.pdf

 Our team remain on hand to support all clubs with any questions or queries you might have. For the latest updates on COVID-19, please visit our dedicated website page here. https://scottishgolf.org/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

Kind regards,

Karin Sharp, Scottish Golf COO

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS - Scottish Golf urged to reinforce 5 mile rule or face possible legal enforcement

Scottish Golf, and other governing bodies have been urged to reinforce a 5 mile travel rule for recreation purposes, or face the possibility of the restriction being made law to enforce the restriction.


This circulation will have a significant effect on a number of golf clubs throughout Ayrshire and beyond, who draw a significant proportion of their membership from areas outwith a five mile radius of the club.

The matter was highlighted today in The Scotsman, following the circulation of a letter to the Chief executive of a number of national sporting bodies.

The response from Scottish Golf and any guidance from the national body is awaited.

An image of the Scotsman article and a copy of the letter are reproduced here.