COVID -19 UPDATE - Scottish Golf release statement regarding Open Competitions which opens looophole in restrictions

Following the latest Scottish Government update on the COVID-19 restrictions and relaxations, Scottish Golf have issued a statement regarding the position of Open Competitions which are still not permitted in the traditional manner. The statement does however seem to indicate that, by definition, if the format is a non qualifying round, and complies with all other COVID-19 regulations, then other formats of play involving visitors is permitted.

This seems to leave a loophole open to clubs and societies to generally hold events provided they are not qualifying events for handicap purposes.

The full Scottish Golf statement reads:-  

Following the First Minister’s update today, we wish to inform all clubs that there are no further easing of restrictions directly relevant to golf clubs or their operations and as a result, our Phase 3 guidance remains unchanged at this time.

However, following an increased volume of enquiries and growing confusion across the membership, we wish to take this opportunity to clarify Scottish Golf’s position on Open Competitions.

The definition of an Open Competition concerning the current route map out of lockdown is “a qualifying round of golf played at a venue away from a player’s home club.” Any other format of play that takes place by visitors to golf clubs is permitted provided that all related COVID-19 regulations including travel restrictions, sanitation protocols and physical distancing protocols are met, along with industry-specific guidance being adhered to both on and off the course.

We continue to respect and follow the guidance issued by the Scottish Government and will continue to work with them to contain the spread of the virus to save lives.

We urge all our member clubs to continue with the current guidance but can assure our members that we will continue to make representations on behalf of our clubs to Government in the strongest possible way to bring about change. We will continue to keep all member clubs appraised of any changes to guidance and as always clubs should note that restrictions may be re-introduced if anything changes on a local or national basis.

To keep up to date with all of the latest COVID-19 guidance for golf in Scotland, people should visit Scottish Golf's dedicated web page.

Kind regards,
The Scottish Golf Team

COVID - 19 - Scottish Golf reinforce position regarding locker rooms in golf clubs

Scottish Golf has issues guidance to member clubs on Thursday 23 July 2020, reinforcing the current directive that locker rooms within golf clubs must remain closed at the present time.

The following communication was circulated:-

Dear Member Clubs,

There have been a number of enquiries in recent days with regards to locker rooms and confusion as to whether they are permitted to be back in operation and we felt it was appropriate to provide an update to all clubs on this topic.

In anticipation of Scotland entering Phase 3 of its route map out of lockdown, Scottish Golf provided all clubs with a Readiness Guide to support you in preparing for the reopening of Clubhouse Facilities. This Guide, which was subject to change, was issued in advance of announcements by Scottish Government to give all clubs as much time as possible to prepare for several significant changes that would impact on how your clubhouse operates. It was however issued noting that it was subject to final approval once public announcements had been made.

Following the announcement that we would be entering Phase 3, Public Health Scotland and the Scottish Government later confirmed that locker rooms must remain closed at this time. 

As and when this guidance is changed, we will inform all clubs. We thank you for your continued understanding at this time and should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kind regards,
The Scottish Golf Team

PRESTWICK ST CUTHBERT GOLF CLUB - Two open competitions cancelled

Prestwick St Cuthbert Golf Club have announced that, due to the current government restrictions on open competitions and the hosting of large visiting groups, that two of the open competitions scheduled to take place at the club in the near future have been cancelled.

The events concerned are:-

The Gents Senior Texas Scramble scheduled for Saturday 1st August
and the
Gents St Cuthbert Open scheduled for Saturday 8th August.

Any enquiries regarding the events should be directed to Prestwick St Cuthbert club and competitors who have already entered are requested to contact the Secretary during office hours, on 01292 477101 - option 1,  to arrange a refund.

TROON ST MEDDANS OPEN - 2020 event cancelled

The 2020 Troon St. Meddans Open competition, due to take place on Saturday 8th August has been cancelled.

With the restrictions on the hosting of Open Competitions and large parties of visiting golfers still in place and with no projected date for the relaxation of these restrictions, the club have taken the decision to cancel the event this year.

All enquiries regarding the competition should be directed to the Troon St Meddans club.

OPEN COMPETITIONS - Scottish Golf reiterate current guidance in respect of open competitions in Scotland

In response to a number of enquiries, Scottish Golf have reiterated the current guidance in respect of the hosting of Open competitions in Scotland, which remain off limits for the present, with no return to competitive Open events envisaged in the near future. The ban on open competitions includes large outings with a competitive element.

The latest advice, issued to member clubs and Area/County Associations by Scottish Golf this week, is reproduced below.

Dear Member Clubs,

Scottish Golf continues to work with Sportscotland and the Scottish Government as we continue to transition through the different Phases of Scotland’s route map out of lockdown.

Following continued discussions with the Government during the transition into Phase 3, our guidance on Open Competitions has had to remain the same, in that these cannot be played at present. We understand that this does present golf clubs across Scotland with significant challenges but at this time, where public health remains the priority, we wanted to provide all affiliated clubs with some more information on the framework behind this decision.

During the easing of lockdown restrictions, golf has been, and continues to be, viewed as an extension to exercise, not a return to sport. This is consistent across the sport sector in Scotland and it is imperative that all golf clubs follow the current rules regarding competitions that are in effect.

These rules can be accessed on the Scottish Golf website, and state:

“22. Competitions

“22.1 Competitions or events where groups of more than 5 households (or extended households) (maximum of 15 people) congregate at any one time are not permitted.

“22.2 Competitions should only be undertaken locally and informally at your own club/venue where household, physical distancing and hygiene measures are in place. 

“22.3 Travel to competition out with your normal club/venue of play is not permitted.”

We recognise that some professional events have confirmed their intent to resume in Scotland behind-closed-doors later this summer. We would like to make clear to clubs that the resumption of these elite events will be subject to adherence of rigorous COVID-19 testing protocols that sit within the performance sport framework. These requirements are world-leading and in many cases, the costs associated would not be viable for non-professional and non-elite performance events.

Golf is a game that prides itself on sporting integrity and as the national governing body, we must again emphasise that we all have a role to play in maintaining the integrity of the game and if necessary applying sanctions to any organisation found to be in breach of the ruling on running open competitions. This is not something we would wish to see and would encourage all clubs to familiarise themselves with the current guidance and take appropriate action to ensure that all guidelines are being met.

Thanks once again, for your continued support and understanding as we remain in this extension to exercise phase.

Kind regards,
Karin Sharp, Scottish Golf COO

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

VIKING KRUS - Largs 36 hole event cancelled for 2020

Largs Golf Club have cancelled the 2020 Viking Krus competition.


The 36 hole scratch event, a regular counting competition in the Ayrshire Order of Merit, was due to take place on Sunday 16th of August, but the present COVID-19 situation has prompted the club to cancel the event this year.

BUNKERS AND HANDICAP QUALIFYING COMPETITIONS - Clarification received from Scottish Golf

Recently questions have been raised regarding the status of local rules regarding bunkers, and how they affect counting competitions for handicaps.

In the published Scottish Golf Phase 2 and Covid-19 guidelines there appears to be conflicting information.

In one document it is stated that a committee can make all bunkers No Play Zones or 6" relief to run competitions.

In the other guidance document it is stated that if a committee makes bunkers a Ground Under repair or a club length then they won't count for handicapping purposes.

Clarification has been sought from Scottish Golf and it has been confirmed that for qualifying competitions the rule for bunkers is 6 inch preferred lie or GUR but not a mixture of the both.

If one club length is used in competitions then they must be non qualifying.

COMPETITION GOLF - R & A and USGA clarify competition status with temporary measures during COVID-19 pandemic

The R&A and USGA have moved to clarify whether a competition being run using temporary measures to help minimise exposing players to COVID-19 is being “played under the Rules of Golf”.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, both governing bodies have issued guidance so that Committees running golf competitions can better understand the options available under the Rules of Golf.

The R&A’s expanded guidance, which supplements the information contained in the Committee Procedures section of the “Official Guide to the Rules of Golf”, is outlined below. In relation to this guidance, it is important to note the following:

The Rules of Golf have not been modified.

If a Committee follows any of the available options contained in this guidance, the competition is being played under the Rules of Golf.
If a Committee is considering taking an action to modify the Rules of Golf that is not addressed within the Committee Procedures or in the expanded guidance below, that Committee should contact The R&A if it wishes guidance on whether the competition will be played under the Rules of Golf.

It is not the purpose of this communication to make recommendations or offer guidance in relation to the playing of golf at this time. Please refer to the appropriate body in your country for such guidance.


Scoring in Stroke Play (Rule 3.3b)

In view of concerns around handling and exchanging scorecards (which may be in paper or electronic form as already provided in the Rules), on a temporary basis, Committees may choose to allow methods of scoring in stroke play that do not strictly comply with Rule 3.3b or do not comply with the normal methods used under Rule 3.3b.

For example:

Players may enter their own hole scores on the scorecard (it is not necessary for a marker to do it).
It is not necessary to have a marker physically certify the player’s hole scores, but some form of verbal certification should take place if at all possible.
It is not necessary to physically return a scorecard to the Committee provided the Committee can accept the scores in another way.

Flagsticks

Committees may choose to adopt the following policies on a temporary basis:

Require that players leave the flagstick in the hole at all times. It is a matter for the Committee to decide whether it establishes this policy by way of a Code of Conduct or Local Rule, and whether it provides a penalty under the Code of Conduct or for a breach of the Local Rule.
Not have flagsticks at all.
As a temporary provision, flagsticks can be used for the purpose of player safety which do not meet the specifications in Part 8 of the Equipment Rules. For example, a Committee may temporarily decide to use a flagstick that has an added movable platform or tray to help prevent touching the flagstick when removing the ball from the hole.
Allow players to centre the flagstick in a safe manner which does not involve using the hand, even when wearing a glove or using a towel (for example, by using a club). The centring of the flagstick may be allowed while another player putts (this may be desirable in windy conditions when the flagstick is required to be left in the hole and is leaning towards the player making the stroke).

Hole and Definition of Holed

A method of inserting the hole liner may be used that means that all of the ball does not fall below the surface of the putting green and can be easily retrieved by handling the ball only.

But if any of the following provisions are used, play in such circumstances is not in accordance with the Rules of Golf:

Treating a ball as holed or holed with the next stroke if it is within a certain distance of the hole.
Having the hole liner sitting above the surface of the green and treating a ball as holed if it strikes the liner.

Treating a ball as holed when it has bounced out of the hole for any reason (for example, when it has bounced off the flagstick, a tray attached to the flagstick or the hole liner).
Bunkers

If rakes have been removed from the course, or if the Committee has requested that rakes not be used, it is recognised that bunkers may not be smoothed as well as when there are rakes on the course. Players should be requested to make their best efforts to smooth bunkers using their feet or a club, which was the method used to smooth bunkers until the relatively modern practice of having rakes on the course was introduced. This may not provide an ideal lie in a bunker, but coping with imperfect lies, whether in a bunker or elsewhere, is a normal part of the game.

But, if the Committee decides that, even with players making their best efforts to smooth the sand, the condition of the bunkers is likely to be so abnormal that it will be clearly unreasonable for players to play the ball as it lies, the Committee may use one of the following options:

Change the status of the bunkers to be part of the general area and declare all of them to be ground under repair.

Introduce preferred lies in bunkers, for example allowing a place in the bunker within one club-length not nearer to the hole than where the ball came to rest.

But if the following provision is used, play in such circumstances is not in accordance with the Rules of Golf:

Allowing a ball to be lifted, the bunker to be smoothed and the ball to be replaced.

Note: A Committee should consult its handicapping authority for guidance on whether scores are acceptable for handicapping purposes.

SCOTTISH GOLF COVID-19 GUIDANCE - Updated Phase 2 guidance issued to clubs

Following the First Minister's latest announcements on the relaxation of lockdown rules in Scotland, on Thursday 2nd July 2020, Scottish Golf have issued revised Phase 2 Guidance to member clubs.

Measures include the relaxation of the five mile travel restrictions, subject to local lockdown arrangements, the opening of toilet facilities and outdoor hospitality at clubs and the wearing of face coverings in professional shops.

As yet there is no date projected for the recommencement of Open competitions, Elite Amateur events and professional events, other than a general indicator that such events will not be permitted for some time yet.

The correspondence , issued by Scottish Golf Chief Operating Officer Karin Sharp, is reproduced below:-

Following the First Minister's update today, Scottish Golf is now in a position to provide all Clubs with updated Phase 2 Guidance as Scotland continues to transition through its route map out of lockdown. There are several key dates outlined in our updated Phase 2 Guidance and we would encourage clubs to study these carefully. 

The following changes are effective:

From tomorrow, Friday 3 July: 

Travel restrictions are now lifted (with exception of Annan, Gretna, Dumfries, Langholm and Canonbie, where 5-mile guidance remains in place).

Toilet facilities can re-open subject to the implementation of appropriate hygiene routines.
From Monday 6 July: 

Outdoor hospitality can recommence subject to maintaining physical distancing and appropriate hygiene routines. 

From Friday 10 July: 
Face coverings must be worn when entering professional shops 

At this time there is no change in stance on the playing of competitive golf, with only club competition permitted despite the relaxation of travel restrictions. This decision is based on the continuing premise that we are operating under an extension of exercise and not a return to sport. 

While we do not have any set date for Open competitions, Elite Amateur or indeed Professional events, we do want to be as open and transparent as we possibly can to allow our stakeholders to assess any plans they may currently have in place. At present, it is not currently envisaged that these type of events will return for some time yet. 

As with all of Scottish Golf’s guidance during the extension to exercise, this will be subject to change and will require final sign off from Government. Scottish Golf will continue to keep all clubs and tournament organisers updated via our dedicated COVID-19 webpage.

In the meantime we ask all of our member clubs and tournament organisers utilising facilities affiliated to Scottish Golf, to adhere to this mandatory regulation on competitive golf by ensuring that they are not operating any competitive events which allow non-members of the club to take part.

In anticipation of the wider re-opening of indoor hospitality venues, we have prepared a 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 it is our understanding that a target date of 15 July remains. As with all of Scottish Golf’s guidance, this is subject to change and will require final sign off from Government. This will not happen until nearer the time and we will continue to keep our clubs updated as and when we have further information available on this aspect.  

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.

SCOTTISH GOLF - COVID-19 FIXED COSTS GRANT & CLUB RELIEF FUND

As part of a club support package funded by the R&A, Scottish Golf have announced that £685,000 will be made available to affiliated Scottish Golf clubs who have been affected financially by COVID-19.

The grants will be made available via two separate allocations; the COVID-19 Fixed Costs Grant and the Club Relief Fund.

Details of the two funds are outlined below, and applications are welcomed from all affiliated Scottish Golf clubs:

COVID-19 FIXED COSTS GRANT

Value: £285,000

£500 maximum per club

The COVID-19 Fixed Costs Grant will enable every affiliated club in Scotland to apply for a maximum of £500 for fixed costs specifically associated with preparing for safe play and club/course management following the COVID-19 lockdown in early March 2020.

These can include but are not exhaustive of sanitation products, COVID-19 related H&S safety equipment, professional fees, signage, training, video conferencing licence (e.g. zoom) and any other COVID-19 related spend.

To apply to receive funding, clubs are required to fill out a short application form confirming details about the club, which is available via the Scottish Golf website, as are the full terms and conditions.

Only one application per club will be accepted for the COVID-19 Fixed Costs Grant.

The application process for the COVID-19 Fixed Costs Grant will open on Monday 29th June and will close on Friday 24th July. All grants will be paid to clubs within ten working days of notification of a successful application, and clubs should note these dates as the closing date will be strictly adhered to.

Money not claimed in relation to the COVID-19 Fixed Costs Grant will be transferred to the Club Relief Fund on Monday 27th July.

CLUB RELIEF FUND

Value: £400,000

£1,000 - £5,000 per club

The Club Relief Fund has been created to provide financial support to clubs who have been impacted by the pandemic. This fund is concentrated on enabling clubs to reinstate or to increase expenditure in key areas to either improve member experience or boost income generation potential.

The long-term impact of COVID-19 on the golfing landscape is still unknown, but this fund is aimed at helping clubs take the first steps to recovery and look to thrive again in the future.

Clubs applying to this fund are required to complete a four-stage application to ensure the Review Committee have the correct information available to allocate funds.

The information required includes:

Standard Club Criteria and Agreement

Commitment to Growing the Game

Financial Information

Impact of Funding

The application for clubs is again available via the Scottish Golf website, as are the full terms and conditions.

*** Questions have been raised in relation to condition 2.5 of the Club Relief Grant, which indicates that clubs should be a course owning facility or one which incurs maintenance costs for a golf course, with concerns that many clubs who play over municipal courses or have playing rights bestowed by the course owners, would be debarred from making application to the fund.

Clarification has been sought and received from Scottish Golf as follows:-

Member clubs are not disbarred from applying for any support from this fund and are welcome to apply to both the COVID-19 Fixed Costs Fund and the Club Relied Fund.

It is the case that the criteria for the Club Relief Fund is weighted. The reason for this is that the fund is limited and can only realistically service 80-100 of 580 clubs. Clubs with primary cost responsibility for both a clubhouse and course do get weighted slightly higher than clubs with only a clubhouse. If a club have received no government grant funding that would also weight in favour in this regard.

The COVID-19 Fixed Costs fund is not weighted and has very limited criteria. It can also cover any past (and future) fixed costs incurred due to COVID-19.

In terms of the Relief Fund, the weighted criteria will be applied consistently and as a consequence will endeavour to get the funds to where they are most needed.

The application process for the Club Relief Fund will open on Monday 29th June and will close on Friday 24th July. Assessment of all applications will be undertaken during the week beginning 27th July with decisions being communicated by Friday 7th August. At that point, successful clubs will be asked to complete a final sign-off document, including bank details for payment. Again clubs should note these dates as the application dates will be strictly adhered to.

Scottish Golf anticipate the volume of applications to be high and the criteria outlined will be strictly applied to ensure that the funds available are distributed where most needed.

If any clubs have any questions regarding making an application, they can get in touch with Scottish Golf by email at info@scottishgolf.org.