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.