COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS - Golf clubhouse catering to close in Ayrshire for 2 weeks following latest restrictions

The latest COVID-19 restrictions, announced on Thursday 8th October, will mean that clubhouse catering facilities in Ayrshire will require to close down, with the exception of carry out food services, between 9th and 25th October.

Though the stricter constraints on a national level allow for some continuation of service in some areas, health board areas in the central belt, including Ayrshire & Arran are subject to stricter regulations which means all in house clubhouse refreshment and food provision will be suspended for that period.

The latest guidance note from Scottish Golf was published on Thursday 8th October, following the announcement of tighter restrictions, and is reproduced below.

Following the First Minister’s latest update in Parliament on Wednesday 7 October, Scottish Golf has been in dialogue with our partners at sportscotland and the Scottish Government to obtain further clarity about the new national restrictions being implemented across Scotland and how these might impact private member clubs.

On-course golf activities can continue under our current Phase 3 Guidance, with up to four players from four different households allowed to participate together. There are no changes to access to toilet facilities, locker rooms or professional shops which can continue to be utilised provided all appropriate measures, such as use of face masks, increased sanitation are adhered to. 

The key changes that apply to all golf club, are the hospitality restrictions which apply to private members clubs across the country. These are summarised below and are effective from 6pm on Friday 9th October 2020:

Pubs and licensed cafes in five Scottish health board areas - Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire & Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley - must shut to all but takeaway customers

In other parts of Scotland not mentioned above, pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes can operate 6am to 6pm but cannot serve alcohol indoors during that time. These premises can sell alcohol outdoors until 10pm. 

Rules on gatherings remain the same with a maximum of six people from two households permitted.  

The changes announced vary across different regions of the country and we would encourage all clubs to familiarise themselves with the latest guidance and how it may impact their operations. These measures are in place for an initial 16-day period and will be reviewed thereafter by the Scottish Government. 

Scottish Golf remains in dialogue with sportscotland and the Scottish Government to seek further clarification on the potential impact of restrictions on indoor activity for driving ranges and swing rooms. Further information will be provided as and when it is received from government.

We would like to thank all clubs and golfers across Scotland for your ongoing adherence to the latest guidance during these trying times. Scottish Golf will continue to keep all involved in the game updated via our dedicated COVID-19 webpage which can be accessed here.

Kind regards,

Karin Sharp, Chief Operating Officer

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION A.G.M. - Papers sent to member clubs

Papers and annual reports relating to the 2020 A.G.M. of The Ayrshire Golf Association were emailed to all member clubs on Friday 2nd October.

The A.G.M was scheduled to take place on Tuesday 20th October, but due to the present COVID-19 restrictions, it has been proposed to deal with the A.G.M. business by completion of simple voting sheets this year, subject to the majority of member clubs bening comfortable with this approach.

The provisional A.G.M. agenda is:-

1. Apologies
2. Minutes of AGM of 22/10/2019 
3. Matters Arising
4. Presidents report 
5. Financial report 
6. Coaching report 
7. Course rating report
8. Ayrshire Junior League Report
9. Election of President
10. Election of Vice President
11. Election of Secretary/Treasurer
12. Election of General Committee
13. SGL & Area Subscriptions
14. AOCB

In accordance with the constitution, there are four retiring members from the executive this year (Allan Muir, Mike Hazlewood, Andy Gilligan & Barry O’Rourke). Allan Muir has indicated he will not stand for re-election and in addition Hugh McKenzie has intimated his intention to stand down at the date of the AGM.

It is likely there will remain at least four other vacancies, for varying periods of three, two and one year, on the Executive committee.

Clubs are requested to encourage interested members to contact the Secretary or Executive members for more information and if appropriate seek nomination for the vacant posts.

Under the constitution, Nominees must be a member of a club affiliated to The Ayrshire Golf Association and be proposed and seconded by members of affiliated clubs also.

The work of The Association Executive is varied and encompasses, amongst other things, Competitions, Course rating, handicapping, team administration at all age groups, rules and working with the National body and local agencies in the promotion of golf in the county.

All matters for the AGM, any proposals from member clubs and nominations for above positions and Executive posts require to be in the hands of The Secretary, in writing, by  Tuesday 13^th October at the latest.  

As the current COVID-19 restrictions negate the possibility of holding a traditional AGM, it is intended, subject to the agreement of member clubs, to deal with business by completion of simple voting sheets this year. These will be distributed immediately after the closing date for acceptance of proposals for the AGM. In the event that a majority of member clubs are not comfortable with the proposed method of dealing with AGM business this year, alternative arrangements, incuding postponement or a virtual on line meeting will be considered.

The final Agenda of the meeting will be forwarded to member clubs immediately after 13^th October,, along with a copy of the voting sheet, as appropriate,

If any member club has not  received the email and attached papers they should contact the Area Secretary as soon as possible at ayrshire.golf@btinternet.com