When will golf courses reopen? Why golf courses in Scotland remain closed as courses in England can open this week
Talk of lockdown restrictions being lifted is on the lips of just about anyone
People are eager - and with good reason - to get back out there and continue living their lives as normally as possible.
One demographic who've been unable to enjoy their favourite pastime is golfers.
While the countryside remained open for reasonable, socially-distanced walks and exercise, privately owned golf courses did not, despite providing ample space to enjoy the game at a distance from others.
So just when might golfers be able to get back out onto courses to enjoy a round?
When will golf courses reopen?
The UK Government has announced that golf will be able to resume in England on Wednesday 13 May, but unfortunately, due to devolved administrations taking differing approaches to the lockdown, golf courses in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will remain closed.
The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) are currently advising golf clubs and course managers in those areas of the UK to plan for two potential scenarios.
The first posits that courses may receive permission to open at very short notice, "perhaps even overnight."
The second suggests golf facilities "may be given 1 - 2 weeks’ notice to prepare for opening."
What might a day at the golf course look like post-lockdown?
"Evidence from other countries and UK dependencies where courses have reopened suggests that demand for golf will be very high," say BIGGA.
An increase in demand will mean an increase in course maintenance, which would have to be carefully considered in a socially distant climate.
Measures put in place to allow for proper maintenance could include the prohibition of play before a given time each day, and a strict limit on the number of starting points for golf.
Clubs could also implement scheduled course closures to allow for keepers to keep up with maintenance, and an agreed a pace of play so golfers don’t catch up with greenkeepers.
Will you have to socially distance on the golf course?
Of course, much like is being practised now, social distancing among players will likely need to be observed for a time, even once lockdown is lifted.
That could be much easier on the open expanse of a golf course, but precautions will still have to be taken.
Increased hand sanitation stations in club houses and on courses is almost a given, and a more stringent policy on the hiring and sharing of equipment could be in place.
Clubs could also choose to enforce the mandatory wearing of facemasks on their grounds, even while playing out in the open.
"When governments and authorities give express consent, play may be able to begin in a regulated way," say BIGGA.
Their advice suggests that courses implement a number of procedures if and when courses are allowed to reopen, including:
- Online tee time booking
- Increased time between tee times to allow for easier social distancing
- Restricted numbers of players in a group
- Playing a reduced number of holes (e.g. 9 holes)
- Payment taken online or by contactless methods
- Marshals on the course to ensure social distancing is maintained
- Using a hole liner system that means the ball doesn’t drop and can be retrieved without touching the cup
- The removal of bunker rakes and other 'course furniture', and the covering or closing of ball washers
- Golfers should be asked to leave the venue as soon as their game is completed
How many people can I play golf with?
The Government’s guidance on exercising states that you must “only exercise with up to one person from outside your household” in England.
“This means you should not play team sports, except with members of your own household.”
Thankfully, golf is not a team sport, but due to the current rules, you should only plan to play a round with one person from outside your household, making sure you maintain social distancing at all times.
In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, golf remains completely off the table.