As the UK adjusts to different tiers of lockdown and we prepare for the clocks to go back this weekend, thank goodness for the great game of golf!
It’s an ever-changing picture, but, as an outdoor sport, you can still play golf everywhere, except sadly, in Wales (from Friday, October 23).
The main impact is on life in the clubhouse and we’ll try here to explain how it could affect your time at the golf club.
England
The Players Golf Club Chipping Sodbury, Golf Planet Holidays
The three tiers start at Medium which is in line with all the current restrictions. These are:-
- Everyone must be seated to eat or drink at tables of no more than six people, indoors or outdoors
- bars and restaurants shutting by 10pm
- Wearing a mask in all public areas of the clubhouse, including cloakrooms and the pro shop
Several regions of England including much of the North East of England, the North West as well as London, Essex, parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Surrey, Nottinghamshire and Essex are now in Tier Two. This High Tier has additional restrictions.
You can still enjoy your golf game with friends but drinks afterwards would have to be on the terrace as you cannot share a table in the clubhouse with anyone outside your household or social bubble.
For Tier 3, or Very High, areas, currently Liverpool and Lancashire, – playing golf outdoors is still allowed.
Everyone in a Very High area should avoid travelling to another part of the UK and is instructed not to stay overnight in another part of the UK. Likewise you should not travel to a Very High area.
Government advice states the “restrictions placed on areas with a very high level of infections can vary and are based on discussions between central and local government”.
- Restrictions are likely to impact on clubhouses as bars can only stay open if they operate as restaurants, serving substantial meals.
- Pro shops can remain open, with staff and shoppers wearing masks.
- All clubs have a legal obligation to collect track and trace information on all visitors to the clubhouse and keep it for 21 days.
Scotland
Royal Aberdeen Golf Course, Golf Planet Holidays
Golf can continue with up to four players from four different households allowed to play together. There are no changes to access to toilet facilities, locker rooms or professional shops.
Pubs and restaurants, including clubhouses, in five Scottish health board areas – Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire & Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley – were told to shut to all but takeaway customers – but licensed cafes can remain open from 6am to 6pm. However, they must not sell alcohol.
In other parts of Scotland, pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes and clubhouses can operate from 6am to 6pm but cannot serve alcohol indoors during that time. They can sell alcohol outdoors until 10pm.
Wales
Rolls of Monmouth Golf Course, Golf Planet
As of October 23, Wales is going into a firebreak Covid-19 lockdown for 17 days. All non-essential shops, leisure facilities, including golf courses, and places of worship must close.
Support your pro shop
Use your Golf Shop for gifts to help it survive
If your pro shop is still open, please do try to support it. There’s a plea to shop local for this Christmas, rather than online. If you don’t use it, you could lose it!
Keep an eye on www.englandgolf.org for any updates.
