Joy, relief as golf courses in England given green light to reopen from December 2
England Golf CEO Jeremy Tomlinson has welcomed the reopening of golf courses on December 2, and thinks they should now be exempt from any further lockdowns.
On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a lifting of lockdown restrictions, with outdoor grassroots sport allowed to resume in England next month – golf included.
“The announcement paves the way for golf to return at all COVID-19 alert levels within the Rule of Six, permitting fourball play without restriction on number of households,” read a statement released by England Golf.
“Coaching, fitting and ranges will also be allowed to open, as will indoor hospitality facilities in tiers one and two (those in tier three can continue a takeaway service only).”
Speaking after the Prime Minister’s announcement, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf’s Chairman, North Warwickshire MP, Craig Tracey said: “I am sure all involved in golf in England welcome the sport’s return and the industry has yet again pulled together to form a coherent message to Government articulating why it was safe to do so.
“As was seen both before and during this lockdown, golf is a sport that can be played safely and the industry adapted quickly to manage the restrictions imposed previously.
“Golf now has operational experience and established COVID secure practices, including rule changes and other mitigation measures that meet the Hands, Face, Space directive.
“It is therefore ideally placed to welcome people back when lockdown ends in all the home nations.
“The health and wellbeing benefits of playing golf are well documented in scientific literature and leaders in public health, public policy and sport from across the globe recognise that golf tackles physical inactivity and contributes to the prevention of a range of non-communicable diseases.
“Combining the undeniable benefits that golf offers to a significant proportion of the country, and the steps taken that ensure golf is a sport that can be played safely, the golf industry looks forward to welcoming players back and is confident it can meet future restrictions.”
England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson also welcomed the news, and said that golf courses should now be exempt from any further lockdowns.
“I would like to think that it’s on the back of a complete wave of support, with regards to golf clubs opening again,” he told Sky Sports News.
“Obviously our hope and desire is that golf clubs and golf courses remain open. They become exempt in the future for any further lockdowns. That would be our desire. But it’s great news.”
Latest
-
NewsJapan’s Hideki Matsuyama four shots clear headed into final round at Augusta
The 29-year-old completed the first bogey-free round of the week on Saturday.
-
NewsJustin Rose leads by one shot as bad weather halts play at Augusta
The hooter sounded to call the players and spectators off the course due to an approaching thunderstorm.
-
NewsJustin Rose battling history and Masters specialist Jordan Spieth at Augusta
The Englishman has finished second twice at Augusta National.
-
NewsWATCH: Masters mishaps and second-round fails!
Even the best players in the world are capable of looking a little bit silly.
-
NewsMasters day two: Justin Rose takes one-shot lead into the weekend
Defending champion Dustin Johnson missed the halfway cut along with Rory McIlroy.
-
NewsJustin Rose maintains narrow lead as Dustin Johnson bows out at Augusta
Rose heads into the weekend with a one-shot lead after carding a second-round 72.
-
NewsRory McIlroy encouraged to take a break as early Masters exit beckons
McIlroy has not won a major championship since 2014.
-
NewsJustin Rose maintains lead at Masters after stuttering start
At seven under par, Rose was two shots ahead of 2015 champion Jordan Spieth and Australia’s Marc Leishman.
-
NewsJustin Rose fights back to stay on top at the Masters
The Englishman made three late birdies to fire a level-par 72.
-
NewsBernd Wiesberger makes ground after Justin Rose’s shaky start to second round
The Olympic champion’s first-round advantage is cut to a single stroke at Augusta.