Clubs get ready for tee off time

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed on Thursday that Scottish clubs can open their doors again from next Friday, May 29, subject to final confirmation in an update on May 28.

Fife based Scottish Golf, the governing body for the sport in the country, has issued guidance to its clubs on what measures must be in place to ensure a safe re-opening.

The following groupings are permitted: Two balls which may be from two households whilst maintaining physical distancing and groups up to four players at the discretion of the golf club - ensuring that only two households are represented in the group.

“Scottish Golf would like to highlight that the Scottish Government continues to monitor its response to the COVID-19 outbreak closely and have not ruled out the re-introduction of restrictions which could see golf paused again if these guidelines are not being followed,” it added.

Government instructions on travel remain in place, meaning golfers should only travel to a local course within a rough five-mile radius of their home.

Social distancing requirements set out by The R&A, including not touching the flag, staying two metres away from others are in place, while clubhouses and facilities will remain closed under this initial phase.

Locally, Lundin Golf Club is amongst those now anticipating the arrival of golfers.

Following Thursday’s announcement, a spokesman said: “Here at Lundie all the team are working tirelessly to ensure when we are given the green light we’re good to go.

“Will it be the 28th of May or the 1st of June?

What ever the instruction we have everything in hand!”

Further up the coast, the St Andrews Links Trust, which runs several courses in the town, including the Old Course, said it “welcomed” the announcement that golf was to be re-introduced as part of this first phase of lockdown restrictions lifting.

The Home of Golf will soon be re-opening its famous fairways again.

“In line with Scottish Golf guidelines we anticipate this will see golf return on Friday, May 29,” said the trust.

“Preparations are well underway at the Home of Golf as we are finalise our reopening plans, taking into account the Scottish Government’s phase 1 guidelines for exercise and guidance from Scottish Golf.”

For full details of what safety measures you can expect to see at your course, please visit scottishgolf.org