Fife’s golf clubs set further support on the agenda

Other relevant bodies to the sport in the Kingdom will also join the call which has been organised, and will be hosted by, Wendy Chamberlain, MP for North East Fife.

All sports are, of course, on lockdown under government instruction but there is some hope that, when restrictions are lifted, golf will be amongst the first sports to be given the green light.

The St Andrews based R&A is already working on ways to ensure that safe play can resume on our courses.

The effect the lockdown is having on courses and clubs across Fife is being well documented, with fears some may not survive should the lockdown be extended much further.

Getting support to our clubs is crucial, and that’s something which will be high on the agenda for the meeting, scheduled for Friday, May 1.

David McPherson, secretary of the Fife Golfing Association said: “I’m deeply concerned about the access to support and the situation it leaves golf clubs in here in Fife.

“I’m pleased to have the opportunity for all the clubs to come together to voice our concerns and discuss ways of helping each other.

“Working corroboratively, I am sure that initiatives can be generated that can sustain golf businesses in Fife through this crisis.”

Wendy Chamberlain MP has already had concerns raised to her about the sustainability of the sport in the Kingdom and wants to make sure clubs are given the help they need to help them come through the other side.

Given Fife’s status in the sport, it’s crucial we are seen to be going above and beyond to protect the industry, said the MP.

“Golf is a vital part of our local economy here in North East Fife, with St Andrews recognised as the Home of Golf and dozens of golf clubs across the constituency, it’s important that we get the support right,” she said.

“Since concerns were raised with me about the lack of support and advice available locally, I have decided to organise this meeting to give all organisations a chance to discuss the assistance available to determine where we need to fill in the gaps.

“Having worked to increase the support for the self-employed, self-caterers and mobile caterers, and addressing a number of other gaps in government support, I am now working hard to see that golf is not left behind either.”

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