Golf courses start to return to normality as restrictions ease

Our progress into Phase 2 of the government’s route out of coronavirus related restrictions has seenclubs able to further relax measures which were put in place when they opened some weeks ago.

Amongst the most notable are that competition play, club only – no open events, may resume in accordance with guidelines, toilets can be opened again, if courses can meet hygiene routines and clubs may offer outdoor hospitality.

That hospitality income is crucial to the health of clubs and some have been swift to put enough safety measures in place that they can again provide refreshments once golfers come off the course.

Cupar Golf Club is amongst them, with its catering franchise able to serve again from early this week.

There’s still a way to go before life at the club returns to normal, but Cupar’s captain, Keith Ridley, says a return to “some degree of normaility” is welcome.

Mr Ridley said: “Our new catering franchise, the Greenhouse Bar & Grill, opened on Tuesday but only to serve food and drink outside in our newly refurbished beer garden.

“In order to to open we had to install suitable social distancing signage outside the clubhouse and provide hand sanitizer at various locations.

“The tables and seating are 2 metres apart.

“The clubhouse, locker rooms and toilets remain closed at the moment to members and visitors.

“We are currently looking at the additional measures that will have to be introduced before inside catering can be provided and toilets and locker rooms reopen - which is likely to be from July 15.

“However, the provision of outside catering has been very well received by members and it’s a careful step back to some degree of normality.”

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