How the change in tiers affects your golf club

Fife last week moved from a two to a three, where it has remained.

However, some, mainly in the west of the country, are now facing up to entering tier four from this Friday, November 20. The St Andrews based governing body has reminded golfers of their obligations.

That advice is: You should avoid travel to other areas regardless of their level unless essential.

For exercise/sport – there is an exemption, however, it is limited. In Level 4, you’re not permitted to drive outside your local authority area for exercise – you can cross boundaries in the process of exercising, for example, if a golf course straddles two local authority area boundaries.

In Level 3 you can travel anywhere within your local authority area to take part in sport.

You may cross a local authority boundary by up to five miles if necessary, this includes where a golf course straddles two local authority areas.

You can currently travel up to five miles into another local authority for sport where this is absolutely necessary and you cannot access the sport otherwise.

If there is a more local option to play golf within your local authority area, this would be recommended as unnecessary travel is being actively discouraged.

In Levels 0-2 adults should, where possible, minimise unnecessary travel between areas and not travel to a Level 3 or 4.

Scottish Golf this week added: “Scottish Golf is working closely with partners at sportscotland and the Scottish Government to finalise guidance for golf clubs and golfers in the 11 local authorities which will transition into Level 4 of the Government’s Local Protection system on Friday 20 November.

“This final sign-off process has become standard practice during the pandemic and once complete, we will provide all clubs with an update as soon as we can.”