St Andrews courses remain out of bounds until it’s safe to tee off again

Some courses across Fife have seen golfers take their chances and play on despite strict instructions not to.

Those ignoring the guidance have been criticised for their ignorance while others stay at home and protect themselves from potentially spreading or catching the virus.

The St Andrews Links Trust manages seven courses across the Home of Golf and closed all when advised to do so.

It has reiterated the message that golf is simply not allowed on any of its facilities - but says those who want to use the courses for other exercise can do so.

“While golf is an outdoor sport, the message to all of us is clear, golf is not permitted to be played at this time and we must stay home and play our part in containing the spread of COVID-19; and thus we implore people to refrain from playing golf on our courses,” said the trust.

“The links are often used by local residents to exercise, walking or running around the courses.

“This kind of activity is permitted as part of your one hour daily exercise and we would encourage local residents to continue to use the links landscape in this permitted way.”

There are hopes that some sport will be able to be played again within the coming months, and the trust is doing what it can within the restrictions to make sure courses are in great shape when they open for play again.

“In line with government guidelines, the greenkeeping team at St Andrews Links are permitted to carry out essential maintenance,” it said.

“At present this means we have a skeleton crew on site on a daily basis, working across the courses.

“The guidance permits green cutting three times per week and fairways, tees and green surrounds once per week.

“The aim of these operations is to maintain uniformity, density, texture and the health of grasses to allow surfaces to be quickly brought back to an appropriate playing standard once play resumes.”