St Andrews golf courses remain open for play

Speaking in reaction to the on-going Coronavirus spread, the trust made clear that it will continue to monitor the situation at its courses, which include the historic Old Course, and has issued guidance for those who are planning to play them.

In a statement released this week the trust released information on how it is tackling the problem and, at the time of writing on Wednesday, there were no plans to close the courses.

The trust also points out that it believes access to golf can provide a “vital outlet” for many people to exercise.

Further measures, such as the extra cleaning of equipment and the introduction of hand sanitiser in all public places, has been introduced.

Anyone disaplying Covid-19 symptoms have been asked not to visit or enter any of the trust’s facilities.

The statement added: “Colleagues at the Links have also been provided with their own supplies of the above and asked to be extra vigilant at all times.

“We have increased the frequency of cleaning with staff focussing their attention on key areas such as door handles and handrails.

“We have reduced the number of tables in our lounges to assist with social distancing efforts.

“All of our employees are aware of the current requirements and are undertaking the highest levels of health and safety procedure to ensure that excellent hygiene standards are maintained.

“Any member of staff returning from any of the affected countries, or those who have been in close proximity with someone recently returning from these areas are being asked to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days and this has been the case for some time now.”

For visiting golfers there are currently a number of disruptions to travel around the world that could potentially impact on anyone with a booking on one of the trust’s courses.

In the first instance, anyone with a query relating to a pre-booked tee time in the weeks ahead should contact their authorised provider, travel partner or, if booked directly through St Andrews Links, the reservations team on +44 (0)1334 466718 or email [email protected]

The reservations department is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Thursday from 9.30am.

“We will continue to follow government advice and act accordingly should this advice change,” added the statement. “For course updates and further details please visit either standrews.com or any of the trust’s social media channels.”

St Andrews based Scottish Golf has cancelled the first three Scottish Golf National Championships of the 2020 calendar which were scheduled to take place in the middle of April.