Take responsibility so we can return to the game we love

There was hope that play across Fife could continue due to the game being played outdoors.

And while clubhouses closed at the end of last week in line with Government instructions on bars and restaurants, most courses remained open for play across the weekend.

Following the Government update on Monday, though, which put huge restrictions on personal outdoor movement, decisions were taken by committees across the area to close courses.

St Andrews based Scottish Golf, the national governing body for the sport in Scotland, quickly issued guidance to clubs.

“While golf is an outdoor sport that allows players to exercise in the fresh air, the message to all of us is clear, we must stay home and play our part in containing the spread of COVID-19,” it said.

“With this in mind, Scottish Golf asks that all golfers in Scotland refrain from golfing until further notice.

“We understand that this advice will have a significant impact on golf clubs across the country and we will continue to consult with industry partners to provide clubs with all information and support possible during this time of deep uncertainty.

“We know that these decisions are difficult ones to make, but right now, it is our shared responsibility to prioritise the health of our local communities by working together to follow the Government guidelines.

“In doing so, this will ensure that we get the opportunity to play the game that we all love as soon as it is safe to do so.”

The St Andrews Links Trust, which manages seven courses across the town, including the Old Course, put extra hygiene measures in place at its facilities last week.

Courses remained open for a while, but these have now also been shut.

The trust said: “The health and wellbeing of colleagues, customers and golfers remains our number one priority.

“As a result we have decided to close all facilities, including all seven golf courses, clubhouses and golf academy, until such time as there is a change in these circumstances.”

Kingsbarns Golf Links, which is still scheduled to part host the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship later in the year, has postponed its 2020 season opening until further notice.