What Scotland’s move into a new lockdown means for our golf courses

The announcement made by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon amounted to just short of another lockdown under the same rules as we had to live by in the spring.

But different to those restrictions, the country’s courses, which were closed at that time, can stay open for play.

Karin Sharp, CEO of Scottish Golf, the governing body for the sport in the country, updated clubs and golfers on Monday afternoon.

She said: “As has been the case throughout the pandemic, we have worked alongside both sportscotland and The Scottish Government to demonstrate that golf is a sport that can be played outdoors with physical distancing and increased safety measures in place.

“We are pleased that this continues to be recognised and from 00.01 on Tuesday, January 5 golf courses can remain open for play with a maximum of two players from up to two households.

“Golfers must stay close to home, travel only for essential purposes and in line with the new legislation.

“We are continuing to seek further clarification on a number of the wider aspects for sport from our partners at sportscotland and Scottish Government and as soon as we have sufficient detail with which to work, our more detailed guidance will be updated. Scottish Golf asks that all golf clubs and golfers adhere to the new guidance with the same spirit and integrity that has been shown throughout the last year to ensure we can all continue to benefit from playing golf through this new period of restrictions.”