GOLF clubs have been told they must close with immediate effect after the UK Government announced a complete national lockdown on Monday night.
Golf clubs, golf facilities – both indoor and outdoor – and driving ranges will be required to close during the new full lockdown. Coaching will not be permitted the government has confirmed.
Golf retailers will be able to operate a click-and-collect service where goods are pre-ordered, and either collected off the premises – or delivered.
England Golf – as part of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf, along with other leading industry bodies – said today it was extremely disappointed by the news.
The group has made a strong case in recent months to keep golf open during the national lockdowns – and under the regional tier system introduced in the autumn.
An England Golf spokesman said: “It is with great regret that we share this news with you.
“But please be assured we will continue to make the case for golf to reopen whenever possible.
“England Golf’s website and social channels are being updated regularly, and we will communicate any new information as soon as it is available.” the spokesman added.
Full UK government guidance and details of the national lockdown in England can be found here.
The first lockdown which forced the UK’s near 2,000 golf clubs was announced at the end of March.
Clubs in England were allowed to re-open with certain restrictions in place, while clubs in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland came back into play at later dates after the devolved governments in the Home Nations managed their restrictions differently.
*The All Party Parliamentary Group for Golf (APPGG) consists of MPs and Peers from any political party working with industry bodies during the COVID-19 crisis.
The group is chaired by North Warwickshire MP Craig Tracey. The industry is represented by: American Golf; The Belfry; British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGA); British Golf Industry Association; England Golf; Golf Club Managers’ Association; Golf Ireland; Golfing Union of Ireland; Irish Ladies’ Golf Union; IMG; Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA); Ping; The R&A; Scottish Golf; Syngenta; UK Golf Federation; Wales Golf.
