SCOTTISH GOLF HAS PUBLISHED GUIDANCE FOR PHASE 3

Four-balls are now allowed, face coverings must be worn in Pro-shops and indoor hospitality can start at clubs next week, but Opens are still off-limits.

Following the statement by the First Minister of Scotland in the Scottish Parliament yesterday, Scottish Golf has published its Phase 3 Guidance for Golf Clubs and Golfers. The principal changes are:

From tomorrow, Friday 10 July:
"Groups of up to four golfers with no restrictions on the number of households represented provided they adhere to the Government’s physical distancing rules."

"Face coverings must be worn by members of the public when entering professional shops (retail facilities)."

From Wednesday 15 July:
"Golf Clubs may offer Indoor hospitality subject to maintaining physical distancing and appropriate hygiene routines."

Scottish Golf has also issued the following statement to all Golf Clubs:

Competitive Golf
"At this time there remains no change in stance on the playing of competitive golf, with only club competition permitted despite the relaxation of travel restrictions. This decision is consistent across all sports and is based on the continuing premise that we are operating under an extension of exercise and not a return to sport. All clubs are asked to continue to respect the government position in this regard and not seek to jeopardise the image or trust in the golfing community by overlooking this key aspect that is applicable across all amateur sports that are currently operating."

On hearing the statement from the First Minister of Scotland, the Chief Operating Officer at Sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said:

“It is a positive step for sport that public health guidelines for daily exercise have been extended further as part of the Scottish Government’s route map through the pandemic."

"While this is good news, it is not a return to sport as we know it and the most pressing priority remains public health and wellbeing."

"As such, it is crucial that participants, and everyone connected with sport in Scotland, continue to play their part by adhering to the latest government guidance and the advice issued by the governing body of each sport to ensure the safety of all those involved.”

To read the Phase 3 Guidance for Golf Clubs & Golfers in Scotland, which Scottish Golf has now published on its website, click on the link below:
https://scottishgolf.org/phase-3