UPDATE ON SCOTTISH GOLF'S GUIDANCE FOR PHASE 3

Following the First Minister's COVID-19 update to the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, Scottish Golf has issued a statement to its member golf clubs.

In response to the First Minister's update, Scottish Golf has confirmed that its Phase 3 Guidance for Golf Clubs & Golfers in Scotland "remains unchanged".

There was also some further clarification on Open Competitions. An item on which Scottish Golf appears to have changed its position.

Two weeks ago, Scottish Golf issued a statement on Open competitions which stressed that all competitions for visitors were off-limits in Phase 3. There was a threat of sanctions on any organisation found to be in breach of the ruling.

However, on Thursday Scottish Golf sought to clarify that whilst "qualifying" competitions for visitors are off-limits in Phase 3 "any other format of play that takes place by visitors to golf clubs is permitted". Golf clubs must still ensure all related COVID-19 regulations are met.

The full statement issued by Scottish Golf on Thursday reads as follows:

 
"Following the First Minister’s update today, we wish to inform all clubs that there are no further easing of restrictions directly relevant to golf clubs or their operations and as a result, our Phase 3 guidance remains unchanged at this time."

"However, following an increased volume of enquiries and growing confusion across the membership, we wish to take this opportunity to clarify Scottish Golf’s position on Open Competitions."

"The definition of an Open Competition concerning the current route map out of lockdown is “a qualifying round of golf played at a venue away from a player’s home club.” Any other format of play that takes place by visitors to golf clubs is permitted provided that all related COVID-19 regulations including travel restrictions, sanitation protocols and physical distancing protocols are met, along with industry-specific guidance being adhered to both on and off the course."

"We continue to respect and follow the guidance issued by the Scottish Government and will continue to work with them to contain the spread of the virus to save lives."

"We urge all our member clubs to continue with the current guidance but can assure our members that we will continue to make representations on behalf of our clubs to Government in the strongest possible way to bring about change. We will continue to keep all member clubs appraised of any changes to guidance and as always clubs should note that restrictions may be re-introduced if anything changes on a local or national basis."

"To keep up to date with all of the latest COVID-19 guidance for golf in Scotland, please visit our dedicated web page here."

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