ENGLISH GOLFERS FIGHT TO KEEP THEIR COURSES OPEN

English Golfers were in shock on Saturday as golf clubs were told to close from Thursday as part of new month-long lockdown restrictions in England.

England Golf's Chief Executive, Jeremy Tomlinson hit out at the Government's plan and called for an immediate rethink. In an open letter to "fellow golfers", published on England's Golf's website, he said:

"I would like to make clear England Golf’s intention to respectfully challenge the government’s rationale for closing golf courses. We will do so utilising all in our network – MPs, colleagues, media and friends – to make sure we are heard by government."

"Listening to the prime minister, the news that he is actively encouraging safe and responsible outdoor exercise for households or two individuals pointed to our great game of golf being at the heart of this policy."

"The guidance which followed stating that golf courses were on a list of venues which should close, therefore, appeared contradictory and came out of the blue."

Within hours of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement on Saturday evening, that outdoor sports would be banned from Thursday as part of new lockdown measures in England, a petition was raised calling for golf to get a reprieve.

By the time the petition had closed last night, it had attracted over 250,000 signatures, more than double the figure required for a debate in Parliament.

Courses in the Republic of Ireland are currently closed as part of the country's new Level 5 Covid-19 regulations, but Northern Ireland's clubs and courses remain open.

In Wales, courses are closed for two-and-a-half weeks as part of its "firebreak" measures.

There has been no hint from the Scottish Government that golf courses could be closed as part of the new tier restrictions being introduced around the country today.