NORTHERN IRELAND'S GOLF CLUBS TO CLOSE ON FRIDAY

All golf clubs in Northern Ireland have been told to close at midnight on Thursday as the country enters a two week 'circuit-breaker' lockdown.

Last week, the Northern Ireland Executive announced that the country was set to face a two-week period of tougher COVID-19 lockdown measures from midnight on Thursday, 27 November 2020.

There had been some hope for golf clubs when Justice Minister Naomi Long claimed that the NI Executive was still to provide 'clarification' on whether golf courses could remain open. However, after a meeting of the Executive on Monday it was confirmed that they would have to close.

Earlier today, the Golfing Union of Ireland issued out a statement to all affiliated golf clubs and facilities in Northern Ireland, which states as follows:

"We regret to confirm that as per the NI Executive’s new COVID-19 restrictions which will take effect at 23:59 on Thursday 26 November, all sports facilities, including golf courses, must close at this time."

"While it is acknowledged that golf has demonstrated itself to be a safe sport during the pandemic, the wider public health guidance must be adhered to and we encourage all golf clubs and golfers to comply fully with the advice of the NI Public Health Agency."

"In the meantime, as is the case in the Republic of Ireland, we will continue to engage with the relevant authorities to ensure that golf courses can reopen as soon as possible."

Golf clubs in the Republic of Ireland are also closed at the moment.