SCOTTISH GOLF UPDATE ON COVID-19 GUIDANCE

Scottish Golf has issued a new COVID-19 update on the travel guidance for golfers and on the funding available for clubs affected by current restrictions. 

The full statement issued by Scottish Golf today reads as follows:

"Following the First Minister's update in Parliament on Tuesday 10th November, Scottish Golf has been in further dialogue with our partners at sportscotland to gain further clarity on the current travel guidance in place. We are now able to provide the following updated travel guidance for all golf clubs below:"

• "You should avoid travel to other areas regardless of their level unless essential."

• "For exercise/sport – there is an exemption, however, it is limited:"

• "In Level 4 - [It is] not permitted to drive outside your Local Authority area for exercise – you can cross boundaries in the process of exercising i.e if a golf course straddles two Local Authority area boundaries."

• "In Level 3 - You can travel anywhere within your local authority area to take part in sport. You may cross a local authority boundary by up to 5 miles if necessary, this includes where a golf course straddles two local authority areas. You can currently travel up to 5 miles into another local authority for sport where this is absolutely necessary and you cannot access the sport otherwise. If there is a more local option to play golf within your local authority area, this would be recommended as unnecessary travel is being actively discouraged."

• "Levels 0-2 - Adults should, where possible, minimise unnecessary travel between areas and not travel to a Level 3 or 4."

"It is important that we continue to show good adherence to the current guidance in place and Scottish Golf encourages all clubs and golfers to play their part in demonstrating that as a sport, we are acting responsibly and safely amidst the ongoing restrictions."

"The current guidance for golf remains the same and is summarised below:"

• "On-course golf activities can continue under our current Phase 3 Guidance, with up to four players from four different households allowed to participate together. There are no changes to access to toilet facilities, locker rooms or professional shops which can continue to be utilised provided all appropriate measures, such as the use of face masks, increased sanitation are adhered to."

• "Clubhouses and sports facilities which provide catering and bar services, can operate providing they adhere to Scottish Government guidance appropriate to the protection level in which they are operating."

"Clubs will be aware that The Coronavirus Restrictions Fund closed to applications at 5pm on Tuesday 3rd November 2020. This has now been replaced by the Strategic Framework Business Fund."

"The new Fund consists of two grants which are available to affected golf clubs:"

• "Temporary Closure Grant - £2,000 or £3,000 (depending on rateable value) if your business is required to close by law."

• "Business Restrictions Grant - £1,400 or £2,100 (depending on rateable value) if your business can remain open but is specifically required to modify its operations by law, for example having to close earlier than normal or demand for your products or services has been reduced because of the pandemic."

"On 31st of October 2020 Economy Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, released this statement confirming that sports clubs would be eligible for ‘hardship and closure grants’ that will be replaced by the Strategic Framework Business Fund and we would encourage any golf club facing restrictions to apply."