SCOTTISH GOLF COVID-19 UPDATE - 12 MARCH 2021

Further to the COVID-19 update issued on Wednesday, Scottish Golf has published a copy of its updated COVID-19 Local Protection Levels Guidance.

The statement issued by Scottish Golf reads as follows:

"Following our latest COVID-19 update, we have worked with our partners at sportscotland and the Scottish Government to gain final approval on our updated guidance."

"We have now achieved sign-off on our updated guidance which is available here."

"Clubs should note that from Friday 12 March:"

• "Golf courses with a designated COVID Officer can permit organised golf for members who live within the local authority area. Play can take place in four-balls with no restrictions on the number of households."

• "Golf courses without a designated COVID Officer, or where members are crossing a local authority boundary to play, can remain open for play with a maximum of four players from two households."

"For groups over the age of 12, coaching should not exceed group sizes of 15."

"For groups under the age of 12, coaching should not exceed group sizes of 30. Since our last update, we have received several queries relating to the new group numbers and limits. We wish to provide clubs with further clarity on this."

"The guidance to permit 4-ball play from 4 different households to members who live within the local authority area is in-line with new sport-specific guidance developed by sportscotland and the Scottish Government for organised sport. Cross-border travel from one local authority area to another for organised sport is not currently permitted."

"Within the latest guidance, golf continues to be considered a form of informal exercise, where participants are permitted to travel up to five miles from their local authority boundary to take part. However, where this is the case, household limits of 4 people from 2 households apply."

"Scottish Golf does not set the rules or parameters for these distinctions. However, we will continue to provide feedback on their practicalities for our member clubs. In comparison with most other sports across Scotland, we are in a unique and fortunate position to benefit from being identified as both organised sport and informal exercise at this time."

"We remind all clubs and golfers in Scotland that we remain in a privileged position, with courses across the country remaining open for play. Being able to benefit from playing golf should not be taken for granted, and we kindly ask that all clubs and golfers adhere to the latest guidance to ensure we can continue to make positive progress out of lockdown."

"Keep up to date on our latest COVID-19 updates here."

"Thank you for your continued co-operation and understanding."