MEGHAN MACLAREN WINS SECOND ROSE SERIES EVENT

Meghan MacLaren won the second Justin Rose Ladies' Series event despite a two-shot penalty for playing the wrong ball.

Justin Rose Ladies' Series, Moor Park Golf Club
-3 M MacLaren 69;  -1 E Young, S Fuller (AM)
Selected:  Level G Dryburgh, C Frankish, S Evans;  +1 C Hull

Two-time LET winner Meghan MacLaren won the event at Moor Park Golf Club with a three-under-par 69, which included an eagle, five birdies and a two-shot penalty.

MacLaren was coasting at six-under-par through ten before a double-bogey the 11th after playing a wrong ball and two successive bogeys from the 12th dropped her back to two-under. She recovered some ground with a birdie at the 15th and finished with three pars to win by two shots.

Elizabeth Young, a co-founder of the series, and Samantha Fuller, one of three amateurs invited to join the field, both shot a one-under-par 71 to finish tied for second place. Young, who was also the runner-up in the opening event after losing out to Charley Hull in a playoff, leads the Order of Merit ahead of Hull and MacLaren.

Scotland's Gemma Dryburgh finished tied for fourth after a level-par 72.

Charley Hull ended tied-seventh after mixing six birdies with seven bogeys in an eventful one-over-par 73. She was one of three players to play 36 holes, having played in the Worplesdon Charity Pro-Am before driving 35-miles to compete at Moor Park.

After her win, Meghan MacLaren, who only returned to competitive golf last week after the global pandemic forced a three month break, said:

“I think everybody felt a bit more comfortable this week. We were thrown in at the deep end last week, because the course was really tough, and this one was tough as well, but you start to get your edge back, bit by bit."

“It’s just nice. We all enjoy being here and you see the same faces, so it’s a really enjoyable atmosphere." 

“For someone like Justin Rose to come out and sponsor this and say the things that he did and just give us some respect, it’s meant the world to all of us. To turn that into action is something that we will all be grateful for, for a very long time."

"Just getting to play: it’s nice to be out here again.”

The next event in the Justin Rose Ladies' Series is at Buckinghamshire Golf Club on Thursday 2 July.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FIRST ROSE LADIES' SERIES EVENT

Watch as Jasmine, better known as The Jazzy Golfer, presents behind the scenes action from the first ever Justin Rose Ladies' Series event.

The inaugural Justin Rose Ladies Series event kicked off at Brokenhurst Golf Course on Thursday 18th July.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the series is being played behind closed doors. But, The Jazzy Golfer, who has presented at Ladies European Tour events and the 2019 Solheim Cup, was given access to cover the action at the Hampshire course.

This is the first of eight events in the Justin Rose Ladies' Series. In all, there will be seven 18-hole tournaments before a 36-hole grand final at The Berkshire and Wentworth's West Course from 6-7 August.

The next event is at is at Moor Park Golf Club in Hertfordshire on Thursday 25 June. In the meantime enjoy the video from The Jazzy Golfer.

CHARLEY HULL WINS FIRST ROSE LADIES' SERIES EVENT

Charley Hull beat Liz Young in a play-off to win the first Justin Rose Ladies' Series tournament at Brockenhurst Manor Golf Club.

Justin Rose Ladies Series, Brockenhurst Manor Golf Club
Level: C Hull*, E Young;  +1 G Cowley;  +2 H Burke
Selected:  +3 A Hewson;  +5 G Dryburgh, M MacLaren;  +7 L Davies
* denotes winner after play-off

Solheim Cup player Charley Hull denied the event organiser Liz Young a dream victory in the opening event of the new Justin Rose Ladies Series at Brokenhurst Manor in Hampshire.

Young, who was in the first group to tee-off at the Hampshire golf course on Thursday morning, was three over par after 12 holes, but eagled the par-four 13th and birdied the 15th to set a clubhouse lead with a level-par 70. Hull was leading by two shots with two to play, but a double-bogey six on the par-four 17th dropped her back to finish level par alongside Young. However, Hull made no mistake in the play-off, holing a 12ft putt for birdie on the first hole to land the £5,000 top prize.

Gemma Dryburgh, the only Scot in the field, finished in a tie for seventh along with Meghan MacLaren after a 75.

Laura Davies who finished with a 77 said:

“I thought I’d played rather well and shot seven over. I came here expecting to play a nice friendly golf course and instead it was a monster. It was set up like the US Open.”

Charley Hull, whose last competitive round of golf was five months ago at the Gainbridge LPGA tournament in Florida said:

"I'm just so happy to be playing professional golf again and have a scorecard in my hand."

"The golf course was in great condition and it was my first time round here today. I was quite happy with my score. I doubled the 17th, because I took a wrong line off the tee, but it was just great to be playing."

"I've missed it loads. I love playing golf. I'm pretty much golfed out because I've been playing every day, but I can't wait to get back out on tour."

"I want to thank Justin and Kate Rose for putting these events on. You need to be playing to get back in the mindset. I've been playing a lot for the last few weeks and I played eight days on the trot, but it's not the same as having a scorecard in your hand."

The next tournament in the Justin Rose Ladies' Series is at Moor Park Golf Club in Hertfordshire on Thursday 25 June.

JUSTIN ROSE LADIES' SERIES GRAND FINAL CONFIRMED

Computacenter, Britain's leading provider of IT infrastructure services, has put in £35,000 to become the title sponsor for the Grand Final.

The two-day Justin Rose Ladies Series Grand Final is set to be held at two venues on 6-7 August. The Berkshire is to host the first round and the second is to be played at Wentworth's West Course, which is the home of the men's European Tour's flagship event the PGA Championship.

With Computacenter on board, the Justin Rose Ladies' Series has been extended from six to seven 18-hole tournaments before the 36-hole grand final in August.

Justin and Kate Rose are contributing £35,000 towards the prize money, American Golf are contributing £35,000 to sponsor an Order of Merit prize fund and now Computacenter are contributing £35,000 to become the title sponsor for the Grand Final.

In addition, all nine golf courses are giving up their facilities free of charge and Sky Sports is broadcasting the series.

Justin Rose's Agent, Paul McDonnell said:

"We are lucky that Computacenter and American Golf have come on board, because they have made it a much more attractive and rewarding series."

"The series has really snowballed and it is great that these talented players have a chance to play in meaningful competition."

Computacenter's Managing Director, Neil Hall, said:

"Computacenter is absolutely committed to driving diversity in the Tech Industry and creating an environment where women can excel"

"We are proud to support Justin and Kate in providing a powerful platform for women's golf, both now and in the future. We look forward to a longstanding future."

UPDATE ON SCOTTISH GOLF'S GUIDANCE FOR PHASE 2

Scottish Golf has published guidance for golf clubs about running qualifying competitions under Phase 2 of the route map out of lockdown.

Last week, following the announcement by Scotland's First Minister that Scotland was moving to Phase 2 of the route map out of lockdown, Scottish Golf published its Phase 2 guidelines for golf clubs and golfers in Scotland.

This week, to support golf clubs who are preparing to run club competitions under Phase 2, Scottish Golf published its guidance for running qualifying competitions.

To read Scottish Golf’s Phase 2 Guidance for Golf Clubs and Golfers, including the new guidelines for running qualifying competitions, click the link below:
https://scottishgolf.org/phase-2

JUSTIN & KATE ROSE SPONSOR UK LADIES' GOLF SERIES

Justin Rose and his wife, Kate, are to sponsor a series of women’s golf tournaments for UK professionals starting on 18 June (tomorrow).

The Justin Rose Ladies' Series will feature seven 18-hole tournaments and a 36-hole grand final. Justin and Kate are contributing £35,000 pounds to the prize money and all eight golf courses are giving up their facilities free of charge. The tournaments are to be played behind closed doors, but Sky Sports is to broadcast the series. As of this week, American Golf is to sponsor a £35,000 Order of Merit prize fund for the series.

The first event is at Brockenhurst Manor Golf Club on 18 June. The one-day tournament was the brainchild of Ladies' European Tour player Liz Young and Brockenhurst Manor's Head Professional, Jason MacNiven, who also runs a custom club-fitting company at the Hampshire course.

Liz Young, who is attached to Brokenhurst Manor, said:

“It is to find a way to put on a tournament for women’s professionals, so that we can be competitive again and have the chance to earn a little money in these uncertain times and to boost the profile of the women’s game.”

“There was controversy a few weeks ago over the first golf in the US being men’s only. Because golf is a sport that can be played safely now it is key that the women get exposure, too.”

Until Justin and Kate Rose stepped in the one-off event was without a sponsor and a broadcast partner.

Kate Rose, who was an European champion gymnast and worked for IMG, the management company that represented her husband when they met, said:

"I read about what Liz was trying to do and thought that Justin and I had to help.”

“It is so important for the visibility of ladies’ golf that they can play at good courses and on TV because they need to be out there to both attract sponsors and keep their current sponsors happy as well as allowing more people to get to know who they are."

The Justin Rose Ladies' series will also include a stop at Royal St. George’s, which was due to host The 2020 Open Championship before The R&A cancelled the event due to the coronavirus pandemic. Other courses that have been signed up to host the series are Moor Park Golf Club, Buckinghamshire Golf Club, JCB Golf & Country Club, Bearwood Lakes Golf Club and The Shire London Golf Club.

The Roses’ intervention has come at a time when women’s professional golf is lagging well behind the men's as far as being able to re-start their tours. The LPGA Tour is not due to re-start until the end of July, almost seven weeks after the men's first PGA Tour event. Whilst LET professionals, who haven't been in action since the Investec South African Women's Open in Cape Town in mid-March, are not due to see the LET Tour re-start before the middle of August.

Justin Rose said:

“I am keenly aware that I now have the opportunity to go back to work and compete on the PGA Tour, but this is not the same for the ladies and some junior tours as well." 

"I am sad that the Ladies European Tour has been suffering so badly and doesn’t really have a start date yet from what I know. To me this seems somewhat unfair."

“My wife Kate and I felt there was an opportunity to step up and help. The prize money is modest because it is me throwing in some money and then the ladies are paying an entry fee and being able to play for a pot. We wanted to give them the opportunity to play and to be ready for when the opportunities arise later in the summer.”

While Justin is back on the road with the PGA Tour, Kate is helping organise the series along with Justin's agent Paul McDonnell, who will be acting as the series manager. Excel Sports Management, which looks after Rose and other leading players such as Justin Thomas and Matt Kuchar, will be running the tournaments. Liz Young and Jason MacNiven also remain involved, as Liz confirmed:

"Kate was keen for us to be involved with the whole thing as it was our idea in the first place, she was very conscious of not taking that away from us."

The Justin Rose Ladies' Series schedule is as follows:

18 June - Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club

25 June - Moor Park Golf Club

2 July - Buckinghamshire Golf Club

9 July - Royal St George’s

16 July - JCB Golf & Country Club

23 July - Bearwood Lakes Golf Club

30 July - The Shire London

6-7 August - Final TBC

Well done to Justin & Kate Rose, what an amazing gesture of support for the women's game, at a time when it need their help the most. It proves that even in difficult times, good things can and do happen.

MICHELE THOMSON SIGNS WITH PAUL LAWRIE AGENCY

LET Professional, Michele Thomson, has signed with Five Star Sports Agency, the Sports Management & Events company owned by Paul Lawrie.

Five Star Sports Agency was established in 2018 by Paul Lawrie, the 1999 Open Champion. In addition to Paul, the Agency looks after Professionals on the European, Challenge, EuroPro, LET and LET Access Tours. They include David Law, Sam Locke and Hannah McCook.

LET Professional, Michele Thomson, said:

“I’m really pleased to have come on board with 5Star. I’ve known Paul for a number of years, having previously been supported through his Foundation. I’ve also been attached to the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre for the last six months or so and it’s where I practise and play when not travelling and competing. It’ll be great to have the benefit of Paul’s experience both on and off the course. He’s seen all sides of the Pro game and knows exactly where we’re coming from as players. I also know most of my fellow 5Star clients and get along well with them so that’s great too.” 

THE EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP IN FRANCE IS CANCELLED

The Evian Championship, the first women's major in the LPGA's revised schedule for 2020, has been canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Evian Championship started back in 1994 as a Ladies' European Tour invitational known as the "Evian Masters". Early winners of the event include Helen Alfredson, Laura Davis, Catrin Nilsmark and Annika Sorenstam. From the start the tournament had one of the biggest purses in women's golf and it quickly gained importance. It became part of the LPGA Tour schedule in 2000 and was renamed "The Evian Championship" in 2013 when it was elevated to "major" status. The first winner of the new women's fifth major was Suzann Petterson.

This year's championship was due to take place at the Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France, from 23-26 July. On 27 March, following the news that the Olympic Committee had postponed the Tokyo 2020 Olympics until 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the LPGA announced that the Evian Championship would be pushed back to 6-9 August.

As the coronavirus crisis continued so did the disruption to the LPGA Tour schedule. By the end of April nearly a third of the 2020 LPGA Tour events had been cancelled, including the first three majors.

On 1 May, the LPGA announced that it was targeting a return to action in mid July. The original LPGA Tour schedule of 34 events was reduced to 25 and four of the majors were moved to later dates. According to the revised schedule, the Evian Championship was set to be the first of three events in Europe and the first of the five majors.

Yesterday, the LPGA and the Evian Championship Committee issued out a joint statement. It confirms that this year's Evian Championship is the latest casualty of the pandemic. It reads as follows:

"Due to the situation brought about by the Covid-19 world health crisis, The Evian Championship’s organizing committee announce that the 2020 tournament cannot be held this year."

"The ongoing uncertainty concerning the opening of borders poses a major risk to the organization of a competition, to welcome 120 players from around the world. The LPGA and The Evian Championship’s organizing committee have to recognize that the conditions for a safe event that lives up to the expectations of the public, players, organizers and their partners are not in place."

Chairman of The Evian Championship, Franck Riboud, said:

“We have waited for as long as organizational issues allow to make this decision with the LPGA. But unfortunately it was unavoidable in view of the situation with regards to worldwide travel restrictions. Our top priority is of course to ensure everyone stays healthy and safe. All of our teams are very affected by the forced cancellation of our Major, but we must not lose sight of what matters most. ”

“We are already committed to the next edition in 2021 to fully rediscover the values and the spirit of a family celebration, the conviviality and emotions that have made our Major unique for more than 25 years.”

 LPGA Commissioner, Mike Whan, said:

“I have been incredibly impressed by the entire team at The Evian Championship. They worked so hard in an effort to host this global event despite the obvious challenges."

"They know that high-pursed, career-changing events like The Evian are more important than ever, in an LPGA year that has been drastically reduced due to COVID-19. I know this was a tough decision for everyone involved, but it’s one that we had to take given the restrictions we faced."

"It is disappointing to miss a major championship but Evian’s strong history of showcasing the best female golfers will continue once again when we return in 2021. We look forward to being back on the mountain in Evian next year and for a long time to come.”

The AIG Women's British Open, at the Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland from 20-23 August, is now the first major on the revised LPGA Tour schedule. Whilst the AIS Ladies' Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in Scotland from 13-16 August, is the only other European event left on the LPGA Tour.

The other three majors, the ANA Inspiration, the U.S. Women’s Open, and the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, which are normally held in April, June and July, have all been postponed to later in the year.

The LPGA schedule for the remaining four Women's Majors is as follows:

20-23 August
AIG Women's British Open
Royal Troon Golf Club, Troon, Scotland

10-13 September 
ANA Inspiration
Mission Hills Golf Club, Rancho Mirage, California

8-11 October
KPMG Women's PGA Championship
Aronimink Golf Club, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania

10-13 December
U.S. Women’s Open
Champions Golf Club, Houston, Texas

The Evian Championship will return in 2021 in Evian-les-Bains.

FIRST USA SOLHEIM CUP VICE-CAPTAIN IS ANNOUNCED

The USA Solheim Cup Captain, Pat Hurst, has confirmed the first of her assistant captains for the 2021 Solheim Cup.

The 17th Solheim Cup is scheduled to be played from Tuesday 31 August to Monday 6 September 2021 at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.

Pat Hurst, who was one of Juli Inkster’s assistant captains at the last three Solheim Cups, was appointed as the USA Captain for the 2021 Solheim Cup in January. This week Hurst announced that one of her assistant captains will be major champion and six-time USA team member Angela Stanford.

Pat Hurst said:

“As soon as Mike Whan asked me to be the USA captain, I knew that I wanted Angela by my side as an assistant captain.”

"Her fire, her passion, her determination, her love for the Red, White and Blue, those are all qualities I want on my team. I have no doubt that Angela will be a tremendous asset to the team as we look to win back the Cup in Toledo next September.”

Angela Stanford said:

“My six Solheim Cup teams are among the highlights of my career and I’m excited to take this next step as an assistant captain. I’m really looking forward to being back in the Team room, where we’re all after the same goal and we all have the same passion to win the Cup. This is an incredible honour and I can’t thank Pat enough for having me on her team.”

“Pat took me under her wing from the beginning of my career and I’ve learned so much from spending time with her. There’s this ease about her, but she’s still so confident and positive. I loved getting to be her playing partner in Sweden and now I’m so excited that she picked me to be her assistant captain in Toledo.”

Pat Hurst has competed in five Solheim Cups, four of which the USA team won. She represented the USA at the event in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2005 and 2007 and has a 10-7-3 record. She has also served as one of Juli Inkster’s assistant captains at the past three Solheim Cups. The USA team won the first two of those encounters before losing the third at Gleneagles in 2019.

Angela Stanford has competed in six Solheim Cups. She represented the USA at the event in 2003, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015. In 2015 she earned the winning point for the USA team with her 2-and-1 victory over Suzann Pettersen. Hurst and Stanford both played on the 2007 American Solheim Cup team that defeated Europe at Sweden’s Halmstad Golf Club.

Catriona Matthew, who led Europe to a sensational win by 14½ to 13½ at Gleneagles last year, has been reappointed as the European Captain for the 2021 Solheim Cup. Matthew has already confirmed that her vice-captains will be Kathryn Imrie, Dame Laura Davies and Suzann Pettersen.

ALL MIDLAND VETS' COMPETITIONS ARE CANCELLED

The Midland Vets' Committee has decided to cancel all Midland Vets' competitions for 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Midland Vets' Captain, Liz Milligan, has posted a statement on the Midland Vets' website. In her statement she confirmed:

"The SVLGA committee made the decision at the beginning of May to abandon all golfing events programmed for 2020 season."

"Your Midland Vets' Committee decided that the right thing was to follow suit and rearrange the 2020 into 2021."

"Thank you to everyone who paid their 2020 subscription."

"The official membership is 68 members from P&K, 57 members from Fife and 43 members from S&C. Your membership will rollover to include the 2021 season, unless you intimate otherwise."

"I have decided not to 'rollover' my captaincy, however I will remain on the committee as Past Captain and along with Dorothy [Ford] and a new Vice Captain we will carry the Midland Vets forward."

"I will post all the new dates for the 2021 Fixture Card when I have them all firmly in place."

To read the full statement from the Midland Vets' Captain click on link below:
http://midlandvets.blogspot.com/

A MESSAGE FROM KARIN SHARP, SCOTTISH GOLF COO

Scottish Golf's Chief Operating Officer, Karin Sharp, has issued out a message to everyone involved in the return of golf in Scotland.

 It reads as follows:

"What a day, we really couldn’t have asked for better weather for the return of golf in Scotland."

"Over the last few days, it has been fantastic to see the anticipation building, with many wonderful photographs and videos of courses ready for play. The greenkeepers and volunteers the length and breadth of the country are to be congratulated for their hard work, under essential maintenance guidelines in preparing for golfers to return."

"The enthusiasm and excitement to be back has been great to see and I am sure there were many golfers up with the lark this morning and heading out for a game. I was one of the lucky golfers who snagged an early tee time, I was first out at my club at 6am this morning and played a most enjoyable 10 holes in the sunshine and was home long before 8am ready for a day’s work!"

"To everyone who supports the game at a local club, from employees, committee members and volunteers, I applaud you for the significant effort that has been put in to get your club ready for opening today, employing the appropriate measures and updating your membership on the rules you have put in place to maintain the safe return to golf. The phase 1 guidelines have given the sport the early opportunity to recommence and we thank you for embracing these. Health remains the priority and we can’t take our eye off the ball in this early stage, so please keep playing your part and keep the golf course a safe place for us all to continue enjoying."

"The feedback from many clubs has been of full booking sheets and lots of new member enquiries, which is really positive and I am sure welcomed by clubs given the uncertainty that the last few months have brought. I have no doubt there will be challenges ahead across the golf industry but for now let’s enjoy the walk in the sunshine, the fine courses, the friendships and health benefits of being back out on the course and celebrate the return of golf in Scotland."

SCOTLAND GETS GREEN LIGHT TO RESTART GOLF

Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has given the green light for golf to restart in Scotland tomorrow.

Last Thursday, Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, announced that golf would be one of the first outdoor sports activities allowed to restart under Phase 1 of the Scottish Government's Route Map out of lockdown. She also confirmed that the earliest Phase 1 would start was after the next formal review date for lifting restrictions on Thursday 28 May.

Today, at her daily briefing, the First Minister announced that the time is right to move out of lockdown. Phase 1 will start this Friday. The focus is on easing some of the restrictions on outdoor activities. With regard to playing golf, she confirmed as follows:

"In terms of sport and recreation, some non-contact outdoor leisure activities, will be allowed to restart again from tomorrow. This applies to activities where you can safely keep a two metre distance from others at all times and follow strict hygiene practices,  for example golf, tennis, bowls and fishing."

It means that, after 9½ weeks of lockdown, Scottish golf clubs can finally join the rest of Great Britain and Ireland and reopen their courses.

Scottish Golf has released a statement in response to the First Minister's announcement. It reads as follows:

"Scottish Golf welcomes the news that our golfing community will benefit from the Scottish Government’s revised guidance for exercise as we enter Phase 1 in the easing of lockdown restrictions."

"Ahead of golf's return, we have issued guidance developed in partnership with the Scottish Government, Active Scotland, sportscotland, Health Protection Scotland and key industry partners to support our clubs in preparing their facilities and we are pleased to confirm that the return of golf can now take place from Friday 29 May."

"We know that this confirmation will be well received by all of our members and will have a positive impact on the physical and mental health of golfers across Scotland in the days and weeks ahead. We hope everyone enjoys returning to the fairways and would encourage all golfers to familiarise themselves with the current guidance to ensure we can all return to playing the game safely."

To read the guidance published by Scottish Golf click on the link below:
Guidance for golf clubs and golfers returning to golf in Scotland

THE R&A CORONATION FOURSOMES IS CANCELLED

The R&A has cancelled the 2020 Coronation Foursomes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will next be played in 2021.

The Coronation Foursomes was established by the Ladies' Golf Union in 1953, to celebrate the Queen’s Coronation. The team event is for women and girls and open to all members of affiliated golf clubs in Great Britain and Ireland.

Any affiliated club can run a qualifying round. The best 100 scores qualify for the Area Finals, which are held at 16 venues around Great Britain and Ireland. The winning teams qualify for a grand final at the Home of Golf, St Andrews.

The R&A has run the event since the merger of the R&A and LGU in 2017.

In a statement published by The R&A, The R&A Executive Director of Golf Development & Amateur Championships, Duncan Weir, said:

“The lockdown measures imposed by the governments in Great Britain and Ireland have meant that playing golf has been put on hold for all clubs and their members in these countries."

“It is very unlikely that clubs will be able to stage qualifying events in the near future, so we have decided that cancelling this year’s Coronation Foursomes is the only option. We are grateful to all the clubs who had previously agreed to host qualifying events and Area Finals this year and hope that they will consider being involved again in 2021."

“We will look forward to working with national associations and golf clubs again next year to inspire more women and girls of all ages to take part in this extremely popular and long established competition.”

"Further information will be provided in due course."

To read the full statement from the R&A click on the link below:
bit.ly/CoronationFoursomesCancelled

SCOTTISH CLUBS TOLD TO PREPARE FOR FRIDAY

Scottish Golf has issued guidance for all Scottish golf clubs and golfers and instructed them to prepare for a return to golf on Friday 29 May (at earliest).

This week, Scottish Golf published two documents. You can access them by clicking on the links below:

1. Guidance for Golf Clubs & Golfers on returning to golf in Scotland
To access & download click here: Guidance for Golf Clubs and Golfers

2. FAQ document for Golf Clubs & Golfers on returning to golf in Scotland
To access click here: FAQ Support Document for Golf Clubs and Golfers

In a statement, which was issued out on Thursday along with the first of those documents, Scottish Golf said:

"Following today's announcement from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish Golf is pleased to confirm that golf clubs in Scotland can begin to prepare for a return to golf on 29 May 2020 at the earliest, subject to final confirmation by the First Minister by way of an update currently planned for 28 May."

"Scottish Golf has worked with Scottish Government, Active Scotland, sportscotland, Health Protection Scotland, The PGA and key industry partners at every opportunity to produce a clear guide for all golf clubs and golfers in Scotland."

"It should be noted that a final decision will be made by the First Minister on 28 May and if any changes to the current procedures are required to align with updates provided by Scottish Government then these will be shared with you as soon as they are known to ensure re-opening plans can be updated or adjusted accordingly."

Scottish Golf also advised that:

"Scottish Golf would like to highlight that the Scottish Government continues to monitor its response to the COVID-19 outbreak closely and have not ruled out the re-introduction of restrictions which could see golf paused again if these guidelines are not being followed."

"It is therefore imperative that golf clubs take the necessary steps outlined prior to opening their courses for play and adhere to the guidelines detailed in our guide."

To read the full statement from Scottish Golf click on the link below:
https://scottishgolf.org/guidance for golf clubs and golfers

SCOTLAND IS SET TO RETURN TO GOLF... SOON

Today, Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, unveiled details of a four-phase "Route Map" towards easing the country's lockdown restrictions.

In her statement, Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, confirmed that golf would be one of the first outdoor sports activities allowed to restart under Phase 1. The Scottish Government's Route Map states as follows:

"We are planning to allow unrestricted outdoors exercise adhering to distancing measures and non-contact outdoor activities in the local area - such as golf, hiking, canoeing, outdoor swimming, angling - consistent with wider rules and guidance applicable to any activity with this phase."

The First Minister stressed that, for now, the lockdown remains in place. She confirmed that Phase 1 will not start before the next formal review date for lifting restrictions, which is Thursday 28 May, and it will only go ahead if the current progress in suppressing the virus continues. She also cautioned that not all the measures detailed in Phase 1 will start immediately. This echoes her statement on Monday, when she advised that the aim was to allow clubs to reopen their courses "within a few days" of the review date.

There may be disappointment for those that need to travel some distance to their golf club. During the questions that followed her statement, the First Minister advised that any travel for outdoor leisure and exercise in Phase 1 should be limited to "around 5 miles". As many golfers in Scotland live a lot more than 5 miles from their golf club, some further easing may be required.

Scottish Golf has released a statement in response to the First Minister's announcement. It reads as follows:

"Following positive discussions with the Scottish Government, sportscotland and the governing bodies for tennis and bowls, Scottish Golf welcomes today’s news that our golfing community will benefit from the Scottish Government’s revised guidance for exercise."

"Guidance documents containing detail on preparing facilities for the return of golf will be issued to all affiliated clubs as soon as practically possible. This will take into account details from the road map published by the Scottish Government today."

THE R&A LAUNCHES A CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT FUND

This week, The R&A launched a £7 million funding package to help golf deal the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The R&A Covid-19 Support Fund will largely be aimed at national golf associations and other affiliated bodies in Great Britain and Ireland. Each body will be responsible for controlling and allocating its share.

When The R&A Chief Executive, Martin Slumbers, announced the package on Monday. He said:

“The pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on golf and many clubs are facing dire financial situations through no fault of their own. Golf is in our DNA and we want to see the sport continue to thrive from grassroots right through to the top level on the professional tours. We have a responsibility to do what we can to help in such a crisis."

“The R&A Covid-19 Support Fund will enable national associations and other key bodies to provide support to some of their members. We know that many challenges lie ahead but club golf is the bedrock of our sport and hopefully this fund will help to begin the process of recovery.”

To read the full statement from The R&A click on the link below:
https://www.randa.org/the-randa-covid-19-fund

NORTHERN IRELAND CAN RETURN TO GOLF

The Golfing Union of Ireland has confirmed that from today golf clubs in Northern Ireland can reopen their courses for members.

Last week, Northern Ireland's Executive published its five-phase blueprint for recovery in Northern Ireland. Although the lockdown remains in place and the next formal review date is not due until Thursday 28 May, the Executive decided to allow some aspects of the first phase to start this week.

At Monday's daily Covid-19 briefing, Northern Ireland's First Minister, Arlene Foster, announced that some "outdoor activity where social distancing can occur" could now proceed. She went on to confirm that golf would be one of the few outdoor activities allowed to restart, adding:

"I know that Golf clubs will be relieved that players will be returning to their fairways"

The Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI) & Irish Ladies Golf Union (ILGU) had already published a "Protocol for the Re-introduction of Golf in Northern Ireland" at the weekend. Northern Ireland's First Minister urged everyone to stick to those guidelines.

The GUI & ILGU also stressed in their introduction to the Protocol:

"As one of the first sports to be allowed to resume, there is a major responsibility on golf clubs and golfers to ensure that our sport is conducted in a safe and responsible manner. Full adherence to the provisions of this Protocol is absolutely essential."

"It should be noted that the Executive continues to monitor the situation closely and have not ruled out the reintroduction of restrictions which could see golf clubs closed once again, if the Protocol is not followed."

Some confusion surrounded the First Minister's announcement as she had not confirmed a date for when golf could restart. In the end, it fell to the Golfing Union of Ireland to clarify that golf clubs in Northern Ireland would be able to reopen their courses from Wednesday 20 May.

Last week golf clubs in England were allowed to reopen their courses. This week golf clubs in Wales, the Republic of Ireland and now Northern Ireland are allowed to open theirs. It means that Scotland is now the only country in Great Britain and Ireland where golf courses must remain closed.

SCOTTISH GOLF RESPONDS TO FM’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Scottish Golf has released a statement in response to the announcement made by Scotland's First Minister at yesterday's daily briefing.

It reads as follows:

"Following the First Minister’s daily briefing on Monday 18 May, Scottish Golf welcomes the announcement that more detail will be shared later this week on Scotland’s road map out of the current lockdown restrictions in Scotland."

"Scottish Golf are working through final details with the Scottish Government and sportscotland to ensure that when the time is right, golf can be included in any extension to restrictions and we look forward to sharing more detail of the Scottish Government’s publication on Thursday."

THE WAIT FOR GOLF IN SCOTLAND IS ALMOST OVER

Today, Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, announced that golf could resume in Scotland by the 1st June.

Golf courses in England reopened last Wednesday. Golf courses in Wales and the Republic of Ireland will open today. But, as of this morning there was still no sign of when golf could resume in Scotland and Northern Ireland. That all changed at the Scottish government's daily briefing this afternoon.

Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon has made no apologies for taking a cautious approach to the coronavirus crisis, but the resumption of golf in both England and Wales has put pressure on the Scottish government to allow the game to return in Scotland.

Last week Sturgeon gave the first glimmer of hope for golf. On Friday, she confirmed that this week she would unveil plans for navigating the exit from lockdown. She also indicated that restrictions on outdoor activities would be among the first to be relaxed.

Today she confirmed that the Scottish government will publish a "route map" for easing the lockdown in Scotland this Thursday. She also confirmed that:

"Assuming that we see progress in suppressing the virus, the first phase will start start from the next formal review date of Thursday 28 May."

"Within a few days of that we will aim to allow, for example, more outdoor activity such as: being able to sit in the park; meet up outdoors with someone from another household, as long as you stay  socially distanced; some limited outdoor sporting activities like golf and fishing; the opening of garden centres and recycling facilities and the resumption of some out-door work."

For struggling golf clubs in Scotland the announcement of a re-start could not come soon enough. The good news from golf clubs south of the border is that along with the huge surge in bookings there has also been a huge surge in membership applications.

In the meantime, golf clubs in Scotland are being advised by their software providers to prepare for the reintroduction of tee times, after several clubs in England experienced problems due to the demand.

The Managing Director of Club Systems, Richard Peabody has urged all clubs in Scotland to:

“Prepare for golf, it is happening, courses in Scotland will open and it will be soon, get ready now and avoid the rush. The rush in England caused a massive strain on providers’ web servers as did sending emails at the last minute.”

Assuming the green light for golf is given on Thursday 28 May, some of the pessimists amongst us will be in no doubt that the re-start will see an end to the fair weather we've enjoyed on our daily walks. But, after more than two months of staying at home in lockdown, I'm sure that none of us will care.

ALL COUNTY JAMBOREES IN SCOTLAND ARE CANCELLED

The four County Jamborees in Scotland have become the latest casualties of the coronavirus crisis.

For those less familiar with ladies' county golf in Scotland, there are fifteen county organisations, split into four regional divisions. The North, East and West divisions have four counties each, whilst the South division has three. Each division holds an annual county jamboree to which each county in that division sends a team. The format is match-play. The county team that wins their division's jamboree earns a place in the Scottish County Finals and the chance to be crowned Scottish County Champions.

This year, the West Division Inter-county Jamboree was due to be played at Cardross Golf Club from 15-17 June, the North at Monifeith Golf Links from 13-15 June, the South at Minto Golf Club from 20-22 June and the East at Kingsknowe Golf Club from 4-6 July. Scottish Golf had arranged to host the Women's County Finals at Forres Golf Club from 28-30 August.

The first of the competitions to go was the Scottish Women's County Finals. It went from the fixture list when Scottish Golf cancelled all its competitions on the 9 April. The move came only two weeks after the government had imposed the current lockdown. It was a shock to all.

The next to go were the three county jamborees scheduled for June. With no end to the lockdown in sight, the county captains for each of the West, South and North divisions decided in turn that they had no option but to cancel. By the end of April all three jamborees had gone.

This week, the last of the county jamborees in Scotland bit the dust. As the event was in July rather than June, the East Division captains had decided to defer the decision about their jamboree for a bit longer. This week, with no real hope of the event going ahead, they bowed to the inevitable and cancelled.

This the first time since the second World War that the Scottish Women's County Finals has missed a year. This is also the first year that there will be no county jamborees held in Scotland.