Christiaan Bezuidenhout claimed three European Tour victories in 2020 – but his season begain with victory in the Dimension Data Pro-am on the Challenge Tour in February.
Picture by SUNSHINE TOUR

THE European Challenge Tour and the Sunshine Tour have confirmed the postponement of next month’s three co-sanctioned tournaments in South Africa, which will now be played later in the season.

Following thorough consultation with the medical teams from both Tours, it has been agreed to reschedule the three co-sanctioned events, that were due to take place in February, until later in the year.

The Challenge Tour’s South African Swing will now begin in the week of April 22-25.

An announcement will be made shortly regarding the tournament and its venue.

It will be followed by the Cape Town Open at Royal Cape Golf Club, from April 29-May 2, and then the Dimension Data Pro-Am at Fancourt Golf Estate, from May 6-9.

The spread of the more virulent strain of the COVID-19 virus in South Africa has forced the two tours’ hand – with a sizeable contingent of the field coming from the UK, which also has experienced a new strain of the coronavirus, which has killed nearly two million victims across the world.

Challenge Tour head Jamie Hodges said: “The decision to postpone these events follows consultation with all stakeholders – and was made with the health and well-being of all players and staff as our absolute priority.

“I want to express our thanks to the Sunshine Tour, and each of the tournament venues, sponsors and stakeholders for their flexibility and understanding of this situation.

“We greatly appreciate our partnership with our friends at the Sunshine Tour and look forward to co-sanctioning the three events later this year.”

Sunshine Tour commissioner Thomas Abt said: “In light of the current worldwide increase in COVID-19 cases – and after consultation with our own health experts and GolfRSA and its Risk Mitigation Strategy – we believe it is the most responsible course of action to postpone these tournaments.

“The safety of our members as well as our staff is our primary concern. I’d like to thank the Challenge Tour as well as our own Sunshine Tour Board of Directors and sponsors for their guidance, patience and understanding amidst what remains a very fluid situation for world golf.”

J C Ritchie won the first leg of the European Challenge Tour’s South African Swing last year with victory in the Limpopo Championship. Picture by SUNSHINE TOUR

Last year’s South Africa Swing on the Challenge Tour began with the Limpopo Championship, which was won by J C Ritchie.

Sunshine Tour regular Ritchie finished two shots of teenage prodigy Wilco Nienaber, who would make such a big impression on the European Tour later in the summer.

Sweden’s Anton Karlsson recorded his maiden win in Cape Town, with Hampshire’s former Amateur Champion Harry Ellis producing his best result of what would become a curtailed season, with a fourth place, just behind Sussex’s Toby Tree.

Christiaan Bezuidenhout announced his intentions for the year with victory in the Dimnesion Data Pro-am at Fancourt in the final leg of the Challenge Tour’s 2020 South African Swing.

The South African went on to win the Andalucia Masters, at Valderrama in June, before turning to his homeland to end 2020 with back-to-back victories in the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek, and then the South African Open, at Sun City.

Swede Anton Karlsson claimed his maiden Challenge Tour win in the 2020 Cape Town Open. Picture by SUNSHINE TOUR

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Lee Westwood says he has been playing Close House virtually every day for the last three to four months preparing for the Betfred British Masters which he will host this week.
Picture by GETTY IMAGES

FORMER World No. 1 Lee Westwood enters the week not only as tournament host but also as one of the favourites to take the Betfred British Masters at Close House.

The Ryder Cup legend claimed his 25th European Tour win earlier this season at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

It also meant he can boast victories across four decades on tour.

The 47-year-old is the first player to host the Betfred British Masters twice following his first stint in 2017.

And has one eye on another double this week – winning the event for the second time – he won in 2007 when it was played at The Belfry.

Hosting duties will take on a very different complexion now for Westwood, with stringent health and safety measures in place at Close House, near Newcastle Upon Tyne.

No fans will be present because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Westwood said: “Hosting has been very different. There has been nothing to do on site with sponsors and fans, which has been a shame.

“We’re trying to keep numbers to a minimum on site. We’ve taken all precautions. It’s up to us to be very careful.

“From what I’ve witnessed people are sticking to it by the letter. The testing procedures are very thorough.

“Everyone on site who has been through it can only have found it impressive.”

Westwood: I have never felt better

THE evergreen Englishman is delighted to be back playing competitively for the first time in five months.

Westwood has been on a strict health regime and has never felt fitter, so he will be a force to be reckoned with at his home course.

The Ryder Cup veteran, who now lives close to Close House, said: “The golf course is in great condition once again. Probably better than the last time we hosted the Betfred British Masters.

“It’s a better time in the calendar for the golf course. The greens are quicker, fairways are immaculate.

“As long as the weather co-operates, we should have a great week.

“I would like to get off to another good start this year. The last time I had a long break and played was in Abu Dhabi.

“So the break didn’t do me too much harm there. I’ve played this golf course a lot, especially over the last three or four months.

“When the courses opened up myself and my son Sam were out here nearly every day either practising or playing.

“This is certainly the fittest I’ve felt, without a doubt. There was a period over lockdown where I didn’t play much golf for five or six weeks.

“So I got myself into the gym and worked hard and continued once I started playing golf again. I’ve been pretty busy with it over the last five months.”

Pepperell pepped up his fitness

EDDIE Pepperell, who won this event in 2018, has also benefited from a health kick during lockdown in the UK.

The Frilford Heath member is feeling “quietly confident” upon his return.

Pepperell and Westwood spoke out in favour of remaining in Europe to play the UK Swing – rather than heading to the USA for the World Golf Championship in Memphis before playing the USPGA at San Francisco’s Harding Park.

The 29-year-old Oxfordshire-based pro said: “I don’t know what to expect this week. I think I’ll play very well or pretty bad.

“I don’t imagine there will be a lot in the middle. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking and practising so I feel it will go one of two ways.

“It doesn’t really stay in the middle when I do that,” said Pepperell, who won his second European Tour title when the British Masters was held at Walton Heath two years ago.

“I’m quietly confident, seeing quite a lot of nice stuff. It’s not a place I like to be, I actually prefer to be worried the day before – that tends to make me focus a little more.

“I think, ironically, given the circumstances and playing with no crowds, it almost might make me doubly intent on focusing hard.

“I know I’m going to have to play well, but also stay immersed in some way in the golf,” added Pepperell, who has the vastly experienced Micky Duran on the bag.

“I think that will be important for me. I’m quietly hopeful but I don’t know what to expect,” added the former England amateur international.

Kinhult enjoyed less restrictions in Sweden

MEANWHILE defending champion Marcus Kinhult is another player feeling comfortable with his game, having enjoyed plenty of practice over the past four months.

The Swede said: “I’m excited to go out again and compete. It’s been just over four months, so it should be fun and I’m looking forward to the week.

“It’s so different now with all the restrictions because of COVID, so I don’t feel the defending champion part as much – more trying to get into the new routines and everything.

“It’s nice to be defending but at the same time it’s a new course and everything is new.

“I just saw that I’m playing with Lee Westwood so that will be fun.

“I’ve just been back home in Sweden in my house. Sweden has had a different approach to coronavirus.

“So we’ve been living not quite like normal, but close to normal. We’ve been playing golf and we’ve been OK.

“So I’ve kind of enjoyed the four months,” added Lee, who moved to Newcastle to Worksop, where he played amateur golf for Nottinghamshire, and England.

•Follow live scoring by clicking here.

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American captain Steve Stricker and his European counterpart Padraig Harrington with the Ryder Cup which will now be played at Whistling Straits in 2021. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

USA captain Steve Stricker has backed the move to switch the 2020 Ryder Cup to 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The number of COVID-19 cases stil spreading in American will prevent fans from attending one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

After the PGA of America and European Tour announced the postponement this afternoon, Stricker said: “While it is disappointing the Ryder Cup won’t be played this year, the decision to reschedule is the right thing to do under the circumstances.

“At the end of the day, we want to stage a Ryder Cup that will rival all other Ryder Cups in my home state of Wisconsin.

“And now we have the opportunity to showcase the event as it was meant to be seen.”

European captain Pádraig Harrington, who had changed his mind from being against playing without fans to suggesting it might be necessary to help the game’s finances was also behind the move.

Harrington, who played in the biennial match six times between 1997 and 2010, said: “Rescheduling the Ryder Cup was never going to be an easy decision – given the many factors to take into consideration.

“But I believe it is the right assessment given the unprecedented circumstances we are facing at this time.

“When you think of the Ryder Cup you think of the distinctive atmosphere generated by the spectators, such as around the first tee at Le Golf National two years ago.

“If that cannot be responsibly recreated at Whistling Straits in September, then it is correct that we all wait until it can be.

“I know, right now, that September 2021 feels like a long time away. But it will come around quickly and I guarantee that the European players and I will be ready when it does.”

Ticket and hospitality arrangments

Both the United States and European teams will revisit their respective qualifying and selection processes in the near future, the two organising bodies have said.

Tickets purchased for the 2020 Ryder Cup via rydercup.com will be automatically valid for the corresponding days in 2021.

In the coming weeks, the PGA of America will contact everyone who secured tickets via rydercup.com to enable refunds for those unable to attend in 2021.

Further details regarding that process are available on the Ryder Cup website.

Anyone who has purchased tickets and hospitality packages on the secondary market must contact that specific site directly.

The PGA of America will be unable to process refunds for those purchases.

The PGA of America and Ryder Cup Europe also announced that the Junior Ryder Cup will be rescheduled.

It will now be played on September 21 and 22, 2021, at Blue Mound Golf & Country Club in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

It was originally scheduled for September 20-21.

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Golf clubs can reopen their clubhouses next week – provided they carry out risk assessments and ensure strict hygience procedures are followed to minimise transmission of COVID-19. Picture courtesy of The PGA

GOLF bodies in England have welcomed further changes to COVID-19 lockdown rules and restrictions.

But they have made it clear they remain vigilant as golfers and staff return to play and work.

Following the changes announced yesterday by Boris Johnson – which come into effect on July 4 – golf clubs should be able to reopen their clubhouses and resume catering and bar services.

And those courses which have onsite holiday apartments, flats and chalets in particular, can look forward to increasing revenues after a barren three-month spell during lockdown.

With holiday bookings recommencing in England – allowing overnight stays for the first time since March 23 – golf clubs can look forward to allowing more visitors out on the fairways.

Clubs will have to work out the maximum number of customers they can safely accommodate, taking into account the new social distancing guidelines (see below).

A statement on behalf of the PGA, the Golf Club Managers’ Association (GCMA) and BIGGA – representing greenkeepers across the UK – said: “In the first instance, a risk assessment should be carried out, the details of which should be shared with your workforce.

“For organisations of over 50 employees, this should be published on your website.

“In order to make it more viable for the hospitality industry to open, the government has given scope to relax the current two metres social distancing rules in certain instances in favour of ‘one metre-plus’, which means remaining one-metre apart – while taking other mitigation to reduce the risk of transmission.”

Clubhouses across England should be able to resume serving food and drink from July 4

Clubs must keep records for 21 days

EVERY club that serves food and drink must keep a record of customers for 21 days to assist with NHS ‘Track and Trace’ requests.

They must provide clear guidance on arrival at the venue regarding social distancing and hygiene measures in place.

Table service will be preferred using mobile phone apps to place orders. And contactless payment should be used wherever possible.

In instances where bar or counter service is unavoidable, customers will not be allowed to remain at the bar after ordering.

The statement added: “All involved in golf in England should review the full guidance as soon as possible so they can begin putting in place the necessary steps to ensure your business can continue to open-up safely.”

England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson welcomed the latest relaxation of lockdown restrictions which mean clubhouses can reopen

England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson said: “The work done by those involved in golf during lockdown has been tremendous.

“And that has enabled us to respond quickly and decisively. Like all, we welcome the safe easing of restrictions and look forward to welcoming back even more people – players and staff – to golf.

PGA chief executive Rob Maxfield said “Golf professionals have been working incredibly hard in recent weeks since golf returned.

“And with restrictions easing, we hope to see more people getting to clubs throughout England and the UK.

“We will encourage our members to review the updated guidance and put in place the steps they need to ensure people can get back onto courses as soon as possible.”

“That we have been given time to prepare the changes and the way in which the guidance has been presented is very helpful to clubs, shops and the wider industry.”

Social distancing can be relaxed to one metre – but extra restrictions to reduce transmission will be required such as not sitting face to face in bars and restaurants and wearing masks

New COVID-19 lockdown rules

HOUSESHOLDS face less restrictions on gatherings indoors and outdoors in England following the Prime Minister’s announcement.

The biggest change sees the minimum social distancing rule of two metres being relaxed to one – although health advisers want the public to wear masks wherever it is difficult to maintain the two-metre gap.

Scotland, Ireland and Wales continue to introduce their changes on a different timetable to Westminster.

As part of its regular series of meetings with golf bodies, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf met immediately after the Prime Minister’s Statement on Tuesday afternoon.

They discussed the upcoming changes and their implementation, as well as how the industry is responding to current Government regulation.

Speaking on behalf of the group, North Warwickshire MP Craig Tracey – its chairman – said: “Golf as an industry worked hard to be one of the first sports to resume as restrictions were lifted.

“All industry bodies involved in the group have worked closely together to ensure adherence to lockdown rules have been implemented, sharing their experience to ensure golfers, club staff, and the wider industry, have returned securely.

“The feedback we have received is that golfers have returned to the sport with enthusiasm, and did so complying to social distancing rules.

“Those who have been working should be praised for their part in ensuring that smooth transition and are confident the easing of restrictions will be no different.”

On the timing of the relaxed lockdown rules, Tracey added: “For those of us in England, we have been given time to consider the new rules.”

He added they should be used to, “consider the implications fully and put in place the necessary steps the sport needs to continue to rebound quickly and – above all – safely.”

Scotland expects to reopen pubs from July 15

In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said the five-mile restriction on travel for recreation and leisure should be lifted from July 3.

Pubs and restaurants will be allowed to reopen north of the border from July 15.

In Northern Ireland, holiday accommodation will be allowed to open from Friday, June 26, while pubs and restaurants will be allowed to open from July 3 – giving golf clubs the same freedoms.

Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford has said decisions on lifting restrictions on hospitality and the holiday sector will be taken in early July.

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Graeme McDowell – winner of the 2020 Saudi International – has withdrawn from this week’s PGA Tour event the Travelers Championship after his caddy tested positive for COVID-19. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

US OPEN champion Graeme McDowell has withdrawn from this week’s Travelers Championship in America, after his caddy tested positive for COVID-19.

The Northern Ireland ace, who lives in Florida, pulled out of the PGA Tour event in Connecticut, on Tuesday night after it was confirmed caddy longstanding Ken Comboy had been diagnosed as having the coronavirus.

McDowell told an American website:”For the protection of the field and for my own physical and mental well-being, I’m going to take a test tomorrow morning then jump on a private plane.”

The pair had spent six hours driving in a car from the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town in South Carolina, back to their Florida base, after missing the cut on Friday.

Having left the PGA Tour bubble, Comboy was reported to have felt unwell.

The popular caddy returned from Lake Nona to Harbour Town to request a test from the PGA Tour.

McDowell, who then travelled to TPC River Highlands for this week’s Traveler’s Championship, admitted he feared he would become the next player to be tested positive.

Known as G-Mac throughout golf, Graeme said: “I’d been through a huge amount emotionally and mentally, and a couple of weeks back into it after a few months off you’re going to be a little tired getting your golf legs back.

“But the alarm bells have started to ring now that Kenny has failed this test.

“We’re a close-knit team. We roomed together last week, we spent six hours in a car.

“He’s carrying the virus so in some way I have to be carrying it too,” said McDowell, who won the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach.

McDowell, a past winner at Harbour Town, missed the cut on Friday in the RBC Heritage and travelled back to his Florida home by car with caddy Ken Comboy

McDowell and Champ withdraw

CADDY Ken Comboy and McDowell are one of longest-running partnerships on Tour, and recently celebrated his 14th win at the Saudi International in February.

The Ryder Cup ace played a practice round at TPC River Highlands, on Tuesday, with Shane Lowry and Brooks Koepka and his brother Chase – a former European Challenge Tour player.

Chase came through Monday qualifying to earn his start in Thursday’s event.

Nick Watney became the first PGA Tour play to test positive for COVID-19, last Friday, after the tour staged its second event at Harbour Town – a week after the sport returned with the Charles Schwab Cup in Texas.

And on Monday, Cameron Champ became the second player to fail the coronavirus test after the PGA Tour bubbule moved to the north east, in the USA.

The World No. 79 will have to self-isolate for at least 10 days before he can rejoin the PGA Tour bubble, assuming he then does not test positive again.

Champ is one of the longest hitters on the PGA Tour. He burst into the world’s top 100 after the Web.com Tour graduate made his breakthrough win less than two years ago.

He won the Sandersons Championship, in October 2018, in his second start of the wraparound season – and just his eighth Tour start in total.

The TPC River Highlands course in Hartford, Connecticut, has attracted its strongest-ever field for this week’s Travelers Championship

Strongest line-up for Travelers Championship

NINE of the world’s top 10 are set to tee it up at TPC River Highlands in Hartford, Connecticut.

That is the strongest line-up in the tournament’s history. Bubba Watson has won the event three times in the last decade.

The Travelers will be the third tournament in as many weeks to be played without spectators.

What effect the latest positive tests will have on PGA Tour’s return remains to be seen.

The PGA of America confirmed on Monday that no fans will be present for the first Major of 2020.

The USPGA will be played at TPC Harding Park, in San Francisco, in early August, without any spectators on site.

The PGA Tour was expecting to allow fans to attend Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial Tournament, next month.

But the latest COVID-19 scare – along with growings signs the coronavirus is still spreading in key cities in the USA – will pile pressure on the PGA Tour over its plans to let spectators attend.

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Wales Golf as urged to golfers to observe the new restrictions on playing which come into force from Monday. Travel must stay within five miles the Welsh Government has ruled.
Picture by ANY HISEMAN / MAGIC HOUR

WALES Golf has encouraged clubs and members to stick within the new rules of play announced by the Welsh Government – due to come into force from Monday.

The changes will allow members of two households to play together – at the discretion of the golf club.

Single players can still play, but also two, three and fourballs will be allowed, as long as they are from a maximum of two households, in any combination.

Physical distancing guidelines and industry guidelines must be adhered to before, during and after the round.

Wales Golf urge all golfers to stick to the Welsh Government travel guidelines, which require local travel only – up to five miles.

Players can travel from England to play on Welsh courses, as long as they obey the local travel rules on entering Wales – which allow unlimited travel for journeys related to exercising.

Coaches: Follow PGA COVID-19 rules

COACHING by a PGA professional will be allowed outdoors and with appropriate social distancing.

It is recommended PGA professionals complete a comprehensive risk assessment and refer to coaching guidelines on the PGA COVID-19 Resource Hub.

Some outdoor driving ranges may be able to open, but all such facilities will need to work with relevant authorities and conduct a full risk assessment.

Golf retail shops are currently not on the Welsh Government list of premises that can open for retail purposes.

Therefore, they must remain closed. Golf retailers are encouraged to prepare over the next three weeks ahead of the next review.

Essential access to a building such as a professional shop for clubs that operate a booking system to regulate tee times, registration, and take payment, is permissible – provided appropriate social distancing precautionary measures are put in place.

Further information from Wales Golf along with club guidance can be found clicking here.

More detailed information has been sent directly to clubs, who were told to close by Wales Golf on March 23 – when the UK Government introduced the lockdown to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Wales Golf’s Richard Dixon. Picture by
STEVE POPE / SPORTING WALES

Wales Golf chief thanks golfers for efforts

WALES Golf chief executive Richard Dixon said: “We would like to thank all those golfers, volunteers, club officials and staff who have worked so hard to ensure the return to play has gone smoothly so far.

“The Welsh Government rules have been loosened slightly to allow players from two households to play together, but all the R&A protocols of play and Welsh Government guidance still apply.

“We would urge golfers to check if they can play within the Welsh Government travel guidelines, to abide by the new rules when they come into practice on Monday and maintain a safe approach.”

WELSH CLUBS ASKED TO WAIT A WEEK BEFORE RE-OPENING

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Rounds for three and four-balls will be allowed at golf clubs across England from next week under the new lockdown rules, England Golf has confirmed today. Picture by ANDY HISEMAN

GOLF clubs in England can allow rounds to be played in three and fourballs from next week, under the new lockdown rules introduced by the UK Government.

Golf England has confirmed that the latest relaxation of the rules during the COVID-19 pandemic will allow the current limit on two-balls to be lifted in time for play on Monday, June 1.

At present, golfers can play with a member of their own household or with another player from a different one.

But from next week, the new lockdown rules announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, on Thursday night, will allow up to four golfers, from up to four different households, to play 18 holes in one single group.

England Golf confirmed the changes – the second in the phased return to play allowed – after consultation with Whitehall overnight.

While many golfers have lauded the speed of playing rounds in two-balls widely on social media in the past two weeks, clubs that have been badly hit financially during the coronavirus crisis have been pressing for three and four-balls to be allowed, to increase capacity and revenues.

The need to earn more cash from green fees is greater at pay and club clubs, in particular.

But private clubs are also struggling to meet demand from their members, who are unable to play while fewer players can access the course in two-balls.

Rules for coaching being checked

ENGLAND Golf has stressed that the impact of the latest Conservative government changes remain unclear when it comes to coaching by PGA professionals.

An England Golf statement said: “The PGA are working in collaboration with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf to seek confirmation.

“Further guidance will be communicated once clarity can be provided.”

England Golf has also stressed it is essential that golfers continue to strictly observe social distancing and safety regulations relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The statement added: “All other industry guidelines pertaining to the playing of the game remain unchanged from those issued ahead golf’s phase one return on May 13.

“While COVID-19 remains a live threat in our communities, we would ask everyone involved in the game to act responsibly, show respect and protect the wellbeing of golfers, staff and volunteers.”

Golf clubs in England were able to reopen on May 13, but different rules have applied in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Courses north of the border – including the famous Old Course at St Andrews – only reopened today (Friday) for the first time since the third week of March when the UK went into lockdown.

Welsh clubs were able to reopen on May 18, while it was two days later in Northern Ireland.

•For latest England Golf updates on the COVID-19 crisis click here.

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The Old Course at St Andrews is set to reopen to St Andrews Links Trust yearly ticketholders on Friday, along with the New, Eden and Balgove courses.

THE Old Course at St Andrews – the Home of Golf – is set to reopen on Friday, subject to an 11th hour approval by the Scottish Government on Thursday night.

But visitors will have to wait as tee times are restricted to St Andrews Links Trust’s yearly ticketholders from around the town in Fife – as the Scottish Government’s restricition on journeys remains at five miles.

The oldest golf course in the world will be back in play in time for the weekend, along with the New, Eden and Balgove.

The Strathtyrum, Jubilee and Castle will reopen in stages in the coming days and weeks. The Eden will be split into two loops to encourage people to play nine holes.

St Andrews Links Trust – which operates the seven courses at the Home of Golf – will insist on the following restrictions and guidelines for the coming weeks as players return.

Play will be restricted to Links ticketholders, who will play in a maximum of two-balls – 12 minutes apart. They must have a pre-booked tee time.

The ballot system will remain for the Old Course for Monday to Saturday. There is no play on Sundays.

Once the daily ballot is published, unallocated tee times can be booked by phone on (01334) 466666.

Yearly ticketholders can book a tee time for the other three courses online from 7pm – two days before play – and over the phone from 9am the day before.

Golfers can be from the same household, or two different ones – providing the players have no COVID-19 symptoms, are not in self-isolation or have been out of the country in the previous 14 days.

Social distancing must be observed on arrival at the Old Course and at all times during rounds.

The St Andrews Links Clubhouse will remain closed during the first phase of golf returning to St Andrews Old Course later this week.

Links Trust delighted to reopen Old

THE St Andrews Links Tust said it was “delighted” to share its plans for a phased reopening of the Old Course, known as the “Old Lady.”St

A spokesman said: “The return of golf is hugely important for our community and eagerly anticipated by us all.

“We will continue to monitor and review our policies and practices before we consider re-introducing guests and visitors in the coming weeks.

“We would like to thank everyone for their patience and continued support throughout this unprecedented period.

“Everyone in our community, every individual, every family, every business, every organisation has been impacted by this global pandemic.

“We are committed to ensuring that as we overcome these challenging times, the Links provides a safe and enjoyable environment for us to all come together – and play our part in a sensible and responsible manner.

“In order to move forward, we have had to begin preparing for the new normals – and new responsibilities that we must adhere to – if golf is to play an active role in emerging from this crisis.”

The Trust’s clubhouses, restaurants, the St Andrews Golf Academy and shops also remain closed in line with government guidance.

Players should change in the car park. No toilet facilities will be available in the first phase.

Flagpoles should not be touched – holes have been modified for simple ball retrieval.

All bunker rakes have been removed. Players should smooth sand with their club/feet, and must not pick up other players’ equipment or ball – nor exchange food or drinks.

ST ANDREWS LINKS TROPHY CALLED OFF

The Scottish Government’s decision to scale back some of the lockdown restrictions was announced on Friday.

But it has taken another week for golf to get the green light north of the border. England’s golf courses reopened two weeks ago on May 13.

But Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon refused to be rushed into allowing certain sports – including golf – the chance to resume after more than two months because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The St Andrews Trust spokesman added: “We urge everyone to be respectful of our guidelines to ensure that, in time, we can move to a fully phased reintroduction of the game – as we all know and love it.

“The health and wellbeing of colleagues, customers and golfers remains our priority, and we have developed our operations – and phased return – to promote social distancing at all times.”

•For full details on how to book a tee time at St Andrews, and to read the guidelines in full click here.

‘No rush to reschedule existing bookings’

VISITING golfers, who have existing bookings for the Old Course, should contact their authorised provider, to discuss prepaid bookings.

The Trust stressed this week there was no urgency to discuss reschedule times if you booked direct.

The reservations team is dealing with a high volume of queries. Contacting them via email in the first instance would be appreciated, the Links Trust said.

“We will continue to deal with queries throughout the weeks and months ahead. We thank you in advance for your patience. Thank you for your continued support,” said the spokesman.

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The Old Course at Walton Heath, which has staged a US Open qualifier for Europe since 2005

THE qualifiers for the 2020 US Open on both sides of the Atlantic have been scrapped by the United States Golf Association (USGA).

Each year thousands of amateurs, club professionals as well as Tour stars from all over the world enter the USGA’s regional and sectional qualifiers.

They include the event held at Walton Heath GC, in Surrey, every June, in the build up to the US Open.

But the USGA has decided the challenge of staging even the 15 sectional qualifiers is too great while the world is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 90,000 people in the USA.

As a result the 2020 US Open – which is set to be staged at New York’s Winged Foot GC, from September 17-20 – will not be a true Open, relying on bigger exemption categories.

John Bodenhamer, the USGA’s managing director of championships, said: “As you can imagine, this was an incredibly difficult decision, as qualifying is a cornerstone of USGA championships.

“We take great pride in the fact that many thousands typically enter to pursue their dream of qualifying for a USGA championship, and we deeply regret they will not have that opportunity this year.

“But this structure provides the best path forward for us to conduct these championships in 2020.”

The USGA has yet to decide if fans will be allowed to attend the US Open in September – the first four PGA Tour events, which get under way in June at Texas’ Colonial Club, will be behind closed doors.

The first PGA Tour event that MAY admit spectators is the John Deere Classic, in Illinois, in early July.

South African Dean Burmester (right) headed the 14 qualifiers at Walton Heath for last year’s US Open at Pebble Beach. Picture by EUROPEAN TOUR

No decision on crowds at US Open

“We have not yet made a final determination regarding whether spectators will be able to attend the 2020 US Open at Winged Foot Golf Club,” a USGA spokesman said.

“Given the realities of the pandemic, we are recreating the entire championship experience for everyone involved.

“We appreciate and understand everyone’s questions and will provide more information as soon as possible.”

All the changes mean the USGA will now conduct just four championships in 2020 – all at their originally scheduled sites.

The 75th US Women’s Open will now be played at Houston’s Champions Golf Club ,in Texas, from December 10-13.

The 120th US Women’s Amateur, at Maryland’s Woodmont Country Club (August 3-9), and the 120th US Amateur, at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, in Orgegon (August 10-16), will be conducted as scheduled – provided that state and local government guidelines allow them to be played.

Testing and robust health and safety protocols – in line with America’s CDC regulations – will be in place at each of the four championships, the USGA stressed.

All four championships will be conducted without qualifying. That means the fields will be filled entirely through exemptions.

The USGA spokesman added: “Given continued health and safety concerns – as well as the potential burden on allied golf sssociations and the courses scheduled to host qualifying – conducting hundreds of qualifiers across the country for the US Women’s Amateur, US Amateur, US Open and US Women’s Open was not seen as a viable option.

USGA introduced US Open qualifiers in 1924

QUALIFIERS were introduced for the US Open in 1924, because of the surge in entries and interest following World War One.

In 1959, the USGA instituted the two-stage qualifying process. Ken Venturi (1964) and Orville Moody (1969) are the only two golfers to advance through both stages of qualifying and win the U.S. Open.

So far in 2020, 50 players had earned exemptions for the championship by May 18 when the USGA announced it was cancelling this year’s qualifiers.

The USGA will provide more information on the expanded exemption categories which will determine the field for Winged Foot, in the coming weeks.

Four more US amateur championships in 2020 have also been cancelled:–

• US Women’s Mid-Amateur – Berkeley Hall Club, South Carolina, Aug 29-Sept 3
• US Senior Amateur – Country Club of Detroit, Aug 29-Sept 3
• US Mid-Amateur – Kinloch Golf Club and Independence Golf Club, Virginia, Sept 12-17
• US Senior Women’s Amateur – The Lakewood Club, Alabama, Sept. 12-17.

On top of that list, the US Amateur Four-Ball, US Women’s Amateur Four-Ball, US Senior Open, US Senior Women’s Open were cancelled by the USGA in in March and April, while the US Girls’ Junior and US Junior Amateur were added to the list last month.

Ryder Cup set to follow US Open but will fans be present?

THE US Open is set to take place a week prior to the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits.

The PGA of America – which organises the biennial event along with the European Tour – have yet to decide whether fans will be admitted or not.

Many leading players from both Europe and the USA – including Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, Francesco Molinari, Brooks Kopeka and Jon Rahm – have said the match should be postponed rather than played without its unique atmosphere created by the large, partisan galleries.

•In 2005, Michael Campbell was the last person to come throught the qualifier at Walton Heath, and went on to be crowned US Open Champion at Pinehurst No. 2 as a 200-1 outsider.

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Golfers in Northern Ireland should be back out on the course in the next week after the Stormont Executive approved the Golfing Union of Ireland’s protocol to ease lockdown. Picture by ANDY HISEMAN / MAGIC HOUR

GOLF is set to return in Ulster in the coming days after the Northern Ireland Executive published its Step by Step plan to relax lockdown restrictions during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Golfing Union of Ireland is working through the document so that clubs in Northern Ireland can reopen their doors – and follow those in England, which reopened after eight weeks, on Wednesday.

It distributed its latest protocol documentto clubs on Saturday – based on the protocols drawn up for the Republic of Ireland, using a five-step plan to return to full golfing activities.

During step one, as in England, golfers in Northern Ireland must observe physical distance rules at all times.

The restrictions include any practice areas which are deemed safe to use.

Clubs are required to erect signage to reinforce the “Stay Safe” message.

Players must not touch flagsticks and rakes will be removed from all bunkers.

As much course “furniture” – such as ball-washers, divot boxes, bins – as possible will be removed.

And benches which cannot be taken away should be taken out of use.

Holes should be modified to make retrieving golf balls easier – and putting greens should have the holes filled in, or be closed completely.

Juniors should play only when accompanied by an adult and wherever possible with members of their own household.

Clubhouses will only be available to use the toilets and retrieve clubs from locker rooms.

All bars and restaurants must remain closed during phase one.

No firm date set by Stormont – but GUI and ILGA hopeful it will be days

NO date was set in Stormont’s proposals released on Friday. But golf will be one of the first sports allowed to resume the golfing unions believe.

Meanwhile, Scotland’s First Minister has so far refused to follow Prime Minister Boris Johnson in signalling a return to golf.

The Golfing Union of Ireland and Irish Ladies Golf Union stressed golfers needed to adhere to the rules in their protocol.

The new rules were drawn up and discussed with the Northern Ireland Executive over the past couple of weeks.

It is based on the document sent to the Irish Government, which was published a week ago.

A joint GUI and ILGA statement said: “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.”

The Northern Ireland Executive is monitoring the coronavirus situation closely.

And it has not ruled out the reintroduction of restrictions – which could see golf clubs closed again should the protocol not be followed.

The GUI statement added: “As the Executive have chosen not to produce indicative dates for change in the steps of their plan, we reserve the right to add or subtract from any phase of the protocol.”

If putting greens cannot met social distancing rules they should be closed according to the new Golfing Union of Ireland and ILGA protocols. Picture by ANDY HISEMAN

GUI warn golfers must abide by new rules

THE GUI has called on all golf clubs in Northern Ireland to implement the protocol and stick to its key points in an email sent to each one.

The GUI and ILGU statement said: “Golf is in the very privileged position to be allowed to resume in the first step.

“This return has been based on the sport being able to demonstrate to government that it can take place in a safe, socially distant manner, which this protocol achieves.

“All clubs, golfers and staff have a shared responsibility to ensure the protocol is adhered to.

“We ask that clubs pledge their commitment to implementing the protocol by signing up using the link provided in our email.

“We are aware that there are several other unofficial guidelines in circulation.

“It should be emphasised that clubs and golfers must exclusively adhere to the protocol as published by the GUI and ILGU to ensure that we can continue to enjoy our sport in the times ahead.

“The on-going COVID-19 public health emergency remains our primary concern and overriding priority.

“The Unions acknowledge the tremendous efforts of all frontline workers, which has allowed golf and society in general to consider this gradual return to normal life.”

Golfing Union of Ireland protocol’s key points:–

• Members with colds or any COVID-19 symptoms must stay away from golf course/clubhouse
• Physical distance rules must be observed at all times – in car park, clubhouse and on the course.
• Play is restricted to members only and no competitions or opens can be held
• Tee times must be booked in advance online or by phone. Names and times must be recorded to assist contact tracing if needed
• Tee times must be 10 minutes apart (single golfers), 12 minutes (two-balls), 14 minutes (three-balls). Clubs have to choose just one format for each day

During steps two to five, which will be phased between June 8 and August 10, restrictions will be relaxed, allowing more players out on to the course,

The aim is to bring in competitive play in step three by the end of June.

Clubhouses could be allowed to reopen – subject to strict controls – by August 10.

Members will be allowed to invite guests to their clubs, in step two with visitors allowed to return in step three, from the end of June.

And juniors also will be allowed to play together again, in time for the school holidays as part of step three.

•The current version of the protocol of the Re-introduction of Golf in Northern Ireland will always be available at www.golfnet.ie

GUI and England Golf issue advice on COVID-19 outbreak

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