England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson thanked all the golf club staff who have worked so hard during the lockdown brought in to fight the coronavirus crisis

ENGLAND GOLF chief executive JEREMY TOMLINSON writes about the lifting of the lockdown that allowed clubs across England to reopen today – after being closed for seven weeks because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed more than 32,000 lives in the UK.

WASN’T it fantastic to think about those words again today as golf courses all over England re-opened for play?

The catchphrase of Ivor Robson – the starter at The Open and on the European Tour for many years – would no doubt have been mimicked from Durham to Devon as the first balls were struck – or topped – after a break of more than seven weeks.

It was great feeling to wake up this morning knowing that the majority of our golf clubs were ready to take down that dreaded “Course Closed” sign.

My phone has been buzzing with texts from pals thankful that their daily exercise can now involve picking up their sticks again and getting out on the fairways while staying true to the ‘Play Safe, Stay Safe’ message.

The jokes have started, the sledging won’t be far behind.

It might be the weekend before I can get back on my course at Marlborough.

But I know from speaking to my chairman that there is a buzz about golf being back.

Whether it’s going out with a member of your household – or meeting up with a pal again – being able to play social golf will undoubtedly lift the mood of our golfing community.

‘Greenkeepers deserve a medal’

The hours since lockdown easing was announced – allowing golf to be one of the first sports to return – have been truly hectic.

I’d like to acknowledge the amazing work that has been going on in the background to prepare for golf’s comeback.

In challenging times, greenkeepers deserve a medal for the work they have put in to tend our courses and make sure that with just 48 hours’ notice they were ready for play.

General managers, pro’s, committee members, all other golf club staff and volunteers have been through the mill.

Their Herculean efforts in trying to keep clubs afloat and communicating with members cannot be overlooked.

To all of you I say – great job and thank you!

The reality now, of course, is that there is more hard work on the horizon.

The financial issues raised by temporary business closure during the pandemic also means there are tough times ahead for all clubs.

We are not out of the woods on this one. Rest assured England Golf will do all we can to support our clubs in the weeks and months ahead.

COVID-19 still poses a real risk warns CEO

The threat from COVID-19 is also still very real and there is a huge onus on all of us to make sure we ‘Stay Alert’ and don’t become complacent.

Our ‘Play Safe, Stay Safe’ message has resonated with golfers over the past few weeks and it’s crucial that everyone continues to act responsibly.

Health remains the priority and we cannot take our eye off the ball and put strain back on the NHS and frontline workers, who deserve our support and backing now more than ever.

The media interest in golf’s return has been huge. As such, we all have an opportunity to shine a light on our game and let others see what a wonderful sport it is – and one we will never take for granted.

There are many challenges ahead, but today is a day to be celebrated and enjoyed.

Today, more than any other, it really is the taking part that counts.

Jeremy Tomlinson
CEO, England Golf

LATEST GUIDANCE TO GOLF CLUBS ON RE-OPENING

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Ex-Wiltshire county captain Jeremy Tomlinson at the 2002 Wiltshire Amateur Championship at Hamptworth Golf & Country Club. Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN / AMG PICTURES

ENGLAND Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson has penned a second letter to golf club members across the country about the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak affecting thousands of members.

APRIL is the month when traditionally many golfers and their clubs come out of hibernation.

The clocks have changed, the weather improves and The Masters whets the appetite for a new season.

I’m no different to every other golfer in England who loves this great game of ours.

Normally I’d be looking forward to this weekend’s County Foursomes at Chippenham Golf Club.

In a fortnight, myself, colleagues and many friends from clubs around Wiltshire would be ready for the county championships at Tidworth Golf Club.

I’d have been cramming for these ‘exams’, playing with my friends at Marlborough Golf Club and trying to shake off the winter rust.

Instead, we have all been living through difficult times and golf courses remain closed as we all play our part by staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

However, golf WILL return. We will get to enjoy our sport again, our friendships, our rivalries and experience all the highs and lows that come as part and parcel of this wonderful game.

Since the shutdown on March 23, the sacrifices we have all made in our daily lives have helped to play a part in a huge national effort to combat COVID-19.

The way everyone in golf has rallied together in these uncertain times fills me with great optimism for the future.

Now is the time for us all to keep the faith and see this through until the end.

Behind scenes work to ensure golf returns at ‘earliest opportunity’

England chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson has led efforts to get courses reopened by working with the Government

The way golf clubs and golfers have played their part at a time of national crisis has been exemplary.

The spirit shown has reinforced just why this game is so precious to so many.

At England Golf, we made the responsible call to close courses and we are unwavering in this decision.

This is a stance made in the national interest and validated by government.

Throughout these challenging times, England Golf has collaborated like never before with our colleagues in golf administration and presented a united front during many conversations with government.

This collective approach has continued this week as we work with the Government to try and find the right conditions under which golf can return.

‘Play Safe, Stay Safe’ is the message and, as mentioned in my letter last week, proposed guidelines to prepare for when golf returns will soon be sent out to all clubs and counties.

I would like to thank everyone who has dealt with the frustrations of the last five weeks by acting to save lives.

We must continue to do the right thing in the belief that when it is safe for golf to return, we can look back with pride at how our community of golfers handled a situation that turned our sporting world on its head.

Please remain optimistic, keep the faith as we will Play Safe and Stay Safe on the fairways together again soon.

Jeremy Tomlinson
Chief Executive, England Golf

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