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 Golf Foundation introduced 50,000 kids to golf in 2019 – and says clubs must ensure they are not forgotten as members rush out to play after restrictions were lifted in England.
Picture: CHRIS VAUGHAN PHOTOGRAPHY

THE Golf Foundation has called on clubs not to forget junior golfers as they open for the first weekend’s play in some two months.

The charity, which works closely with PGA club professionals to introduce youngsters into the sport, wants to ensure they are not forgotten as members rush out to play golf again this weekend.

Many juniors attend special coaching clinics and sessions on Saturdays and Sundays, and – outside of school holidays – are far less likely to spend time at golf clubs during the week.

The Golf Foundations is desperate to help promote a safe return to the game for juniors in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

The Hertfordshire-based charity has issued guidance to clubs and PGA pro’s to help them ensure the kids are not forgotten after lockdown.

Under the heading of ‘Don’t forget our young golfers!,’ a key message for all clubs is to ensure junior members involved in coaching programmes are given fair access to play the course.

The new guidelines set out ways juniors can be welcomed back to the course, with an emphasis on safety, inclusion, club and parental support.

They also address fairness in play for youngsters, while encouraging non-golfing parents to learn about the game and their local club – the latter potentially growing family interest in golf with new audiences.

Golf Foundation chairman Stephen Lewis said: “Our charity is all about offering opportunity to young players and encouraging everyone at golf clubs to support their development.

“We understand that tee times will be at a premium at present. The adults quite rightly want to get back out there on the fairways, hence today’s message: ‘Don’t forget our young golfers!’

‘Youngsters help keep golf thriving’

“The importance of accessing the course for children has been demonstrated through our initiatives such as GolfSixes League, which have created a love of the game, a desire to play more golf and ultimately an increase in junior membership at golf clubs.

“It’s vitally important that these children and juniors continue to access the game even in this time of restrictions in order to keep golf thriving.”

The Government changed its “Stay Home, Stay Safe” message to allow golfers to play in two-balls with someone from outside their family, or to have a round of golf with two members of their family., from Wednesday this week.

Hundreds of golf clubs in England were able to open, although the Welsh and Scottish Governments, and the Stormont cabinet in Northern Ireland, left restrictions in place, forcing clubs to remain shut because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 32,000 lives in the UK.

With juniors requiring supervision when allowed out on to the course – meaning they would have to play with one adult – and restrictions in place regarding use of driving ranges and practice facilities, the need for safety measures and social distancing is clear.

The head of the Golf Foundation added: “Our new guidelines emphasise the need for safety.

“With this paramount in all our thinking and actions, our sport actually provides a great opportunity for children to enjoy all of golf’s accepted health benefits – while other options are currently closed to them and their families.

“This is now a chance for the sport to engage with new audiences, with the right encouragement,” said Mr Lewis.

GolfSixes helped attract many families new to the game. Picture by MATT GREAVES

GolfSixes Leagues led the way

THE Golf Foundation introduced just under 50,000 young players to golf clubs across England, Scotland and Wales, in 2019.

And its new GolfSixes Leagues have already proved hugely successful in bringing whole families into the game, with extra spending in clubhouses and pro shops.

From the 364 fixtures held last year, 38 per cent of parents were non-golfers who enjoyed a “warm welcome” at golf clubs across the country, the Foundation’s research found.

Mr Lewis added: “We must continue to encourage new families into the sport.”

The guidelines have been sent to clubs and PGA coaches in the Golf Foundation network.

They can be viewed at https://www.golf-foundation.org/clubs/hsbc-golf-roots-centres/don-t-forget-our-young-golfers

* Find out more about the Golf Foundation’s work at www.golf-foundation.org

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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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The Denmark team who won the 2018 Eisenhower Trophy at the World Amateur Team Championship, held at Carton House, in Ireland. Picture by GOLFKIDS

THE Eisenhower and Espirito Santo Trophies will not be awarded in 2020 after the World Amateur Team Championships for men and women were cancelled.

The International Golf Federation has scrapped both biennial events in October because of the the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision follows the IGF switching the events from Hong Kong to Singapore back in February – because of the civil unrest in the former British colony.

Repeated demonstrations also caused the cancellation of December’s European Tour’s Hong Kong Open.

And because of the disruption to scheduling of other top amateur events moving the event back by 12 months was ruled out by the IGF, so the event will not take place at all.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IGF has been working with the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) to host both competitions at Tanah Merah Country Club and Sentosa Golf Club on the same dates as planned.

The women’s Espirito Santo Trophy was scheduled from October 14-17, while the Eisenhower Trophy was due to be played from October 21-24.

IGF executive director Antony Scanlon said: “This unprecedented decision was due to the global COVID-19 pandemic – and the uncertainty that this has caused to ensuring that the 2020 World Amateur Team Championship could be staged successfully.

“But most importantly, it was made to safeguard the health and safety of all athletes, officials and volunteers at the 2020 WATC, to which there was no certainty that this risk could be mitigated to an acceptable level.”

“I would also note that we gave thoughtful consideration to postponing the Championships to 2021,” Scanlon added.

“However, this would have created considerable scheduling and logistical issues that were insurmountable, plus we still could not say with absolute certainty that we could hold it without risk next year.

“Therefore, the IGF look forward to focusing on and delivering a wonderful 2022 event in France.”

Le Golf National – which hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup – on the outskirts of Paris, will stage the championship in two years’ time.

Nicklaus heads past participants

SOME of the world’s top players have emerged from the WATC to reach the very top in the professional game – including Jack Nicklaus, who starred in the second Eisenhower in 1960.

Dating back to 1958, the World Amateur Team Championships include up to 72 countries competing in 72 holes of strokeplay competition.

Denmark – who included the Hjøgaard twins Rasmus and Nicolai – were the last winners of the Eisenhower, at Ireland’s Careton House, in 2018.

The England team of Scott Gregory, from Hampshire, Kent’s Alfie Plant, and Yorkshire’s Jamie Bower, were silver medallists in Mexico, in 2016.

Bryson DeChambeau led the US team to victory in 2014, playing with Beau Hossler – the 15th victory for the Americans.

England have yet to win the event since the Home Nations stopped sending a Great Britain and Ireland team after the 2000 event in Germany.

Future Ryder Cup players Paul Casey, Luke Donald and Jamie Donaldson finish second in Berlin, behind the USA, who fielded Ben Curtis.

Three years later the World Amateur No. 1 would go on to land The Open at Royal St George’s.

GB&I’s total of four wins – in 1964, 1976, 1988 and 1998 – has only been matched the Australians, the winners four years ago.

As well as Nicklaus, Jerry Pate, Hal Sutton, Mathias Grönberg, Ryan Moore, Marcus Fraser, Rickie Fowler and Jon Rahm have all won the individual medal in the Eisenhower’s 62-year history.

American dominance restored

America’s Espirtio Santo Trophy win at Ireland’s Carton House in 2018 was the USA’s first win in 20 years. Picture by STEVE GIBBONS / USPGA

IN the Espirito Santo, the USA have also dominated with 14 wins and three runners-up finishes. Korea, rather unsurprisingly, is the second most successful nation in the event’s 56-year history, having started in 1964.

Sweden produced two winning teams in the first decade of the 21st Century, featuring future Solheim Cup players Anna Nordqvist and Caroline Hedwall.

Great Britain and Ireland only finished second twice up until 2000 – the Home Nations have also entered separately, like the men, since, although England entered the very first in 1964, finishing third.

That is still their best performance to date.

American amateur legend Carol Semple-Thompson was on the winning team a remarkable four times between 1974 and 1994.

The likes of Juli Inkster – on the winning team in 1980 and 1982 – Nancy Lopez, Patty Hurst all have winners’ medals.

In recent years Paula Creamer, Jessica Korda and Danielle Kang have gone on to appear in the Solheim Cup against Europe, having won on the LPGA Tour.

Each country fields two or three players in both competitions, with the two lowest scores counting per round.

England has never hosted the World Amateur Team Championship, and since 1970 both events have been held at the same venue.

The England team at the inaugural Espirito Santo Trophy in 1964 – left to right Marley Spearman, hostess Michelle Hervieu, Bridget Jackson and Ruth Porter

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European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley has written to players warning them the days of rising prize funds will be hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Picture by EUROPEAN TOUR

EUROPEAN Tour stars face playing for smaller prize funds as well as the prospect of playing tournaments without spectators later this summer, according to a memo written by its chief executive Keith Pelley.

The update sent to players, which was leaked to the Daily Telegraph, warns that some of the “perks” of tour life will be reigned in significantly.

The professional game is planning for when the green light to resume will be given – when the worst of the coronavirus pandemic is over – so golf can return to our TV screens at least.

But Pelley has warned everything from the kind of courtesy cars and tournament lounges where players and their families and support teams can relax before and after rounds and practice, could be affected.

Pelley’s email stated: “Our tour has enjoyed a significant period of growth in recent years, in terms of prize funds, playing opportunities, and the overall standard of our events, as well as our broadcast product.

“The impact of coronavirus has stopped this rapid momentum in its tracks, and it will, in fact, require us to reassess many elements.”

While the trappings of tour life are bound to be hit, the Canadian who has revolutionised certain areas of the European Tour brand since taking over from George O’Grady, late in 2014, Pelley was most blunt about the likely affect on players’ earnings.

“Prize funds will also most likely be different,” Pelley added. “The reality is, the pandemic is going to have a profound impact on the Tour financially, as well as many of our partners, both in the sponsorship and broadcast areas.”

His latest update to the Tour’s members also stressed it make take until the autumn before they can resume playing tournaments – even though the USPGA and US Open have been rescheduled for August and September, respectively.

Several tournaments could be played at the same venue to make the hastily rearranged 2020 schedule run as smoothly as possible.

“Let us say we are given the go-ahead by governments and health authorities to resume play in the first week of September,” said Pelley.

Will season shrink into 16 weeks?

“That gives us 16 weeks between then and Christmas to try and play as many tournaments as possible.

“We are looking at options such as a) multiple tournaments in the same location; b) two tournaments in the same week or three in a fortnight; or c) three or four tournaments back-to-back in the UK with a 14-day ‘quarantine’ period ahead of that – to allow players not from the UK to come over and self-isolate in advance, if that health requirement is still in place then.”

Pelley stressed the Rolex Series and tournaments based in the UK are the priority for the Tour and its broadcaster Sky Sports – confirming the Tour will “play behind closed doors if necessary.”

The British Masters at Close House, in the North East – which was originally scheduled for July 30-August 2 – and the BMW PGA Championship, at Wentworth (September 10-13), are two of the UK events on the schedule.

The Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at North Berwick’s Renaissance Club, was due to be held from July 9-12, the week before The Open, at Royal St George’s, which has now been cancelled.

Meanwhile attracting stars from Hollywood to play the annual Alfred Dunhill Links Championship (October 1-4) may pose more problems in 2020 than normal with celebrities filming and TV schedules – if the pro-am can be held at St Andrews the week after the Ryder Cup.

October’s Italian Open, which is a Rolex Series event, faces many hurdles before it can be played, given how badly Italy has fared from the number of COVID-19 deaths.

The other Rolex events are the Turkish Airlines Open (November 5-8) and the Nedbank Golf Challenge, which will have to be moved now that the Augusta Masters has been provisionally rearranged for November 12-15.

But if the South African event at Sun City’s Gary Player Country Club, has to be moved, that also means the DP World Tour Championship at Dubai’s Jumeirah Golf will also have to be moved to December.

The final Rolex Series event will determine the Race to Dubai winner, which earned the European No. 1 Jon Rahm a £2million bonus, on top of the $3million cheque for the winner that week.

Graeme McDowell was set to host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet in May before the COVID-19 outbreak. Could it still be played in the autumn?

11 events hit by coronavirus so far in 2020

SO far the European Tour has postponed eight tournaments and cancelled completely three more, including June’s inaugural Scandinavian Mixed, hosted by Henrik Stenson and Annika Sorenstam.

At the moment the BMW International at Golfclub München in late June is the first event on the original schedule which has yet to be postponed, followed a week later by the French Open at Paris’ Le Golf National.

Other events in Continental Europe which could still be played are Switzerland’s Omega European Masters (August 27-30),  Germany’s Porsche European Open (September 3-6), Holland’s KLM Open (September 17-20), Spanish Open (October 15-18) and the Portugal Masters (October 22-25).

Among the countries where events were postponed in March and April were Ireland, Kenya, India, Malaysia, China, Morocco, the Czech Republic and Spain.

The European Tour has stressed that it would work to try to rearrange postponed tournaments wherever possible.

But the logistical problems created by the international travel bans alone, make that very difficult – let alone while the current uncertainty about lockdowns in each country continues.

It remains to be seen how many of those can be played in 2020, or if the European Tour will just be content to make sure they can still be played in 2021.

And that will depend on the support of the sponsors, or finding replacements should the economic impact of COVID-19 hit exisiting ones.

Certainly, if spectators can be admitted later in the year, both Sky and the European Tour, would be keen to resurrect the Irish Open.

Graeme McDowell was set to host at Mount Juliet at the end of May, before it was postponed at the end of March.

But the lack of light means it would surely have to be played before the clocks go back in October, without the size of the field having to be heavily restricted.

March’s Hero Indian Open – co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours – was one of the first to be called off as a result of the coronavirus outbreak

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Left to right: Ryder Cup captains Steve Stricker (USA) and Padraig Harrington (Europe) who issued a letter calling on golfers all over the world to unite to beat the coronavirus pandemic. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

A MESSAGE TO EVERYONE FROM USA AND EUROPE’S RYDER CUP CAPTAINS

EVERY two years Europe and the United States of America come together.

We are united by the shared values of sportsmanship and our desire to defeat a formidable opponent.

In doing so, we witness some incredible displays of determination, passion and spirit.

When Europe takes on the United States in the Ryder Cup it is always fiercely contested – but it is just golf.

It is not a matter of life and death – fighting coronavirus is.

Today, Europe and the United States are united like never before.

We have a formidable opponent, but it is not each other. It is like nothing we have ever faced before.

Defeating coronavirus won’t happen in three days. It won’t happen because of the efforts of only 12 men.

It needs all of us to play our part. So while Europe and the America once again come together, we also stand as one with all of our friends around the world during this unprecedented global crisis.

As Ryder Cup Captains, we proudly represent all the players, caddies, staff and partners of the European Tour and PGA of America.

And we speak on behalf of every single one of them when we say that our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been affected.

We also speak for them when we say that we are all moved by the incredible determination, passion and spirit we are witnessing from our health professionals, key workers and everyone else on the front line in this battle.

We are all indebted to the incredible work they are all doing.

Last week, some of the world’s leading golfers featured in a social media video thanking our heroes. We want to take this opportunity to reiterate our sincere gratitude to all of you once more.

Today is World Health Day. It should also be a day when we are all at Augusta National for the first Major of the 2020 season, but golf is insignificant right now.

Instead of celebrating someone in a Green Jacket, this week we rightly celebrate those selfless people around the world wearing scrubs, wearing white coats, wearing supermarket uniforms – together with everyone else working round the clock to protect us and keep the world functioning.

You are our true heroes. For them, we urge everyone to please stay safe, stay healthy and stay home.

And stay united.

•Both the PGA of America and the European Tour committed to work towards playing the Ryder Cup as scheduled at Wisconsin’s Whistling Straits Golf Club, from September 25-27, when a revised schedule for the 2020 Majors was issued by all the main golf tours – and the R&A and USGA – earlier this week.

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A large number of England Golf Championships in June and July have been postponed because of the coronvirus pandemic – a total of 27 events are now off

ENGLAND Golf have postponed another 14 events – including the Carris and McGregor trophies – in the summer’s amateur calendar in June and July amid the continuing coronavirus crisis.

All major championships organised by the game’s governing body in England have now been put off up until July 27.

That includes two of the three of England’s junior championships – with July’s McGregor Trophy (U16s strokeplay) and the Carris (U18s strokeplay) – both off, at least temporarily.

Another casualty is the English Mid-Amateur Championship for the over 35s, with the Logan Trophy due to have been played at Yorkshire’s Sand Moor, from July 3-5.

England Golf had already cancelled some 14 events from April until the end of the first week in June after the championship committee took the decision on March 18 – before the Government lockdown was introduced five days later forcing some 3,000 golf clubs to close in the UK and Ireland.

Organisers based at England Golf’s headquarters at Woodhall Spa, in Lincolnshire, are still hoping that some of the events can be rescheduled although junior events like the Carris and McGregor – and the England Girls Open Championship – due to be played at Hertfordshire’s Sandy Lodge GC, from July 21-23 – can only be played during the school holidays.

The Carris was due to be played at Weybridge’s St George’s Hill, in Surrey, from July 21-24, while the McGregor was heading to the North East at Heworth GC, in Gateshead, a week earlier.

England Golf’s director of championships James Crampton said: “It is with regret that we have had to extend the list of postponed England Golf events as we all adhere to the expert advice and necessary measures now in place to combat the spread of coronavirus.

“All England Golf championships have now been postponed until week commencing July 27.

“We will continue to regularly review our championship plans beyond this date.

“If possible, we aim to re-schedule some of our postponed events and will provide information as and when it is practicable to do so.

“There are a number of intricacies associated with championship golf which need to be considered well in advance of any event taking place.

“And these, as much as golf courses being open for play, are key factors in our decision-making.”

An England Golf spokesman said: “As always, England Golf’s priority when taking decisions at this time is to assist the national effort to combat the threat of the COVID-19 outbreak and ensure we protect our NHS and save lives.

“With golf courses now closed until further notice and restrictions for travel and public life in place for an indefinite period, England Golf have taken the pragmatic decision on the postponement of events beyond our original date of June 7.

The 14 events in April, May and early June which were postponed included the Brabazon Trophy at Sherwood Forest GC (May 21-24) and the two qualifiers for the English Amateur Strokeplay Championship at Hessle and East Sussex on May 12.

The English Women’s Amateur at Sheringham GC, in Norfolk (May 27-31) and the Senior Women’s Amateur at  Peterborough Milton GC (May 11-15) were among the earlier events called off.

The English Seniors Championship at Lincolnshire’s Burghley Park and Luffenham Heath, in Rutland (June 3-5) is also off along with the English Open Amateur for golfers with a disability at Whittlebury Park, in Northamptonshire, from June 27-28.

The English Schools’ Team Championship – which was to be held again at Woodhall Spa – is another event that will require a new slot, but could be played later in the season.

The latest England Golf championships to be postponed are:–

• English Senior Women’s Strokeplay – Abbeydale, June 16-18
• England Golf Medal – The Kendleshire – June 17
• Golf Captains – Broadway, June 17
• England Golf Medal – Drayton Park, June 21
• England Golf Medal – Brancepeth Castle, June 25
• English Open Disabled Amateur – Whittlebury Park, June 27-28
• Golf Captains – Moortown, June 30
• Logan Trophy – Sand Moor, July 3-5
• Senior Series and Golf Captains – South Staffs, July 7-8
• English Schools’ Team Championship – Woodhall Spa, July 8
• McGregor Trophy – Heworth, July 14-16
• English Girls’ Open Championship – Sandy Lodge, July 21-23
• Carris Trophy – St George’s Hill, July 21-24
• Golf Captains – Piltdown, July 22

Any player already registered for a postponed England Golf event will be contacted directly by the championship department.

In addition to championships, all England Golf regional and national squad coaching sessions for men, women, boys and girls remain cancelled until further notice.

Individual coaching sessions – apart from those done remotely by video call – have also been cancelled.

The England Golf spokesman added: “Events relating to championships and performance squads remain under constant review and timely updates will be issued via our website and social media platforms.”

•You can follow England Golf on Twitter and Instagram

The stunninge St George’s Hill at Weybridge is due to host the Carris Trophy in 2020 but the July date has been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic

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Wiltshire’s Jake Bolton will be unable to defend his Scottish Amateur Strokeplay title with the 2020 Scottish Men’s Open at Muirfield now cancelled because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Picture by SCOTTISH GOLF

SCOTTISH Golf has become the first of the four Home Nations to completely cancel its entire domestic season as a result of the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Eleanor Cannon, who chairs Scottish Golf, announced her board had decided to postpone all remaining events in its championship calendar as the number of deaths from COVID-19 continues to climb – and with no sign of the Government lockdown being lifted as it nears the end of its third week.

A number of Scottish Golf’s early season events in April were called off last month. But the complete suspension of all activities means there will be no Scottish Amateur Championship for either men or women in 2020.

The Scottish Amateur Championship was due to be held at Murcar at the end of July, while the Scottish Women’s Amateur was heading to Ladybank in early June.

Also scrubbed from the calendar is the Scottish Men’s Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship, which Muirfield was set to host from May 29-31.

The strokeplay event – won in 2019 by Wiltshire’s Jake Bolton – was moving to an earliier date in the season, the week before England’s Brabazon Trophy, which attracts a strong international field, and was being played at Sherwood Forest GC, before it was also cancelled last month.

The Scottish Girls Amateur was set to be played at Strathhaven at the same time as July’s Open Championship, while the Scottish Boys was to be played at Haggs Castle, from July 15-19.

Eleanor Cannon, who chairs Scottish Golf

Eleanor Cannon said: “This is the most difficult time we have all had to face in a generation, both personally and professionally.

“All of us have been affected by COVID-19 either directly or indirectly.

“Scottish Golf, like its member clubs, is having to make some tough decisions in light of a significant delay in our member income, so that we can continue to support our clubs as we come through these difficult times.

“To this end, we have furloughed the majority of our employees and made the necessary decisions as regards our season’s calendar of events.

“We have taken the decision to cancel all our events and our performance programmes for the remainder of the 2020 season.

“I recognise that, for each of our 575 affiliated clubs, our committees, employees and members, it is a time of uncertainty and stress.

“Tough decisions are being taken by your management teams so that your clubs can re-open their doors in as strong a position as is possible.

“Clubs need their members more than ever to support them financially so that they can survive the lockdown in an already tough market – and so that we each have our club to come back to.”

Scottish Golf is working on implementing the new WHS handicapping system which CONGU is due to roll out in the UK later in 2020

Work on VMS and WHS continues

SCOTTISH Golf stressed important work is still being carried out during the lockdown to ensure it was in a “positive position” when clubs and courses reopen.

The Hive eLearning platform is being developed further. which will allow clubs to access self-learning tools to manage various aspects of the club, including assistance with educating members on the WHS handicapping system, which had been set to be rolled out in 2020.

Work is also being finalised on the controversial Venue Management System project, which will control all future centralised handicapping under the new WHS system, as well as offering clubs a different way to manage their tee booking systems.

Some unhappy clubs have spoken out over statements that the current CONGU system, which is licensed for individual software companies that service golf clubs across the UK, will only be used north of the border in conjunction with the VMS system and app developed by Scottish Golf.

Scottish Golf’s chairwoman Eleanor Cannon said: “Work continues on the development and testing of VMS.

“We know that many clubs are using the current down time to learn the new system and we have retained team members to support (clubs) in this.

“We continue to liaise with Sport Scotland and the Government and we will ensure we communicate with you as and when decisions about the game are made.

“As a community we represent so much more than golf. Together, locally, we represent camaraderie, friendship, and support.

“We are all pulling together in the golf clubs that we love, reaching out to each other – making sure our golfing friends who are on their own and vulnerable are being looked after and feel supported by their club, and their fellow members.

“In time we will all get back out there onto our courses. For now, we must look after each other and the communities our clubs serve.

“Once we can start playing the game we love again, we will all work together to re-establish golf as the life blood of our communities.

“Thank you for the commitment you have shown us. We look forward to working with you all both now and in the future.”

Jake Bolton reached the South African Amateur Championship semi-finals in February before losing to Scotland’s James Wilson. Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN / AMG PICTURES

Bolton fast out of the blocks in 2020

JAKE Bolton joined an illustrious list when he became just the seventh Englishman to win the Scottish Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship at The Duke’s St Andrew’s last summer.

The Wiltshire England A squad member capped off a fine season in which he led qualifying at the English Amateur at Hankley Common and North Hants GC at the end of July.

The Ogbourne Downs member had lost a play-off in the Selborne Salver, in April 2019, taking second place in the Hampshire Salver for the aggregate at Blackmoor GC and 24 hours later in the Hampshire Hog at North Hants GC.

The 21-year-old finished with back to back birdies to claim the Scottish Strokeplay – the biggest win of his career so far – to complete a wire-to-wire win at St Andrews.

Jake finished one shot ahead of Yorkshire’s Sam Bairstow – ironically it was the left-hander from Sheffield’s Hallowes club, who denied him the Hampshire Salver on countback.

Bolton said after his win: “This is a really nice way to end my season and to win in such an iconic place as St Andrews is special.

“Knowing my name is going to be beside some of these great players in this trophy is brilliant and a reward for the way I played.”

Former winners of the Scottish Strokeplay include Tommy Fleetwood, Paul McGinley, Stephen Gallacher, Andy Sullivan and Richie Ramsay, who have all gone on to win on the European Tour.

Bolton has committed to staying amateur for at least 18 months more to push for a place in the 2021 Walker Cup, which is due to be played in May, as Florida’s legendary Seminole GC is the planned host, meaning August’s traditional date would be too hot, and September – the normal date in the UK – would be in the hurricane season.

Bolton, who helped Wiltshire win the English Boys County Finals in 2015 and 2016, made a good start to the 2020 season in South Africa.

He reached the semi-final of the South African Amateur Championship, at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, in February.

But he was beaten by James Wilson, from Balmore GC, who went on to lose 7&6 to South Africa’s Casey Jarvis, in the final.

That was in the last week of February before the coronavirus pandemic took hold, cancelling the rest of the early amateur events of the new season and cancelling nearly all international travel within a month.

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Graeme McDowell will have to wait until 2021 to host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet after the 2020 tournament was called off due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis

THE European Tour has confirmed the postponement today of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open due to the continuing threat posed by the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The tournament was scheduled to be the European Tour’s second Rolex Series event of 2020, taking place at Mount Juliet Estate from May 28-31, with Major champion Graeme McDowell as host.

It brings the total number of events on the European Tour schedule either cancelled or postponed to 11 from the second week in March through to the end of May.

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said: “The decision to postpone the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open follows consultation with all stakeholders and was made with public health and well-being as our absolute priority.

“Our thoughts are with everyone right now and we are all united in trying to fight the spread of the pandemic.

“With this in mind, we will continue to evaluate all aspects of our 2020 European Tour schedule, and discussions on the rescheduling of postponed events will remain ongoing until we have clarity on the global situation.”

Dubai Duty Free chief executive Colm McLoughlin said: “We fully support the European Tour in their decision to postpone the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

“The most important thing right now is the health and safety of all the players, the spectators, the sponsors and organisers, so it’s the right decision.”

Tournament host McDowell said: “As important as the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is to all of us, everyone’s health is our only concern.

“My thoughts are with everyone affected by the crisis and I hope everyone keeps safe and well during these difficult times.”

McDowell had been looking forward to teeing it up at Kilkenny’s Mount Juliet, which hosted the World Golf Championship American Express Championship in 2002 and 2004.

The 2010 US Open Champion, who claimed the Saudi International in early February for his first win on the European Tour in more than five years, agreed to host the Irish Open in 2020 and 2021 before Christmas.

Mount Juliet will host the 2021 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open under the European Tour deal

Cancelled tournaments list grows

THE first four events called off by the European Tour were the Magical Kenya Open, the Hero Indian Open, the Volvo China Open and Malaysia’s Maybank Championship

The four events sandwiched the WGC Dell Technologies World Match Play and the Masters on the European Tour’s international schedule.

Two weeks ago, the European Tour postponed the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama, at the end of April, followed a week later by the Made in Denmark tournament in May, as well as cancelling the GolfSixes Casçais, in Portugal – the latter two events were planned for either side of the USPGA.

Speculation has continued over the past few days over whether the US Open at Winged Foot, in June, and the 149th Open Championship at Royal St George’s in July, will join the Masters and USPGA Championship in being postponed until later in the summer, or even autumn.

Rumours suggest the Augusta National Golf Club are looking at a date in early October for the Masters, with the USPGA possibly moving to a date in early August vacated by the cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics last week.

The TPC Harding Park in San Francisco was set to host Brooks Keopka’s defence of the Sam Wanamaker Trophy in May, before the coronavirus pandemic spread to the USA from China.

The USGA, who organise the US Open are said to be close to making an announcement on their flagship event, with New York’s Long Island at the epicentre of the current COVID-19 outbreak in North America.

With talk of a possible quarantine of New York city and New York State, moving the US Open to another venue, or pushing it back to the autumn from its date in the third week of June, are the most likely option.

The European Tour has so far seen 11 events in 2020 either cancelled or postponed

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PGA chief executive Robert Maxfield who has offered support to golf club professionals hit by the closures after the coronavirus pandemic

THE PGA is working to launch a dedicated helpline for its membership to give advice on what financial help is available during the coronavirus pandemic.

Chief executive Robert Maxfield Mr Maxfield said: “This will be open to all PGA members.

“Run in partnership with the Golf Club Managers Association (GCMA), the objective of the helpline is to advise golf clubs, golf facilities and PGA professionals, and help them to understand what Government financial support might be available.

“The PGA is fully co-ordinated with golf’s other governing bodies and is wholly supportive that golf cannot continue to operate within these government restrictions.

“It is an unprecedented time for us all and the health and wellbeing of our members and their families comes first.

“It’s on that basis, and following the Government guidelines, that golf clubs, pro shops and courses must now be closed.

“These measures are designed to limit the spread of the coronavirus and restrict the pressure on the National Health Service.” Mr Maxfield added.

The entire PGA staff at its Belfry HQ is now working remotely and will continue to monitor Government announcements in what is a “rapidly changing situation,” the PGA chief said.

“Some aspects of the current guidelines are unclear but hopefully there will be more clarity in the coming days,” added Mr Maxfield.

“Since the outbreak of the virus, we have been working closely with our industry friends at the GCMA and BIGGA – the British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association – to provide up-to-date guidance and advice during this challenging time.

“Many of our members’ businesses have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis on the back of a challenging winter.

“There have been some great examples of golf clubs supporting their PGA professional and through the helpline we aim to ensure they are also aware of how the Government might be able to assist them during this difficult time.”

The entire PGA staff is now working remotely and will continue to monitor Government announcements in what is a rapidly changing situation. Some aspects of the current guidelines are unclear but hopefully there will be more clarity in the coming days.

GCMA chief executive Bob Williams said: ”The recent announcement concerning Government support will present a lifeline to many golf clubs.

“Golf club managers will need to fully understand the support available and I strongly believe this helpline will provide clarity to not only GCMA members, but all golf clubs”.

The helpline will be up and running by Monday, March 30, Mr Maxfield pledged adding: “We will release more detail later this week. ”

•The COVID-19 Resource Hub, located on the PGA website, continues to provide up-to-date information for its members.

The PGA headquarters are at The Belfry, which has hosted the Ryder Cup four times

PGA tournaments off until May

All PGA tournaments and pro-ams until the end of May have been cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The decision affects a number of PGA Regional events at the start of the seaosn which club pro’s play in, and can earn four-figure sums, by winning.

The first national championship of 2020 is not scheduled to take place until June, when the PGA Professional Championship heads to the Duke’s Course at St Andrew’s, from June 16-19 at the same time as the Women’s PGA Professional.

Nine events in Midlands Region have been postponed, including its two Qualifying School events and the first two events in the Seniors and Trainees Order of Merits.

Four PGA Yorkshire events have been postponed – including the Sheffield Masters at Rotherham GC, on April 7, and another five cancelled including of the Players Tour events.

The PGA head office at The Belfy a d its five regional offices in England – as well as those in Scotland and Ireland – closed on Tuesday.

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