Golfers have been given the green light to resume playing – on their own or with members of their own household ONLY, from May 13. Picture by ANDY HISEMAN / MAGIC HOUR

GOLF clubs in England can resume playing from Wednesday this week after Prime Minister’s address to the nation on relaxing some parts of the lockdown imposed to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.

England Golf – the game’s governing body – welcomed the news allowing golf clubs to open for their members for the first time since March 23 when the Government introduced the ‘Stay at Home, Save Lives’ message to prevent the NHS being overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic.

But the relaxation of the rules allowing golfers to play with one other golfer – who does not have to be a member of their household group – does not yet apply to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Governments in the other parts of the UK have so far erred on the side of caution, using devolved powers to keep the ban in place even though it will be lifted in England from Wednesday, May 13.

An England Golf spokesman said: “It is important to stress that this remains an extremely difficult situation throughout the UK, and we are acutely aware that many lives have been lost to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The effects of the virus will continue to be felt for a long time to come. As a sport we must work together to resume play responsibly – as, and when, the relevant Government determines it is safe to do so.

“We must ensure that the safety and well-being of everyone involved from golfers, to club staff and greenkeepers is maintained at all times.

“Golf clubs and golfers have observed the lockdown very well and must keep it up and act responsibly as play resumes.

“We recently provided documents giving guidance on operations and resuming play and golf clubs should consider this carefully as they restart their businesses.

England Golf, The R&A and other industry groups – including the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) – have issued guidance to help greenkeepers

“We also provided essential maintenance guidelines to help greenkeepers to prepare their courses for play.

“We fully appreciate the huge amount of expertise that exists within golf clubs throughout the country, and this best-practice guidance simply aims to achieve as consistent an approach as possible to protecting everyone.”

But while many people seemed confused by the change in the Government’s “Stay at Home” strategy, encouraging people to return to work wherever possible, the game’s rulers have stressed they are seeking guidance on other golf facilties, such as driving ranges after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s speech on Sunday night.

The Government clarified that the change in the rules did not restrict golfers to playing on their own – or just with a member of their own household – on Monday afternoon.

The publication of a 50-page Government document explained the new rules in full.

Advice sought on driving ranges

The spokesman added: “We are seeking further clarification from the Government regarding other golf-related facilities.

“The pandemic has already had a substantial impact on golf clubs and venues and the focus will soon turn to trying to recover from the crisis.

“As a group we will continue to do all we can to provide support and guidance in that effort.”

England Golf has been in discussions with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf, to work with Government to promote safe golf.

They have worked alongside other groups from the sport including the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), the British Golf Industry Association, the Golf Club Managers’ Association (GCMA), the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA), Ping, The R&A, IMG, the UK Golf Federation as well as the ruling bodies from the other Home Nations – Scottish Golf, Wales Golf, the Golfing Union of Ireland and the Irish Ladies’ Golf Union.

•England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson has written a series of updates to golf clubs and members during the COVID-19 crisis.

The post Golf clubs gets green light to reopen as PM lifts COVID-19 rules on certain sports appeared first on Golf North.

England Golf have urged golf clubs to take appropriate steps to minimise the risk of coronavirus infection – both in the clubhouse and out on the course. Picture by ANDY HISEMAN / MAGIC HOUR

GOLF clubs and golfers must take appropriate steps to make sure they minimise the risk of infection from the COVID-19 virus, according to England Golf.

In general, golf is a healthy pursuit played in the open air, the game’s governing body said after the Government urged the public to avoid social gatherings, and pay heed to social distancing, earlier this week.

The risk to players, who are of good health and not classed in a vulnerable age category, is smaller than most other sports provided the expert advice is followed, England Golf said in its latest statement released late on Wednesday afternoon.

The vast majority of golfers can continue to play at golf faciliites across the country, it added.

However, golf facilities must be mindful of the older age profile of their membership, and understand it is only prudent to implement sensible policies to limit the potential spread of any outbreak, England Golf warned.

England Golf has taken the decision to postpone its championship events until June 7 to minimise the risk of infection from the coronavirus.

The online statement said: “Our championships involve large numbers of people travelling and working together to run a successful event, and we consider it impossible to ensure the safety and welfare of all concerned.

“Golf clubs should consider if it is appropriate to take a similar stance for open competitions on the basis of government advice on travel and other social restrictions.

“Clubs should also carefully consider if it is possible and appropriate for them to run club competitions and matches in line with current government guidance on social gathering and social distancing.

“These are unprecedented and extremely tough times for golf, but we would ask all our clubs and golfers to adopt a common-sense approach.”

Simple do’s and don’ts to reduce risk of infection from coronavirus

ENGLAND Golf have issued the following guidelines to clubs and golfers to reduce the risk of infection from COVID-19:–

• Indoor, social aspects of golf club life should be curtailed based on expert advice on social gatherings
• Golfers suffering from or showing symptoms of the COVID-19 infection must self-isolate and stay away from their club. The length of time spent in self-isolation should be in line with government recommendations
• Vulnerable groups or those with underlying health issues should heed advice to self-isolate
• Golf clubs should prominently display public health posters available via NHS England’s website in all washrooms and at entrances to the course and clubhouse. They should urge visitors to follow the 20-second handwashing recommended by Public Health England.
• Install extra hand-sanitizers including on or near teeing areas and practice areas
• Golfers should be allowed to change shoes in the car park to avoid contact in locker rooms.
• Staff and volunteers – while taking precautions for their own health such as wearing protective gloves – should carry out regular cleaning of surfaces and door handles. Where possible doors should be left ajar
• Cash transactions should be avoided and card payments encouraged
• Clubs may wish to offer a takeaway service for food to minimise social contact
• Golfers should maintain a minimum distance of two yards between playing partners, especially on the tee and greens
• Encourage play in smaller groups – ie two-balls
• Increase gaps for tee times to prevent groups bunching
• Leave the flagstick in the hole at all times and clubs should remove rakes from bunkers to reduce risk of hand-to-hand infection
• Buggies should be for solo use only and cleaned after every outing
• Golfers should use their own trolley and clean it after every round
• Avoid handshakes and embraces in accordance with accepted etiquette – give a thumbs-up or similar greeting instead
• Do not hold group coaching sessions. Individual coaching should be based on expert advice on social distancing
• Greenkeepers should remove pins from practice putting greens
• A review of how practice balls are dispensed and cleaned is also recommended

The Golf Club Managers Association – in conjunction with the R&A, BIGGA, the greenkeepers association, and the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) – has compiled a raft of advice for clubs on how to cope with prolongued or sudden staff absences.

England Golf added: “The UK government has recently announced financial relief plans to help small businesses.

“When more details become available we will update accordingly and signpost to online links.

“This remains a fluid situation and advice and guidance to clubs may change according to government and expert advice.”

Golf clubs needing to access government advice can go to:
World Health Organisation
Public Health England

The post Minimise risk of infection says England Golf in latest advice to clubs and golfers appeared first on Golf North.

England Golf and other Home Unions have issues advice to golf clubs in the last 24 hours on how to combat the spread of the coronavirus (COVID 19)

ENGLAND Golf has urged clubs across the country to seek out the latest guide on the coronavirus outbreak as more and more sporting events across the country come under threat.

An England Golf spokesman said: “In light of the developing situation with the COVID-19 outbreak – we have issued the following guidance to all our affiliated golf clubs and golfers.

“We fully recognise the need to adhere to the expert advice available and as such we would point all our clubs in the direction of the guidelines set out in detail by Public Health England via its website.

“Details on how best to cope with the virus can also be found via the World Health Organisation website which will provide rolling updates and the best ways to mitigate against the spread of the infection.

NHS England also provide updated and expert advice via its website.

“All golf clubs should note, act upon and continually monitor the advice and guidance issued by these expert authorities in relation to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

“It is important that we all work together, following the advice of qualified professionals, in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

“This remains a very fluid situation and England Golf will continue to take their lead from the government and public health authorities when it comes to safeguarding our clubs and members – and offering practical and necessary steps to ensure the health and wellbeing of golfers and golf club staff.”

England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson said: “The expert practical advice that is available from the health authorities and national government should remain the first point of reference for all our golf clubs and golfers.

“This is clearly a fluid and developing situation and we will continue to monitor events as they progress and pass on the relevant information to our stakeholders.

“By working in alignment with those who are specialists in this field, we will be able to take the necessary precautions and provide the correct measures to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.”

•The European Tour cancelled last week’s Magical Kenya Open and two events in China and Malaysia, will not take place in April, while this month’s Hero India Open has also been cancelled.

Golfing Union of Ireland

GUI issue list of do’s and don’ts

MEANWHILE the Golf Union of Ireland issued a specific list of areas of concern for golfers and golf clubs over the coming days and weeks.

The GUI said in an online statement: “Golf is a great sport for people generally to get out and about, exercise and enjoy fresh air.

“It is played in an outdoor setting where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is low.

“All golf clubs should, at this time, aim to keep their members and staff safe and well.

“As such, everyone should be keenly aware of the vulnerabilities golf clubs will face,” the statement added.

The GUI and Irish Ladies Golf Union also announced that a number of coaching sessions, matches and tournaments were being postponed through March.

The Irish Girls Open Strokeplay Championship (April 3-5) was also called off because of the international field the latter attracts.

The GUI issued the following checklist for its member clubs to observe:–
•The older age profile of golf club memberships than of the general population must be borne in mind

•Groups having close and prolonged contact should be avoided

The social aspect of clubs should be curtailed, the GUI added, including limiting the potential for social interaction in accordance with the guidelines issued – including:–

•Siren starts with people congregating before and after are discouraged for the time being

•Prolonged near-contact as may happen during Bridge nights, choir practices and other clubhouse-based activities is to be avoided

•Visitors should be discouraged for the time being – or require some form of screening

•Society bookings where food and social interaction is involved should be limited in accordance with the latest guidance​

•Common courtesies – handshakes and other embraces associated with the etiquette of the game – should be avoided. Participants may “bump elbows” as an alternative

•Social meals for groups in the clubhouse, including at inter-club matches, should be avoided.

‘Increase spaces to cut transmission risk’

The GUI said golf clubs should also observe the need for the following:–
•Increase social distancing through greater space between seating in clubhouses

•Ensure availability of hand-sanitisers and regular changing of towels

•Ask members not to come into the clubhouse with colds or any symptoms of COVID-19

•Regular cleaning of surfaces including door handles – hourly in public places

•Handling of scorecards in club competitions is a vulnerability – committee members are strongly advised to wear gloves

•Since the revision of the Rules of Golf in 2019, scorecards can now be in electronic form (via phone app etc.,) – committees can specify a method of electronic certification if that option is taken.

You can read the GUI’s latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak by clicking here.

The post England Golf and GUI issue advice on coronavirus outbreak to help golf clubs appeared first on Golf North.