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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The Scottish Golf Union has reminded golfers and golf clubs to sitck to the ban on the sport despite a relaxation of rules in England. Picture by ANDY HISEMAN / MAGIC HOUR

SCOTTISH Golf has reminded golfers north of the border to continue to observe the lockdown affecting its golf clubs after the UK Government signalled a relaxation in the COVID-19 rules.

After Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon attacked Prime Minister for changing the advice to “Stay Home, Stay Safe” to “Stay Alert,” on Sunday night, Scottish Golf bosses acted quickly to stress it is supporting the existing ban on playing on golf.

A spokesman said on Monday morning: “The position outlined by Scottish Golf on Friday, for golf in Scotland remains unchanged.

“The message is still clear – Stay at home and save lives.

“We remain in daily dialogue with the Scottish Government and other golfing bodies throughout the UK, to ensure that when it is deemed safe to do so in Scotland, that we are ready to support our golf clubs with a concise protocol for reopening.

“We will update our membership as soon as the Scottish Government agrees a plan on a safe return to golf.

“Scottish Golf would like to thank all of our members for their continued support in following the guidelines in such difficult times.

Last week, Karin Sharp, who was made Scottish Golf’s acting chief executive following last month’s resignation of Andrew McKinlay, hit out at those clubs that were considering jumping the gun after speculation increased that the ban on golf was going to be lifted in May.

She said: “It has been disappointing to hear that some golf clubs in Scotland have communicated to members their intent to re-open their golf course ahead of restrictions being lifted.

“We urge all member clubs to continue to follow the Scottish Government advice, that continues to have the best interest of the public at heart.

“Golf is a sport where integrity and rules sit at the very heart of the game and we ask all golfers to respect the position of Scottish Government and show patience at a time when the virus continues to have a devastating impact on society.

“I appreciate the frustrations and desire to play golf as soon as possible, but I urge you to continue following Government guidelines and save lives.”

The Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI) and the Irish Ladies Golf Association announced last week that golf clubs in Eire would be reopening from May 18, while speculation was mounting the UK Government would relax a number of restrictions brought in during the lockdown to combat the coronarivus pandemic, which as seen more than 30,000 people die in the UK.

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The Keep Golf Open petition launched by the UK Golf Federation was taken down after Monday’s announcement by the Government to put the UK into a lockdown.
Picture by ANDY HISEMAN / MAGIC HOUR MEDIA

THE Keep Golf Open petition launched by the UK Golf Federation – which gained more than 21,500 signatures in just seven days – has been removed.

The decision followed UK Government announcement warning people to stay at home and avoid all social gatherings, on Monday, as the spread of the coronavirus showed no sign of slowing.

UK Golf Federation chief executive Doug Poole said: “Our intention was to highlight how golf is one of the rare sports which can be played safely during the COVID-19 outbreak – to promote golf’s many positive benefits for your health and wellbeing – and to do what we could to help thousands of golf clubs and related businesses to remain trading safely during this unprecedented time.

“However, this is no longer a time for campaigning. Instead it is a time for us all to follow the new government advice to stay indoors, act responsibly, and minimise the spread of COVID-19.

“If you voted in the petition and shared it with friends, you have our thanks.

“The overwhelmingly generous support which the petition received, both from golfers and from all corners of the golf industry itself, emphasises the valuable role which our much-loved sport plays in millions of lives in the UK.

“But for now, please stay indoors, stick to the new rules which are there to keep us all as safe as possible.”

The petition was launched a week ago after the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance told the House of Commons Health Select Committee he thought golf was a good and “safe” form of exercise.

Sir Patrick said as long as players observed social distancing advice and took simple hygiene precautions both on and off the course, there was no need for golf courses to shut.

England Golf and the governing bodies for Scotland, Wales and Ireland issued advice to the near-3,000 clubs in the UK and Ireland on Tuesday, confirming that all golf clubs, courses and driving ranges should close immediately.

Only greenkeeping staff have been exempted as essential workers in the industry to carry on basic maintenance and ensure security.

Club secretaries and managers are left with the job of trying to claim business rate relief and apply for government support for those companies forced to lay off staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But many PGA professionals face a more uncertain future as the majority are self-employed – and the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has yet to confirm details of a proposed scheme that matches the fund paying up to 80 per cent of workers’ wages, up to a limit of £2,500 a month.

Mr Poole added: “Good luck during these unpredictable times and we’ll see you on the golf course again soon.

The PGA has a dedicated page on its website to help members and golf clubs keep up to date with the latest information about the COVID-19 outbreak.

Irish Government follows UK lead and closes all golf facilities

THE Golfing Union of Ireland and the Irish Ladies Golf Union issued advice to close all golf facilities in the Republic of Ireland, late on Tuesday afternoon, after the Eire Government followed the UK’s lead on closing all golf facilities.

A GUI spokesman said: “Following the recent announcements by the UK and Irish Governments in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, the GUI and ILGU recommend that all golf clubs, practice facilities and courses across the island close with immediate effect until April 19.

“You will appreciate that this is a very fluid situation with new developments almost daily.

“We will continue to liaise with the appropriate authorities, and will ensure that our clubs are kept informed as to recommended best practice at all times.”

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Boris Johnson announcing on TV the lockdown that has led to the closure of all UK golf clubs

GOLF clubs across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have been forced to close after Boris Johnson announced a lockdown across the UK to combat the coronavirus outbreak, on Monday night.

England Golf responded on Tuesday morning with the advice to all clubs and golf centres, including driving ranges and studios, in the country.

It came after the Prime Minister’s statement 12 hours earlier, which resulted in the closure of thousands of “non-essential shops” across the UK, following the closure of bars, theatres, cinemas and restaurants last week – and with the public ordered to stay at home unless absolutely necessary.

In its online statement, chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson said: “It is England Golf’s position that this deeply regrettable, but highly necessary and responsible course of action must be implemented with immediate effect and be maintained until further notice.

“The government has identified an urgent need to introduce new restrictions on public life and on non-essential businesses opening their doors.

“This has been done to limit the spread of the coronavirus and relieve the growing pressure on our National Health Service.

“Keeping golf courses open is simply no longer compatible with the updated policy of government, which is designed to save lives in a time of national emergency.

“The health and wellbeing of the nation is the only consideration that matters at this moment in our history.

“These are incredibly testing times for the country. The golf industry cannot be shielded from the economic and social ramifications caused by this temporary shutdown of normal life.

“We would like to assure the golfing community that England Golf staff will continue to work remotely with all affiliated golfers, clubs and counties to try and minimise the damage caused by this suspension of regular golf club life.

“We will continue to signpost clubs and counties to the latest government advice and schemes designed to help the economy cope with the disruption caused by coronavirus.”

Scottish Golf have advised all clubs north of the border to comply with Boris Johnson’s

Scottish and Welsh Golf back advice

SCOTTISH Golf appealed to all golfers to respect the Government’s ban on leaving home to play the sport announced by Boris Johnson on Monday.

A statement issued late on Monday night said: “While golf is an outdoor sport that allows players to exercise in the fresh air, the message to all of us is clear – we must stay home and play our part in containing the spread of COVID-19.

“With this in mind, Scottish Golf asks that all golfers in Scotland refrain from golfing until further notice.

“We understand this advice will have a significant impact on golf clubs across the country and we will continue to consult with industry partners to provide clubs with all information and support possible during this time of deep uncertainty.

“We know these decisions are difficult ones to make, but right now, it is our shared responsibility to prioritise the health of our local communities by working together to follow the Government guidelines.

“In doing so, this will ensure we get the opportunity to play the game that we all love as soon as it is safe to do so.

A statement on the Welsh Golf Union website said: “While golf is a sport with many health benefits, keeping golf courses open is no longer compatible with Government policy, which is designed to save lives in a time of national emergency.

“This action is vital and we must stay home in order to contain the spread of COVID-19 and relieve pressure on the National Health Service.

“These are incredibly testing times for the country and the golf industry but, during this unprecedented period, we will be working very closely with all affiliated clubs.

“Wales Golf staff will be working remotely to support and advise clubs as much as possible.”

It added that COVID-19 updates, industry guidelines and Government advice can be found at Wales Golf’s website.

Anyone with any questions for Wales Golf can email office@walesgolf.org

Golf can still be played in Eire – for now

THE situation is more complicated in Ireland – the Golfing Union or Ireland has two governments to deal with – the UK covering Northern Ireland and the Irish Government covering the Republic of Ireland.

A statement on the GUI website said: “It is the view of the GUI and Irish Ladies Golf Union that all golf clubs in Northern Ireland must close their facilities with immediate effect.

“Such closures will have a significant impact on golf clubs, and we continue to consult with industry partners to provide clubs with all information and support possible during this time of deep uncertainty.”

In the Republic, the guidelines issued last week on playing golf in Ireland have yet to be changed, following the move by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

A spokesman said: “The GUI and ILGU have consistently reflected the advice of expert medical professionals in advising our member clubs.

It is anticipated that an update on the period of restriction will be made soon by the Irish Government, after which we will issue an updated statement in relation to golf in the Republic of Ireland.

“You will appreciate that this is a very fluid situation with new developments almost daily.

“We will continue to liaise with the appropriate authorities, and will ensure that our clubs are kept informed as to recommended best practice at all times.”

All four golf Home Unions have already cancelled their national championships in the first two months of the season, plus national squad coaching sessions.

A number of meetings – connected with the introduction of the World Handicapping System – have also been called off in England, Scotland, Wales and on both sides of the Irish border.

Greenkeepers have been told they can carry on working during the coronavirus lockdown

Greenkeepers get greenlight to carry on working

BOTH the Scottish and Irish golf bodies confirmed that greenkeeping staff could still attend work under the Government’s list of essential workers following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s lockdown.

The GUI added: “For security and essential maintenance purposes, greenkeeping staff can still attend work.

“All work must be carried out in strict accordance with government guidelines on social (physical) distancing.​

“Clubs should divide course staff into two teams where possible and if one becomes unavailable, the other team will still be okay to work.​

How advice on playing golf changed in a week

LAST week, the UK Golf Federation – representing some 600 proprietary clubs across the UK – had called on the Government to allow golf to continue across the country as a “safe sport” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UK Golf Federation called on golfers to sign an online petition to keep clubs open last week before Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the country into lockdown

The UKGF seized on Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance’s comments that playing golf was a good way for the public to exercise, providing social distancing and simple guidelines on preventing coronavirus transmission were followed.

Sir Patrick had answered an MP’s question while giving evidence at the House of Commons Health Select Committee, on March 24.

MP Dean Russell asked Sir Patrick who has been advising Boris Johnson and his Cabinet: “If someone wants to play golf, can they still do that if they are not close together?”

The science expert, who has been one of a team advising Government ministers and the Prime Minister on how to contain the COVID-19 virus, said: “It is OK – if you keep a distance.

“We’re not asking everyone to be completely isolated. The specific advice is to avoid close contact.

“A walk is OK if you keep a distance.”

Golf UK Federation chief executive Doug Poole called on golfers to carry on playing – while taking care to reduce risks of being exposed to the coronavirus – launching an online petition to “Keep Golf Open.”

With many clubhouses closing bar and catering services, a large number of golf clubs were keen to remain open to help their businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic, which has spread around the world in the last three months.

But now golf club owners, managers and secretaries are clamouring to obtain government financial aid packages announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequor Rishi Sunak, last week.

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CONGU has confirmed the new World Handicap System being introduced by golf’s eight governing bodies worldwide in November 2020. Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

THE governing bodies of amateur golf in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales have signed the licence for the new World Handicap System (WHS) which will come into operation on November 2, 2020.

As members of the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU), England Golf, the Golfing Union of Ireland, the Irish Ladies Golfing Union, Scottish Golf and Wales Golf have been driving forces in planning for the new system in alliance with The R&A and USGA.

The current Golf Handicapping System – maintained by CONGU – will be replaced by WHS which will unify the six different structures presently in operation throughout the world of golf.

With one single, global system in place for the first time, golfers will be able to obtain and maintain a handicap index and use this on any course around the world.

In addition, they will be able to compete or simply play a casual round with fellow golfers anywhere on a fair and equal basis, the governing bodies say.

As well as encouraging players new to the sport to obtain a handicap with ease, the WHS will also modernise the game for those already well-versed in the game of golf.

Under the new system, a player’s handicap will be based on the average of eight best scores from their last 20 rounds.

WHS will also take into account factors currently not fully represented in the existing handicapping procedure through a course and slope rating system.

England Golf chief executive Nick Pink said: “We believe the introduction of the new World Handicap System will have a hugely positive impact for golf around the globe.

“Our team are working hard to deliver the transition from the current system to WHS and will continue to confer with the clubs, counties and our technology partners to ensure everything runs to plan ahead of the start date.”

Sinead Heraty, chief Executive of the ILGU, said: ‘The Irish Ladies Golf Union and the Golfing Union of Ireland are delighted the new World Handicap System will come into practice in November 2020.

“The transition from an incremental system to an averaging one will be period of great change.

“However once a planned education process is complete, the new system will make handicapping much more consistent globally.”

Pat Finn, chief executive of the Golfing Union of Ireland added: “We look forward to meeting with our member clubs over the coming months to outline the World Handicap System.

“With CONGU adopting the system for Ireland and Great Britain from late next year we need to ensure golfers across Ireland are prepared for the change.”

Andrew McKinlay, chief Eexecutive of Scottish Golf, said: “Following recent education seminars across the country, Scottish Golf is pleased to confirm the new World Handicap System will be implemented on time on November 2, 2020.

“We believe moving to a more unified handicap system will be beneficial to all golfers.

“The team at Scottish Golf will continue to liaise with, and support clubs across the country to ensure the transition between now and next year is as seamless as possible for everyone involved.”

Wales Golf chief executive Richard Dixon was also delighted to mark another step on the road to WHS.

Mr Dixon said: “A lot of hard work has been going on behind the scenes in preparation for the launch of the World Handicap System and we are delighted we have reached this key stage of the process.

“We are very excited about the positive benefits WHS will have to the game of golf in Wales and across the golfing world.

“The Wales Golf team look forward to working with our clubs, fellow home Unions, technology partners and the R&A over the next year to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible for clubs and most importantly for golfers.”

CONGU, the United States Golf Association (USGA), Golf Australia, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA) and the Argentine Golf Association (AAG) represent around 15 million golfers in 80 countries who currently maintain a handicap.

The aligning of all six handicapping authorities behind the WHS is a hugely significant step in the modernisation of golf across the globe.

WHS has been introduced under the auspices of the USGA and The R&A.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of the latter, said: “The R&A’s purpose is to ensure golf is thriving in 50 years’ time, and the World Handicap System (WHS) is one of the key ways in which we can ensure the long-term health of the sport.

“We all want to encourage more people to take up golf and having a handicap which provides an accurate measure of playing ability is one of the best ways of achieving that.”

Further information about the new World Handicap System can be found at https://www.englandgolf.org/article/world-handicap-system-whs and also via the R&A website at https://www.randa.org/WorldHandicapSystem

For details on England Golf’s WHS educational workshops visit  https://www.englandgolf.org/handicaps-rules/whs-2020/whs-club-workshops/

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