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.”

The post UK Golf Federation backs Boris and takes down Keep Golf Open petition appeared first on Golf North.

The UK Golf Federation is urging golfers to sign its Keep Golf Open petition so that two million people who play every week can do so despite the growing coronavirus threat.
Picture by ANDY HISEMAN / MAGIC HOUR MEDIA

GOLFERS are being urged to sign a petition to ensure the Government allows courses to stay open.

The UK Golf Federation has launched a petition urging the Government to ‘Keep Golf Open’ during the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.

Some two million people play golf every week – and while many golf clubs’ weekday regulars are senior golfers who the Government are looking to increasingly self-isolate, there are many under 70.

The UK’s Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance was quizzed told a House of Commons Health Select Committee hearing on Tuesday, it was perfectly safe to play golf – providing certain precautions were taken – such as not taking the flag out when putting.

MP Dean Russell asked Sir Patrick: “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 is worried if his members, who own nearly 600 proprietary clubs across the UK, are forced to close their courses as well as their clubhouses, many will face suffer serious financial losses, and in some cases, even bankruptcy.

The Golf UK Federation have organised a petition at www.change.org calling on the Government to ‘Keep Golf Open’

Mr Poole told Golf North after the launch of the Keep Golf Open petition: “We believe golf is one of the safest places in our current environment as it requires no person-to-person contact.

“You have the ability to change in the car park, there is no reason to take the flag out these days and likely you can always remain two metres apart from your playing partners.

“We hope this petition will be the catalyst in helping members, golfers, golf club employees, managers, and all those in our industry share our message to the government and the country to #KeepGolfOpen and emerge stronger.

“We cannot do this alone, which is why we need your help!

“A nationwide effort is required for all golfers to share this petition with everyone who loves this great game.

“We are at such a critical and pivotal time and we need your support and care more than ever.

“We want to update you with our plans and how we aim to not only survive but thrive in this situation, and also provide some value to ensure your safety.

Mr Poole added: “Please act urgently and share the petition by forwarding with your friends, family and fellow golfers so we can #KeepGolfOpen!”

•To sign the Keep Golf Open petition, click here

Golfers are told to keep at least six feet apart while playing and leave the flag in when putting. Picture by ANDY HISEMAN / MAGIC HOUR MEDIA

US expert backing Keep Golf Open

THE advice of Sir Patrick Vallance has also been backed up by a leading infectious disease epidemiologist in the USA.

Dr Catherine Troisi, from the University of Texas Health Science Centre, said: “Golf as it’s normally played – outdoors, with natural social-distancing built in – would be fairly safe.

‘I would say that in the actual playing of golf, you’re not at much risk.

“Sunlight and other environmental conditions can kill viruses like this, so it is probable that that is true for this novel coronavirus, as well.

“Also, relieving stress by playing golf outdoors helps your immune system.

“Physical activity boosts your immune system, so for both mental and physical health it’s good to get activity however you can get it without putting yourself at risk.”

How to play golf as safely as possible during coronavirus pandemic

GOLF South is publishing a list of tips drawn up by golf PR specialist Andy Hiseman – from a number of best practices currently spreading around clubs in the UK – on how to play the game without exposing yourself un-necessarily to the coronavirus.

PLAYER & ON-COURSE BEHAVIOUR
•Always stay two paces away from other players

•The club should remove all bunker rakes – players should smooth sand with their feet

•Players should putt with the flagstick in

•Only pick the ball out of the hole with a gloved hand

•Change shoes in car park and come ready to play – no changing clothes before or after your round

•On the first tee and 18th green give the thumbs-up – don’t shake hands, or even fist or elbow bump

•Bring your own refreshments – the bar/restaurant will be closed

•Do not use golf ball-washers

•No buggies allowed

•No push-trolley rentals allowed – either carry your bag, or use your own trolley

ADVICE FOR CLUBS & PRO SHOPS
•Close food and bar service completely

•Close the clubhouse apart from toilet facilities

•Prop open all internal doors en route to the toilets

•Remove all hand towels – replace with paper towels

•Provide alcohol hand-gels in all toilets

•PGA pros should give non-contact lessons ie stay two paces apart

•No group lessons or clinics

•Close indoor simulators and the driving range

If your club has come up with any interesting ways of ensure there is less risk from COVID-19 at your golf club, email andy@hiseman.com

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