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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Golf’s governing body in Wales is urging caution before clubs consider reopening after the Welsh Government followed England in relaxing some lockdown restrictions on sport

WELSH golf clubs have been asked to wait until next week before considering opening for play for the first time in seven weeks.

They have been closed since the lockdown was introduced to combat the coronavirus pandemic, which has now killed some 32,000 people in the UK.

And Wales Golf has recommended that its 142 affiliated clubs consider waiting until May 18 – next Monday – to ensure they have sufficient safety measures in place before considering reopening.

A Wales Golf spokesman said: “We would advise that clubs that do wish to re-open do not do so immediately – so as to ensure they have sufficient protocols in place to adhere to these guidelines, which we will be on hand to assist with.

“This would allow for a managed and co-ordinated reintroduction of golf across Wales from next Monday (May 18) at the earliest.”

The advice from golf’s governing body follows a relaxation in the COVID-19 lackdown rules by the Welsh Government, in Cardiff, on Tuesday.

That followed the English Government’s announcement on Sunday that golf clubs could reopen for play, from tomorrow (Wednesday).

The Welsh Government – which has refused to drop the “Stay at Home, Stay Safe” message adopted by all four governments in the UK at the start of the lockdown – responded to Boris Johnson’s controversial announcement by saying golf clubs COULD reopen, if they wished.

‘Failure to comply could lead to more closures of Welsh golf clubs’

But Wales Golf has appealed for a further delay. The spokesman added: “It is entirely at each golf club’s discretion as to whether they choose to open, and, if so, when they choose to do so.

“Wales Golf would urge all member clubs and golfers to comply with the regulations in a responsible manner.

“If clubs or members are found to be in breach of these guidelines, then it could lead to Welsh Government introducing measures that force golf courses to close.

“Wales Golf will continue to work closely with the Welsh Government towards the resumption of golf in Wales – when the conditions are right,” added the spokesman for the governing body in the principality.

The Welsh rules – unlike the English – insist golfers can only make up a two-ball by playing with a member of their own household – or face playing on their own.

Wales Golf staff are on hand to assist with implementing regulations and guidelines and ensuring any return to play can be conducted safely. Email office@walesgolf.org if you require help or advice.

The latest guidance from Welsh Government on leaving home to exercise can be accessed by clicking here .

The following information has been taken from the Welsh Government’s website and it helps explain in more detail the regulations in place.

Nefyn’s famous Old Course – the back nine on the Llyn Peninsula has some of the most spectacular views in the UK – can open its doors for play under the new rules

Will golf courses reopen?

“Under our guidelines, golf courses are not listed as a business or premise that must remain closed.
“The regulations state that exercise should be done locally, which means people cannot drive to exercise outside their local area; people also cannot exercise with anyone other than a member of their own household.
“More than two people congregating in a public place is regarded as a gathering, which is an offence under the regulations.
“We are continuing to prepare for the future, working with our partners and stakeholders.
“We would expect Wales Golf, working with the R&A and other UK governing bodies, to monitor the situation in England closely where golf will be permitted from May 13 and prepare detailed protocols for a potential partial resumption in Wales when the conditions are right.

•The protocols for playing golf in the UK under COVID-19 restrictions prepared by The R&A and the golf Industry can be seen here.

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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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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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