Golf courses across the UK have been told they must close immediately after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new national lockdown last night. Picture by ANDY HISEMAN

GOLF clubs have been told they must close with immediate effect after the UK Government announced a complete national lockdown on Monday night.

Golf clubs, golf facilities – both indoor and outdoor – and driving ranges will be required to close during the new full lockdown. Coaching will not be permitted the government has confirmed.

Golf retailers will be able to operate a click-and-collect service where goods are pre-ordered, and either collected off the premises – or delivered.

England Golf  – as part of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf, along with other leading industry bodies – said today it was extremely disappointed by the news.

The group has made a strong case in recent months to keep golf open during the national lockdowns – and under the regional tier system introduced in the autumn.

An England Golf spokesman said: “It is with great regret that we share this news with you.

“But please be assured we will continue to make the case for golf to reopen whenever possible.

“England Golf’s website and social channels are being updated regularly, and we will communicate any new information as soon as it is available.” the spokesman added.

Full UK government guidance and details of the national lockdown in England can be found here.

The first lockdown which forced the UK’s near 2,000 golf clubs was announced at the end of March.

Clubs in England were allowed to re-open with certain restrictions in place, while clubs in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland came back into play at later dates after the devolved governments in the Home Nations managed their restrictions differently.

*The All Party Parliamentary Group for Golf (APPGG) consists of MPs and Peers from any political party working with industry bodies during the COVID-19 crisis.

The group is chaired by North Warwickshire MP Craig Tracey. The industry is represented by: American Golf; The Belfry; British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGA); British Golf Industry Association; England Golf; Golf Club Managers’ Association; Golf Ireland; Golfing Union of Ireland; Irish Ladies’ Golf Union; IMG; Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA); Ping; The R&A; Scottish Golf; Syngenta; UK Golf Federation; Wales Golf.

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Golf clubs can reopen their clubhouses next week – provided they carry out risk assessments and ensure strict hygience procedures are followed to minimise transmission of COVID-19. Picture courtesy of The PGA

GOLF bodies in England have welcomed further changes to COVID-19 lockdown rules and restrictions.

But they have made it clear they remain vigilant as golfers and staff return to play and work.

Following the changes announced yesterday by Boris Johnson – which come into effect on July 4 – golf clubs should be able to reopen their clubhouses and resume catering and bar services.

And those courses which have onsite holiday apartments, flats and chalets in particular, can look forward to increasing revenues after a barren three-month spell during lockdown.

With holiday bookings recommencing in England – allowing overnight stays for the first time since March 23 – golf clubs can look forward to allowing more visitors out on the fairways.

Clubs will have to work out the maximum number of customers they can safely accommodate, taking into account the new social distancing guidelines (see below).

A statement on behalf of the PGA, the Golf Club Managers’ Association (GCMA) and BIGGA – representing greenkeepers across the UK – said: “In the first instance, a risk assessment should be carried out, the details of which should be shared with your workforce.

“For organisations of over 50 employees, this should be published on your website.

“In order to make it more viable for the hospitality industry to open, the government has given scope to relax the current two metres social distancing rules in certain instances in favour of ‘one metre-plus’, which means remaining one-metre apart – while taking other mitigation to reduce the risk of transmission.”

Clubhouses across England should be able to resume serving food and drink from July 4

Clubs must keep records for 21 days

EVERY club that serves food and drink must keep a record of customers for 21 days to assist with NHS ‘Track and Trace’ requests.

They must provide clear guidance on arrival at the venue regarding social distancing and hygiene measures in place.

Table service will be preferred using mobile phone apps to place orders. And contactless payment should be used wherever possible.

In instances where bar or counter service is unavoidable, customers will not be allowed to remain at the bar after ordering.

The statement added: “All involved in golf in England should review the full guidance as soon as possible so they can begin putting in place the necessary steps to ensure your business can continue to open-up safely.”

England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson welcomed the latest relaxation of lockdown restrictions which mean clubhouses can reopen

England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson said: “The work done by those involved in golf during lockdown has been tremendous.

“And that has enabled us to respond quickly and decisively. Like all, we welcome the safe easing of restrictions and look forward to welcoming back even more people – players and staff – to golf.

PGA chief executive Rob Maxfield said “Golf professionals have been working incredibly hard in recent weeks since golf returned.

“And with restrictions easing, we hope to see more people getting to clubs throughout England and the UK.

“We will encourage our members to review the updated guidance and put in place the steps they need to ensure people can get back onto courses as soon as possible.”

“That we have been given time to prepare the changes and the way in which the guidance has been presented is very helpful to clubs, shops and the wider industry.”

Social distancing can be relaxed to one metre – but extra restrictions to reduce transmission will be required such as not sitting face to face in bars and restaurants and wearing masks

New COVID-19 lockdown rules

HOUSESHOLDS face less restrictions on gatherings indoors and outdoors in England following the Prime Minister’s announcement.

The biggest change sees the minimum social distancing rule of two metres being relaxed to one – although health advisers want the public to wear masks wherever it is difficult to maintain the two-metre gap.

Scotland, Ireland and Wales continue to introduce their changes on a different timetable to Westminster.

As part of its regular series of meetings with golf bodies, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf met immediately after the Prime Minister’s Statement on Tuesday afternoon.

They discussed the upcoming changes and their implementation, as well as how the industry is responding to current Government regulation.

Speaking on behalf of the group, North Warwickshire MP Craig Tracey – its chairman – said: “Golf as an industry worked hard to be one of the first sports to resume as restrictions were lifted.

“All industry bodies involved in the group have worked closely together to ensure adherence to lockdown rules have been implemented, sharing their experience to ensure golfers, club staff, and the wider industry, have returned securely.

“The feedback we have received is that golfers have returned to the sport with enthusiasm, and did so complying to social distancing rules.

“Those who have been working should be praised for their part in ensuring that smooth transition and are confident the easing of restrictions will be no different.”

On the timing of the relaxed lockdown rules, Tracey added: “For those of us in England, we have been given time to consider the new rules.”

He added they should be used to, “consider the implications fully and put in place the necessary steps the sport needs to continue to rebound quickly and – above all – safely.”

Scotland expects to reopen pubs from July 15

In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said the five-mile restriction on travel for recreation and leisure should be lifted from July 3.

Pubs and restaurants will be allowed to reopen north of the border from July 15.

In Northern Ireland, holiday accommodation will be allowed to open from Friday, June 26, while pubs and restaurants will be allowed to open from July 3 – giving golf clubs the same freedoms.

Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford has said decisions on lifting restrictions on hospitality and the holiday sector will be taken in early July.

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Wales Golf as urged to golfers to observe the new restrictions on playing which come into force from Monday. Travel must stay within five miles the Welsh Government has ruled.
Picture by ANY HISEMAN / MAGIC HOUR

WALES Golf has encouraged clubs and members to stick within the new rules of play announced by the Welsh Government – due to come into force from Monday.

The changes will allow members of two households to play together – at the discretion of the golf club.

Single players can still play, but also two, three and fourballs will be allowed, as long as they are from a maximum of two households, in any combination.

Physical distancing guidelines and industry guidelines must be adhered to before, during and after the round.

Wales Golf urge all golfers to stick to the Welsh Government travel guidelines, which require local travel only – up to five miles.

Players can travel from England to play on Welsh courses, as long as they obey the local travel rules on entering Wales – which allow unlimited travel for journeys related to exercising.

Coaches: Follow PGA COVID-19 rules

COACHING by a PGA professional will be allowed outdoors and with appropriate social distancing.

It is recommended PGA professionals complete a comprehensive risk assessment and refer to coaching guidelines on the PGA COVID-19 Resource Hub.

Some outdoor driving ranges may be able to open, but all such facilities will need to work with relevant authorities and conduct a full risk assessment.

Golf retail shops are currently not on the Welsh Government list of premises that can open for retail purposes.

Therefore, they must remain closed. Golf retailers are encouraged to prepare over the next three weeks ahead of the next review.

Essential access to a building such as a professional shop for clubs that operate a booking system to regulate tee times, registration, and take payment, is permissible – provided appropriate social distancing precautionary measures are put in place.

Further information from Wales Golf along with club guidance can be found clicking here.

More detailed information has been sent directly to clubs, who were told to close by Wales Golf on March 23 – when the UK Government introduced the lockdown to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Wales Golf’s Richard Dixon. Picture by
STEVE POPE / SPORTING WALES

Wales Golf chief thanks golfers for efforts

WALES Golf chief executive Richard Dixon said: “We would like to thank all those golfers, volunteers, club officials and staff who have worked so hard to ensure the return to play has gone smoothly so far.

“The Welsh Government rules have been loosened slightly to allow players from two households to play together, but all the R&A protocols of play and Welsh Government guidance still apply.

“We would urge golfers to check if they can play within the Welsh Government travel guidelines, to abide by the new rules when they come into practice on Monday and maintain a safe approach.”

WELSH CLUBS ASKED TO WAIT A WEEK BEFORE RE-OPENING

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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 R&A will use the COVID-19 Support Fund to invest £7million through the national associations and affiliated bodies in the UK. Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN/ AMG PICTURES

THE £7million R&A COVID-19 Support Fund has been launched by the game’s governing body to help golf deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The fund will be largely aimed at national associations and other affiliated bodies in Great Britain and Ireland.

With the global pandemic leading to widespread temporary course closures and drastic reductions in domestic and international travel, many golf clubs and facilities are facing serious financial difficulties.

The fund is being provided to help The R&A’s affiliated national associations to support those clubs and facilities – although some of the money may be used for other activities key to the future health of the sport.

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said: “The pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on golf and many clubs are facing dire financial situations through no fault of their own.

“Golf is in our DNA and we want to see the sport continue to thrive from grassroots right through to the top level on the professional tours.

“We have a responsibility to do what we can to help in such a crisis.

“The R&A Covid-19 Support Fund will enable national associations and other key bodies to provide support to some of their members.

“We know many challenges lie ahead but club golf is the bedrock of our sport and hopefully this fund will help to begin the process of recovery.”

The R&A is working with its national associations – including England Golf, Wales Golf and Scottish Golf – and other selected organisations on communications.

Each body is responsible for controlling and allocating its share from the support fund.

Open’s profits fund development

•The R&A reinvests the proceeds from the success of The Open – golf’s oldest Major championship – to grow and support golf around the world.

It already provides financial support to a wide range of organisations in addition to national associations, including the European Tour, the Ladies European Tour (LET), the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland and the Golf Foundation charity.

The 149th Open Championship, which was due to be held at Royal St George’s, in July, was cancelled last month – it has been reported that the R&A was insured against such an eventuality,

There has been widespread speculation on how hard the COVID-19 crisis has hit the finances of the European Tour, which has been forced to postpone or cancel more than four months’ worth of tournaments so far in 2020.

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Langland Bay on South Wales’ Gower Peninsula has been racking up the awards from Wales Golf over the past 10 years – now it is the first winner of the Club of the Decade award

SWANSEA’S Langland Bay has received the first Wales Golf Club of the Decade Award – having introduced more than 300 people to play golf regularly amid a host of improvemnts.

The stunning venue on the Gower coast also has had the largest ladies section in Wales for the last five years

It has made large strides in terms of the quality of course, visitor numbers, membership retention and attraction, with steady progress throughout the last 10 years.

Langland Bay has been shortlisted eight times in the last 10 years for the Wales Golf Club of the Year Award, winning in 2013.

The Club of the Decade is a new award for 2020.

“The timing isn’t ideal to receive this under the current circumstances, but while this is an incredibly difficult time that everyone is going through, this is some good news to lift their spirits,” said Andrew Minty, PGA director of golf at Langland Bay.

“It is an honour to win this award. Our staff have worked so hard and consistently over the last 10 years and this shows with the fantastic condition of the course and the service at Langland Bay.

“We have achieved so much over the last 10 years to improve all aspects of not only the course and club, but also the members experience.

“We are looking forward to getting back to normal to celebrate this achievement,” added Minty.

Langland Bay now has award No. 5

APART from the Wales Golf awards, Langland Bay has also won a tourism award, customer service award and a “luxury lifestyle award”.

Langland Bay’s PGA director of golf Andrew Minty Picture by STEVE POPE / SPORTING WALES

Director of Golf Minty was also awarded with the UK Manager of the Year award by the Golf Club Manager’s Association in 2016 – the youngest-ever winner at 34.

Over the last 10 years Langland has introduced – through its New2Golf campaigns alone – more than 300 new golfers.

Langland’S multi-functional membership offers a large number of benefits including fitness classes and discounts – all aiding member-retention.

Langland is one of very few clubs to have a waiting list for membership in the principality, and also increasingly rare in the UK full stop.

It prides itself on great communication with its members on a weekly basis with Langland’s aim to give members an experience – not just a membership.

Langland also has had the largest ladies section of any golf club in Wales for more than five years.

Over the last 10 years visitor number have increased to allow investment in a large number of course improvements, including a new irrigation system and other improvement projects annually.

Also the club’s junior coaching campaigns include going into local schools to teach golf, plus they have also qualified for the R&A Women in Golf Charter.

Representatives of Langland Bay were due to collect the award at the Wales Golf Annual Awards Lunch at Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor.

But unfortunately the event was postponed because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Langland Bay Golf Club set up on the cliffs of the Gower coastline south of Swansea

Dixon praises club’s high standards

CHIEF executive Richard Dixon praised the high standards Langland Bay has set, with repeated nominations in Wales Golf’s annual awards reflecting the progress it has made over the last 10 years.

Dixon said: “Congratulations to Langland Bay, deserved winners of this new award in recognition of their consistent progress over the last decade.

“The list of achievements is long and growing for Langland Bay, which makes it a very forward-thinking club and one to be enjoyed by all levels of golfer.

“Growing the game of golf and introducing new participants has been one of their fortes.

“It takes quite something to get onto the shortlist for the Club of the Year and Langland Bay has kept coming back year-after-year with further improvements boosting our sport of golf and their club.

“They are a great example of what a club in Wales can achieve with plenty of vision and effort, working closely with the Wales Golf team through schemes such as New2Golf.

“We look forward to making the formal presentation of this well-deserved award at an event later in the year.”

New2Golf membership offers cheaper lessons

GOLF clubs participating in the Wales Golf New2Golf membership scheme offers a number of incentives for beginners who are new to golf – or anyone looking to return to the sport.

Membership costs £5 for adults and is free to anyone under 18.

Vouchers and offers are included the welcome pack for the scheme which is available to all beginner and lapsed golfers wanting to take up the sport.

Members’ benefits include:–

• Fifty per cent off an individual or playing lesson
• Six golf lessons for the price of five
• Bring a friend of family member lesson voucher
• Membership discounts
• Prize draws
• Rules & etiquette poocket reminders

Full terms & conditions can be found by clickinghere.

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The Horsham GC GolfSixes team celebrate a victory – the new Texas-scramble format for boys and girls is attracting 50 per cent more juniors to play golf at clubs in England

GOLFSIXES Leagues have been hailed as a “game-changer” by the Golf Foundation in attracting new young players and families to the game.

There has been almost a 50 per cent increase in the number signing up as club junior members in England in 2019, according to new figures from the golf charity.

The GolfSixes League format – played over six holes – saw 2,676 boys and girls from 233 clubs in England, Scotland and Wales take part last year.

They competed in 52 junior leagues, with a 49 per cent increase in junior membership at 161 clubs in England – with a 35 per cent increase across England, Scotland and Wales.

The exciting new format was also trialled in Ireland for the first time in the last year.

Golf Foundation research found 59 per cent of parents volunteered to help at league fixtures (38 per cent of whom were non-golfers).

And 88 per cent of family members thought the format was “fun” and more than 80 per cent would like to play more golf.

Encouragingly, GolfSixes is attracting large number of females to take up golf with 28 per cent of all players being girls.

Sports Marketing Surveys Inc research revealed a big jump in participation by boys and girls

The Golf Foundation urges clubs to field mixed teams wherever possible, and is eager to increase that percentage going forward.

GolfSixes brings in £300 a match

Golf Foundation chief executive Brendon Pyle said: “With the help of Sports Marketing Surveys Inc. providing insight into what makes a great experience for juniors and their families at a golf club, GolfSixes League was designed to help more budding golfers involved in PGA coaching schemes to engage with both the sport and the golf club – and continue as regular golfers.

“We are delighted with the membership figures and the strong interest from non-golfing families.

“The average income from food and beverage at a GolfSixes League fixture has been £300 – a strong indicator of the wider impact of the initiative on the golf club.

“All our feedback suggests GolfSixes Leagues now offers a real opportunity to help change the perceptions of golf among the wider public, which is priceless for the sport and a possible game changer.”

•To read the full report on GolfSixes League research click here.

GolfSixes is getting the thumbs up from players, golf club and the game’s governing bodies. Picture by MATT GREAVES

How GolfSixes can restore some normality for golf clubs after coronavirus crisis . . .

THE Golf Foundation believes the industry can look forward to GolfSixes helping to bring some normality back to clubs struggling with the huge economic impact of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Golf Foundation chief executive Brendan Pyle said: “Looking forward, it is anticipated that when returning to play golf is possible again – once the coronavirus restrictions are lifted – there will be 98 GolfSixes Leagues across the four Home Nations.”

With 484 golf clubs ready to take part – there will also be smaller trials held in new areas – a total of 6,600 youngsters are expected to take part this year.

On a typical weekend, squads of 12 boys and girls practise together with their PGA coaches before playing other clubs in matches in which they wear coloured team shirts.

The Foundation recognises the coaching build-up and togetherness has appealed to children and parents who experience the same process in football, rugby and hockey – but less so at golf clubs.

The Texas-scramble element of the game allows for all abilities within the same team, as the youngsters all get to play from optimum positions on the course.

The initiative was first launched with the support of Sport England. Matches took place predominantly at HSBC Golf Roots Centres – junior-friendly golf clubs supported by the Golf Foundation.

Now GolfSixes is spreading to more and more clubs in all parts of the country thanks to “substantial investment” from The R&A, the endorsement of the European Tour, and operational support from the four Home Nations, says the Golf Foundation.

Every GolfSixes League player gets three Titleist balls

Every child taking part also receives three golf balls from Titleist – a key supporter of the charity.

Mr Pyle, who heads the Hertfordshire-based charity, added: “We have been further buoyed by the very generous support of The R&A, the charity’s strongest supporter, and the endorsement of our friends at the European Tour.

“Both organisations clearly recognise the potential of GolfSixes League as we work alongside England Golf, Scottish Golf, Wales Golf and the Confederation of Golf in Ireland.”

•For more detail on GolfSixes League go to http:// www.golf-foundation.org

GolfSixes League teams get to practice with their PGA coach before matches, mirroring the envrionment of other junior sports like football and rugby says the Golf Foundation.
Picture by MATT GREAVES

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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

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After a review involving elite amateurs and other bodies within the amateur and professional game, a new Rules of Amateur Status should be ready by January 2022 says the R&A and USGA. The current prize limit for amateurs is £500 in any one event

THE R&A and the USGA are conducting a review of the Rules of Amateur Status to make them easier to understand and apply.

The comprehensive evaluation is part of the continued joint effort to modernise the Rules of Golf by reducing complexity and ensuring they effectively guide how the game is played today.

Amateur golfers are currently restricted in winning prizes of more than £500 in any one competition, and can only play in professional golf events providing they wave their rights to prize money, before the competition begins.

More and more amateurs are testing the waters by playing in developments tours like the PGA EuroPro, the MENA, Alps Pro Golf and Gecko Tours to gain experience before taking the plunge and turning pro.

As part of a review process that began earlier this year, the governing bodies will seek the perspectives of different groups in the game as an integral component of the review process.

That will include elite amateur golfers, golf event organisers, national and professional golf associations, and other industry partners, including equipment manufacturers.

That will include the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) in the UK and Ireland, and the United States Professional Golfers’ Association, in the USA.

The aim is to provide the golf community with a modernised set of amateur status rules in late 2021, with the goal of an effective date of January 1, 2022.

R&A Rules director Grant Moir said: “We will be looking at the Rules of Amateur Status carefully and considering ways in which we can modernise them and bring them more into line with the way the modern sport is played.

“The code remains a fundamental framework for amateur golf and we will be listening to the views of players, officials and associations to give us a fully rounded view of how we can improve them.”

Thomas Pagel, senior managing director of governance at the USGA, said: “One of golf’s greatest benefits is that it can be played by all ages and played for a lifetime.

“It is our goal to ensure the fundamental concept of what it means to be an amateur golfer is clear and retained to promote fair competition and enjoyment for everyone, while still addressing many issues that seek to protect the game.

“This is a forward-thinking approach and engaging golfers is a key component of doing what’s best for golf.”

Hole-in-one rule to change in 2020

IN a separate move, with effect from January 1, 2020, The R&A and the USGA will introduce one change to Rule 3-2b of the Rules of Amateur Status, which regulates hole-in-one prizes.

The Rules will no longer limit the prize an amateur golfer may win when making a hole-in-one outside a round of golf, including “stand-alone” and “multiple-entry” hole-in-one events.

It is hoped the change will help to promote the game and cater to new audiences as well as eliminate unnecessary restrictions for event organisers, said a spokesman for The R&A.

According to The R&A, the purpose of the Rules of Amateur Status is to maintain the “distinction between amateur and professional golf and to ensure that amateur golf, which is largely self-regulating with regard to the Rules of Golf and handicapping, is free from the pressures that may follow from uncontrolled sponsorship and financial incentives.”

New Rule 3-2b will read as:–

“An amateur golfer may accept a prize in excess of the limit in Rule 3-2a, including a cash prize, for making a hole-in-one during a round of golf on a golf course.
“An amateur golfer may also accept a prize in excess of the limit in Rule 3-2a, including a cash prize, for making a hole-in-one during contests held outside a round of golf, including multiple-entry contests and contests conducted other than on a golf course (e.g., on a driving range, golf simulator, or putting green) provided in all cases that the length of the shot is at least 50 yards.”

•More information about the Rules of Amateur Status can be found by going to www.RandA.org and www.USGA.org

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Young golfers who have already come through the Girls Golf Rock programme are signin up as ambassadors to support and enoucrage girls who take up the game in 2020

GIRLS Golf Rocks is back for 2020 and clubs in England can now sign up to make it bigger and better then ever.

The programme is now in its fifth year and has helped introduce more than 5,000 girls to the game of golf – inspiring beginners to enjoy themselves in a fun, friendly and safe environment.

Applications are now open for affiliated clubs and HSBC Golf Roots centres who wish to join in the fun for 2020 – and encourage the next generation of girl golfers to pick up a club for the first time.

Girls Golf Rocks aims to ensure they have a ball at their local golf centre

In 2019, 112 facilities across England signed up to make Girls Golf Rocks a runaway success according to organisers England Golf and the Golf Foundation.

In 2020, there is scope for up to 200 facilities across all 48 counties in England to get involved in the biggest girls’ coaching programme in the country.

England Golf and the Golf Foundation have joined forces once again to set up the initiative and will provide marketing tools, resources and coach-funding for clubs eager to take part.

Clubs will be tasked with teeing up two separate six-week teaching blocks at times convenient to them between May and October 2020.

The emphasis on the lessons is for the girls to learn the fundamentals of the game – have fun with their mates in a comfortable and relaxed setting – without too much emphasis on the coaching and competitive elements of the game.

The six-week blocks will take the girls through all the basics culminating in a final session on the course where they can put into practice all they have learned from their PGA-qualified coach.

Clubs can also stage taster-sessions ahead of any coaching block – however this is at the discretion and expense of each club.

The aim of Girls Golf Rocks is to boost participation numbers and address for the long-term, the disparity in numbers between girls and boys playing the game.

While qualified PGA professionals will lead the sessions, Girls Golf Rocks will also encourage current female members to act as peer role-models and assist in the delivery at each club by becoming ambassadors.

In 2019, 166 girl ambassadors helped support the sessions and ensured it was the most successful campaign to date.

England Golf’s women and girls manager Lauren Spray said: “We’re excited to open applications to clubs looking to get involved in the 2020 Girls Golf Rocks campaign.

“Thousands of girls have been already introduced to the sport and caught the golfing bug through Girls Golf Rocks.

“Now we want to encourage new recruits to share in the fun and start out on their own golfing pathway.”

Golf Foundation head of development Martin Crowder said: “Girls Golf Rocks offers young girls a great start in golf in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

“The Girls Golf Rocks ambassadors play a vital role as they are able to show that golf can be a cool, sociable, healthy and athletic sport that new players can enjoy together and make new friends at the same time.”

For more details about the Girls Golf Rocks programme visit www.girlsgolfrocks.org and for an application form click here.

The closing date for applications is Friday, January 8.

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