Golf clubs wait for lockdown verdict - but it's not looking good

Golf's ruling body says it is working urgently to clarify if the sport will be allowed at all under the new national lockdown starting Thursday - but many fear the sport will be completely out of bounds.
Golfers await news of whether any play will be possible from ThursdayGolfers await news of whether any play will be possible from Thursday
Golfers await news of whether any play will be possible from Thursday

England Golf put out a statement on Saturday night after Boris Johnson said many leisure activities were among those that would not be permitted under the new lockdown, due to run from November 5 to December 2.

England Golf's statment, from Jeremy Tomlinson, England Golf CEO, said: "The UK Government has this evening (31 October) announced a one-month lockdown of England, starting on Thursday 5 November and running until 2 December. These new measures will see the closure of pubs, restaurants and non-essential retail.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"People can continue to exercise for unlimited periods outdoors, either with people from their own households or on a one-to-one basis with one person from another household.

"England Golf is working with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf to study the detail, and to establish the exact restrictions on golf clubs and their facilities as the information becomes available. We will communicate definitive guidance once received from government.

"Please continue to consult our social media channels and the England Golf website for all updates via our dedicated coronavirus news pages. This includes our FAQs document which will be reviewed and refreshed at the earliest opportunity. Our best wishes to you and your families. Please stay safe and well."

But the detail of what will be prevented from Thursday suggests that golf will be out of bounds.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As reported by BBC Sport, the new restrictions include this: "The government has confirmed leisure centres and gyms will close, as will other indoor and outdoor leisure facilities including: sports facilities including swimming pools, golf courses and driving ranges, bowling alleys, dance studios, stables and riding centres, climbing walls and climbing centres, archery and shooting ranges."