Golf courses remain open under new rules

The Covid regulations aren't quite so stringent for golf clubs this time around, which has come as a relief to some players

The announcement made by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon amounted to just short of another lockdown under the same rules as we had to live by in the spring, reports Scott Inglis.

But, in contrast to those restrictions, the country’s courses, which were closed at that time, can stay open for play.

Karin Sharp, CEO of Scottish Golf, the governing body for the sport in the country, updated clubs and golfers on Monday afternoon.

She said: “As has been the case throughout the pandemic, we have worked alongside both sportscotland and the Scottish Government to demonstrate golf is a sport that can be played outdoors with physical distancing and increased safety measures in place.

“We are pleased that this continues to be recognised and, from 00.01 on Tuesday, January 5, golf courses can remain open for play with a maximum of two players from up to two households.

“Golfers must stay close to home, travel only for essential purposes and in line with the new legislation

“We are continuing to seek further clarification on a number of the wider aspects for sport from our partners at sportscotland and Scottish Government and as soon as we have sufficient detail with which to work, our more detailed guidance will be updated.

“We currently envisage being in a position to provide a more in-depth update for all affiliated clubs within the next 24 hours.

“Scottish Golf asks that all golf clubs and golfers adhere to the new guidance with the same spirit and integrity that has been shown throughout the last year to ensure we can all continue to benefit from playing golf through this new period of restrictions.”

Stay up to date on Scottish Golf’s dedicated Covid-19 page at scottishgolf.org

The First Minister’s new restrictions came into force at midnight on Tuesday morning and will be in force until the end of January at the earliest.