Open the Golf Courses

Easy to social distance on a golf course. I suggest games limited to 3 players, no scoring allowed, no touching any course equipment or other player's equipment and allow 10-15 minutes between games. It is quite feasible to maintain a 2 meter distance at all times. I concur with the suggestions made in the recent (leaked ?) R&A report - on bunkered.co.uk.

Why the contribution is important

COVID appears to spread more easily indoors, so outdoor activities where social distancing can be maintained should be encouraged as far as possible. The lockdown has now been running for > 6 weeks and all of us are needing a boost - a return to golf would be a great boost, especially for older people.

by JackWhyte49 on May 05, 2020 at 04:29PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.4
Based on: 47 votes

Comments

  • Posted by scottmcmartin May 05, 2020 at 16:42

    Mental Health and lack of general exercise could have a last and long term affect on peoples health and well being for decades if easing of the 'outside' activity is not changed soon. For instance, everyone and literally their dog are using Golf Courses as their private play grounds. Yet golfers are not allowed to use the course that they have paid a membership for. Allow say an initial 5km as the crow flies, distance on home to course. Members only, with increased tee-times. No opening of Clubhouse/Locker rooms. All of these measures were put in place by golf clubs pre lock-down. Increase the travel distance in phases. This is what Ireland is doing.

  • Posted by TCoutts May 05, 2020 at 16:54

    The R&A have issues very clear and specific guidelines on how to return to golf safely - these should be applied, and courses re-opened, with all clubs issuing guidance to members.

  • Posted by Nurallah May 05, 2020 at 17:01

    I think Golf Courses should be allowed to open gradually 1) Allow 2 People at a time to go on the Green every 15 Minutes. Social Distancing can be adequately observed 2) All other facilities at the Clubhouse to remain closed 3) Depending on the size of the Putting Green, allow 1 or 2 People at a time 4) Golf Ranges can be allowed to open as generally only one person is hitting the balls in an allocated space and Social Distancing would not be an issue 5) In all cases, people should be using their OWN EQUIPMENT so no issue with hiring of equipment from the Clubhouse

  • Posted by Rwhitehot May 05, 2020 at 17:02

    There seem to be a lack of respect for golfer course all over Scotland, getting ppl back out will help protect courses, help with physical and mental health.

  • Posted by Rosie May 05, 2020 at 17:09

    I totally agree. This, as a form of exercise, is no more risky than a daily walk so long as the golfers are social distancing. It would help improve mental wellbeing too.

  • Posted by gordonchapman May 05, 2020 at 17:16

    I would support the idea of opening up the golf courses with the specific guidelines applied. It will allow much needed exercise and controlled social interaction which will be of great benefit for mental health and well being.

  • Posted by democrat May 05, 2020 at 17:17

    Open courses, minimal impact on safety, many countries are easing golf lockdown, Ireland on 18th May, we are in danger of losing a few clubs, lockdown easing would give hope to clubs and public in general.

  • Posted by AnthonyButterworth May 05, 2020 at 17:39

    Can be done safely

  • Posted by deerhoundchris May 05, 2020 at 17:44

    I see no problem with golf courses opening - perhaps two ball max to begin and restrict to within 10miles of your house. I am sure golf courses could come to an agreement to let people play on a course nearer their home if their ‘home’ club is a distance from their house.

  • Posted by GolfDuck May 05, 2020 at 18:11

    Please reopen the Golf Courses. It is an exercise that is fully compliant with Govt guidelines - physical distancing and daily exercise. Why is it Ok for our golf courses to be used by walkers and joggers but golfers are not allowed to use the golf course.

  • Posted by MGT May 05, 2020 at 18:59

    Mental Health and Exercise are both very important during these times, therefore Golf should be reintroduced as soon as possible. I fully agree with several comments on here that golf courses are being used at present by the General Public but out of use for Members who pay for the upkeep of the golf course. A large number of golf courses are being vandalised and these incidents would be reduced if members are playing on the golf course. All Golf Club Members were observing "Social Distancing" even prior to the lockdown.

  • Posted by sh25 May 06, 2020 at 10:57

    Foloow the R & A guidelines to the letter, restrict to 2 players from same family group and restrict opening hours of golf courses to allow members of the public to continue to access for their daily exercise. Comms around this would have to be explicit , but perhaps golf in mornings, and walking in afternoon. Golf can be seen as elitist , male dominated, and not selective of modern times

  • Posted by MadeinGlasgow May 06, 2020 at 11:13

    Medical evidence would seem to indicate that outdoor activities reduce the potential for transmission, assuming social distancing is maintained. Any outdoor activity that does not require physical contact and can be enjoyed by a maximum of two participants who can easily maintain 2m distance, surely has to be considered as minimal risk. As a member of a golf club I feel the benefits of allowing clubs to reopen courses, and only the course, as per R&A & Scottish Golf Union restrictions would be hugely beneficial, not only to golfers but golf clubs in general and Scotland as a country. Membership numbers are in decline, existing members already questioning the wisdom of renewing membership for an activity they are currently unable to participate in. The daily destruction of many years of hard work in maintaining a golf course, that has come about by virtue of the fact that the fairways are devoid of golfers, and are now in daily use by, cyclists, skateboarders, picnicking families on greens that have taken years to cultivate. If courses are ruined, membership falls, if membership falls, courses close. A future Scotland without golf! The vast majority of golf tourists come to play the many wonderful courses in Scotland, not only the elite courses on the Pro circuit.

  • Posted by simonnorris May 07, 2020 at 16:44

    There are well documented health benefits that golf provides participants both physically and mentally. Golf is played in quiet wide open spaces and is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is possible to play golf while respecting the 2 metres social distancing guidance, but allowing some element of social contact with playing partners. And most players have only a short journey to their course.
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