Playing golf
Golf clubs could be allowed to reopen with the following restrictions:
Either one player or two from the same household
Limited to 9 holes
Clubhouse remains closed
Booking sheets to be re-opened and the time between tee-times increased to 20 minutes
Eligibility for all age groups as long as not in the category where they have had a letter saying they are shielded.
This change would greatly enhance our daily routines and give more people a better chance to exercise rather than walking or jogging.
Either one player or two from the same household
Limited to 9 holes
Clubhouse remains closed
Booking sheets to be re-opened and the time between tee-times increased to 20 minutes
Eligibility for all age groups as long as not in the category where they have had a letter saying they are shielded.
This change would greatly enhance our daily routines and give more people a better chance to exercise rather than walking or jogging.
Why the contribution is important
This change would greatly enhance our daily routines and give more people a better chance to exercise rather than walking or jogging.
by cartom on May 05, 2020 at 02:17PM
Posted by Alasdrum May 05, 2020 at 14:23
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Posted by Jomccolgan May 05, 2020 at 14:23
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Posted by IanB May 05, 2020 at 14:24
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Posted by EstherAllan May 05, 2020 at 14:24
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Posted by Griffs987 May 05, 2020 at 14:24
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Posted by Ranger2dog May 05, 2020 at 14:24
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Posted by Louisethomson20 May 05, 2020 at 14:27
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Posted by HumanBeing May 05, 2020 at 14:34
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Posted by Susledger May 05, 2020 at 14:35
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Posted by Ann May 05, 2020 at 14:39
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Posted by GMac01 May 05, 2020 at 14:39
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Posted by Golferronnie May 05, 2020 at 14:45
Risk of spreading infection is pretty much zero so long as social distancing is observed and the usual precautions seen even in supermarkets followed. If this is followed then no need to restrict play to 2 or family members, normal (up to 4 player) arrangements totally fine.
Golf is a huge industry in Scotland and courses and clubs need to be back in operation as quickly as possible, for the health of tens of thousands of citizens and businesses. Restricting play to those under 70 would be sensible.
There are plenty open spaces for walkers to use without tramping over golf courses, which continue to be maintained at great cost.
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Posted by Green07 May 05, 2020 at 14:52
Don’t agree with 9 hole limit - on what basis?
Note: Social distancing on a golf course would have been safer to implement than walking , running and cycling that has already been implemented.
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Posted by Gerry May 05, 2020 at 14:58
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Posted by slammer May 05, 2020 at 14:59
Very likely that a lot of Clubs will go under, no Government help for Clubs with a RV over £51k and with a lack of visitor income they will most likely struggle.
Open for members only at first with a gradual relaxing over time also getting players back on the course will protect it from being damaged
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Posted by Thomas54 May 05, 2020 at 15:05
Easy to police RandA guidelines as golfers above anybody follow rules strictly.
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Posted by Golferkenny May 05, 2020 at 15:06
We regularly see other walkers and family groups also walking the courses.
As a golfer and club member who lives less than a mile from my club and can walk round my own course once a week I find it extremely frustrating that I cannot play golf.
Golf is a sport where, except on tees and greens, social distancing is the norm.
Based on the R&A plans about a safe and controlled return to golf which respect social distancing etc,. especially on tees and greens, which have already been published I find it difficult to understand why playing golf is still not allowed.
I would suggest that if a golfer lives within 3 miles of their club they should be allowed to play golf with members of their family or one or two fellow members while respecting the guidelines laid down by The R&A.
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Posted by sy278 May 05, 2020 at 15:11
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Posted by Gibby May 05, 2020 at 15:13
By all means keep the clubhouse shut until they can adhere to the rules but surely with the electronic facilities clubs can still hold a medal.
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Posted by JohnMorton May 05, 2020 at 15:14
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Posted by lowmachrimore May 05, 2020 at 15:16
Scottish Golf issued a set of guidelines before lock down, If they are put in place, there is NO reason why it shouldn't resume again.
If people are allowed to walk over golf courses for exercise and walk there dogs, It begs the question why shouldn't we be golfing!
Surely If the rest of the UK returns to golf then Scotland should follow!!
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Posted by hunter_jim May 05, 2020 at 15:20
There is ample scope to achieve better than normal social distancing during a round and it would be quite simple to apply a four metre distance rule in addition to the proposals by the golf authorities. Clearly clubhouse facilities would have to remain restricted in accordance with other ongoing requirements relating to catering, bars etc.
A significant number of golfers will live in reasonable proximity to the course they are members of and travel direct to there and home which should cause minimal, if not near zero, risk of infection transmission.
The resumption of golf can be achieved safely with little risk and could be a significant boost to mental health and general well-being. The lockdown may prove increasingly challenging to maintain as people become negatively affected, depressed or start pushing back the boundaries. Allowing a relatively safe release, increasing daily exercise and enabling safe social contact will have significant benefits and help maintain support for the current approach.
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Posted by roddyhammond May 05, 2020 at 15:30
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Posted by JR1256 May 05, 2020 at 16:21
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Posted by scottmcmartin May 05, 2020 at 16:58
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.
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Posted by GordonI102 May 05, 2020 at 17:14
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Posted by GolfDuck May 05, 2020 at 18:22
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.
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Posted by Sjkr May 05, 2020 at 20:55
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Posted by GordonMichie May 05, 2020 at 23:15
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Posted by MaighstirTodt May 06, 2020 at 12:49
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Posted by Wyatt8 May 06, 2020 at 20:09
Maintaining social distance for 4 people can be easily implemented on the golf course. Golf courses had measures in place in accordance with R&A rules before lockdown was introduced such as leaving the flag in the hole, removing bunkers from rakes, changing shoes in the car park etc.
Being outside, there is less risk playing a game of golf than there is going to the supermarket.
All outdoor sports that can maintain social distance should be allowed to return to allow some respite from the lockdown and benefit mental health as well as the obvious physical merit.
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Posted by simonnorris May 07, 2020 at 16:50
While it is nice to play with your wife, husband or children, golf is mainly played amongst friends so we should allow everyone to play - in groups of 2, 3 or even 4 players.
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Posted by beejay23 May 08, 2020 at 08:41
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Posted by CitizenGordon May 08, 2020 at 15:26
I consider that the R&A proposals are a more practical means of reopening golf courses in a safe and orderly manner and would commend them to ScotGov.
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Posted by Pmille5 May 09, 2020 at 07:01
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Posted by AlexMD May 10, 2020 at 07:59
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Posted by IainMacIan May 11, 2020 at 10:02
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