Repurpose Golf Courses for walkers and cyclists

Golf courses are in close proximity to many houses and social distancing is made easier by the open space. Should courses reopen it is proposed that the course is open to golfers until around 2pm and to the general public from 4pm, allowing staff to recover flags etc and tape off greens around the course.

Alternatively it is proposed that at least half the course is retained for the general public to encourage safe exercising, and access to and from the course is reassessed to avoid congestion points.

Why the contribution is important

Social distancing is not possible in many areas. Canal paths are too narrow, parks are overcrowded, and it is not practical or appropriate to drive to a location to exercise.

Golf courses have sufficient space to accommodate a large number of walkers whilst maintaining social distancing rules.

by HelloScotland on May 10, 2020 at 08:52PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 2.7
Based on: 22 votes

Comments

  • Posted by gmollett May 10, 2020 at 21:01

    Brilliant idea. A mark of the sort of out of the box thinking this country needs in these difficult times. Thank you.

  • Posted by SAR May 10, 2020 at 21:03

    The fees for many golf courses and unbelievably high. Understandably so when you look at how well kept they are. Will walkers contribute to the upkeep? More so cyclists who would damage the grass? I doubt it.

  • Posted by SME May 10, 2020 at 21:22

    This is not a good idea. Unless walkers and cyclists wish to pay for the maintenance of golf courses. In addition, the lost revenue would likely put many clubs out of business.

  • Posted by RuthSR May 10, 2020 at 21:26

    I think keeping golf courses available for all of us walk on at the present time is a good idea. Without them it would be much more difficult to exercise with social distancing. I would be willing to contribute to their upkeep at present.

  • Posted by Ellie May 10, 2020 at 21:27

    Definitely not. Golf course that have allowed the general public to use them for walking and such, have suffered thousands of pounds of damage.
    I pay a lot of money to be a member of a golf course and this would be totally unacceptable.

  • Posted by Jammie May 10, 2020 at 22:03

    Good idea for walking (with the half-day reservation for golfers). But cycling would tear up the courses so wouldn't be sensible.

  • Posted by AnnieScot May 10, 2020 at 22:28

    I agree this is a great idea for walkers, though cycling would cause too much damage. I for one am deeply grateful that some golf courses have remained open to walkers at this time. With their wide open spaces, they are a haven of peace, where I can safely take my husband (who has some health issues) without having to continually dodge pedestrians, joggers and cyclists. We take great care to avoid the greens and walk in the rough. Thank you.

  • Posted by miaod1111 May 10, 2020 at 23:05

    Agree it has been fantastic for the golf clubs to allow walker access and it would be fantastic for that still to be allowed at certain times but golf clubs would need funding towards upkeep for this. Definitely no cyclists though due to course damage.

  • Posted by WeeAl1902 May 10, 2020 at 23:19

    Total nonsense idea. Golf courses are already being damaged by morons during this lockdown without encouraging others to go on them as well.

  • Posted by NEG May 11, 2020 at 07:29

    Great idea for walkers - much easier to social distance and allows access to more green space within cities - also improving mental health

  • Posted by monobloc May 11, 2020 at 07:45

    There are plenty of places to walk without having to go to a golf course to walk

  • Posted by C5tuk May 11, 2020 at 08:20

    Yes, great idea, members pay for the upkeep of the course, that's why they look in pristine condition, then let loads of people onto them to cycle and walk, wonder what damage that would do to them, seriously NOT a good idea, we get moaned at wanting to enjoy these open spaces we pay to be maintained and you think it should be a free for all for others to destroy it

  • Posted by healthytrees May 11, 2020 at 08:31


    Good idea. Many golf courses are used by walkers anyway, all the year round.
    I see cyclists on a golf course at the moment, hurtling over the greens - not good.
    In wet weather bikes would churn up the grass so, for these two reasons, cyclists should not be included in the plan.

    Dog walkers MUST pick up their dog(s) mess, yes even in the rough, that's part of the golf course too.
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