Resumption of golf

Whilst I appreciate the seriousness of the current situation there is a greater risk to some groups in the population than others. Therefore I believe the restriction should reflect that. Playing golf either singularly or in pairs while adhering to the rules that have been drawn up poses no more risk than going for a walk or a cycle.
Believe the ban should be lifted immediately.

Why the contribution is important

Because banning an activity that carries no risk makes no sense.

by HerbieAllan on May 08, 2020 at 09:36PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.1
Based on: 47 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Balmediebum May 08, 2020 at 21:47

    I don’t see why golf can’t be played in pairs. Flags could be left, clubhouse remain closed, and members change at the car

  • Posted by bigtam121 May 08, 2020 at 21:53

    Totally agree.. An outdoor activity which allows ample scope for social distancing.

  • Posted by Greatngood May 08, 2020 at 21:59

    It's less hazardous than cycling or running. Playing in a 2 ball with the R&A suggested precautions is safer than most outdoor activities including shopping. Golf membership is in decline , with most fees already paid members should be allowed access to show some form of benefit. As for sharing the space with walkers it's a daft idea. They are nice places to walk as the membership fees pay to keep them maintained. You can only golf on a golf course.
     You can walk pretty much anywhere else. On line booking only so as to avoid people turning up adhoc and causing unnecessary contacts.
    Thinking about it, it's hard to imagine another activity that could beat golf for staying safe out doors

  • Posted by sunshinethrough May 08, 2020 at 22:05

    With the proviso that local communities NOT the golf clubs decide how far players may travel in order to play. ie Rural communities have the right to deny players from further afield.

  • Posted by Janus May 08, 2020 at 22:10

    Clubs could easily introduce temporary rules of etiquette to ensure social distancing. And obviously the clubhouse facilities should remain closed.

    Most driving ranges could also open (if only alternate bays are used)

  • Posted by motorhead May 08, 2020 at 22:14

    Playing golf isn't where the risk lies. The government lockdown is partially designed to reduce traffic on the road so that there are fewer emergencies to deal with. Golf is comparable to walking or cycling only if you carry your clubs from the front door to the tee.
    When we are allowed to drive to the hills for a walk then golf should resume and not before.

  • Posted by mixer May 08, 2020 at 22:29

    As far as I understand the current restrictions golf fulfils all the distancing requirements, appears to be safer than shopping and encourages exercise. Keep tee-times 10 minutes apart and restrict the group size to 2 (or up to 4 if they are from the same household)

    No downside as far as I can see.

  • Posted by davidbgordon May 08, 2020 at 23:12

    Golf is widely played in Scotland by men, women and children across society. It could be safely resumed using measures already agreed before the lockdown. Please let us back on the course!

  • Posted by Sandi May 08, 2020 at 23:14

    I agree with every word and would also argue that it would be safe for more than two players at a time - distancing outdoors in such a wide open space surely would be easily maintained.....? The mental health benefits of getting back on out on the course would be huge.

  • Posted by Paradigm May 08, 2020 at 23:25

    Many areas lack good green spaces. The addition of golf courses for walking means that people are more socially distant. Forcing walkers into smaller (in number and size) green spaces will increase the risk of covid being spread. Particularly for those in cities and without cars who cannot get to national trust land.

    A fee for walking on the courses would make more sense.

  • Posted by Dorothy May 08, 2020 at 23:44

    Agree that golf should be allowed as outdoors and measures can easily be put in place to improve safety for players.Golf is a great form of excercise especially for the older generation

  • Posted by JaneyC May 09, 2020 at 00:02

    I agree. I'd also include fishing.

  • Posted by Seamieboy777 May 09, 2020 at 00:23

    Golf is one of Scotland’s national
    Sports. It has tremendous physical and mental health benefits. The Government should permit an immediate return to golf.

  • Posted by Jimaa57 May 09, 2020 at 00:33

    I can understand the frustration of others wanting to participate in their own particular sport thinking golf is elitist to start with and feeling unhappy with golf appearing to be prioritised
    Nevertheless this is such an obviously easy exception to start relaxing the lockdown with
    And Scotland is the home of golf so come on Ms Sturgeon don’t let BOJO steal a march on us by letting the Sassenachs play first
    Please ! X Jim The Dentist

  • Posted by OpentheFairways May 09, 2020 at 01:54

    Please open the fairways they are the safest place to walk. Before the lockdown most courses had already mitigated any issues i.e. no rakes, no touching flags, upturned holes etc. Many courses were struggling before the pandemic, and if they’re not opened soon many will not survive!

  • Posted by McGregorg26 May 09, 2020 at 05:32

    Totally, no reason why social distancing rules can not be applied in playing golf.

    It is also played by all ages and has health benefits

  • Posted by Haggis59 May 09, 2020 at 06:46

    I agree but not right now. We're still under lockdown until virus is under control and death figures reduced even more. We don't want to undo the good we've all done by social distancing, restricting time outdoors unless for shopping etc. We don't want second wave of the virus. We all need to be patient for a wee while longer.

  • Posted by Mattl May 09, 2020 at 07:14

    Just get on with it please. It’s madness not to allow this to happen!

  • Posted by paw3131 May 09, 2020 at 07:58

    Most golf clubs had already introduced adequate social distancing rules and they should never have been fully closed. Reopen them now with suitable rules in place.

  • Posted by martinnk87 May 09, 2020 at 08:06

    There is more important things to do instead playing golf selfish people lol
    Adopt Sweden model and you won’t have a problem with playing golf 🏌️‍♀️

  • Posted by BSL May 09, 2020 at 08:34

    Totally agree

  • Posted by marysmith May 09, 2020 at 08:47

    Completely agree with all the comments regarding golf.
    It is a healthy outdoor exercise for all age groups.
    Playing individually, in pairs or family groups is safer than a trip to a supermarket and much better for mental and physical health!
    Golfers pre book times online, bring their own trolleys, clubs and equipment and follow social distancing rules.
    Clubhouses will of course remain closed.
    Golfers can enjoy golf and walkers can enjoy walking on the designated paths in and alongside golf courses where they have always walked. These paths have been maintained and provided for walkers at the cost of the golfers for years, it’s always worked well, no reason it can’t continue to do so.... and keep everyone happier in these difficult times. Please!

  • Posted by Dawr May 09, 2020 at 11:43

    I would agree that golf lends itself to social distancing and is outdoors good for mental and physical health. The main impediment that is difficult to overcome is travelling to the course.
    I would disagree withJimaa57, golf is not elitist here in Scotland. In may be be played by a minority,if a minority is less than 50%. But every sport has an elite.
    Martinn87’s Swedish model allows opening restaurants and bars with responsible observance of social distancing so golf would be allowed in this model.

  • Posted by Cliff May 09, 2020 at 12:33

    I just need someone to explain to me how it's safe to go out and about ie go for a run in a park, walk or cycle, jump in your car head for a burger,coffee, or a walk around a B&Q store, travel in a bus, street party, could go on and on or the best one go for a walk over a golf course once your back home but you can't have a game of golf on it.
    One of the safest places you could be, plenty fresh air, nice bit of exercise and more importantly a place to clear your head and recharge your batteries.

  • Posted by allyt48 May 10, 2020 at 14:42

    No logical argument for not re-opening golf courses - if ever there was a game that lends itself to social distancing, golf is it.

  • Posted by Williemcg63 May 10, 2020 at 15:25

    I agree that golf should resume provided players respect the social distancing measures in place. I would feel far safer on a golf course with one other player than I would walking around a supermarket where its far more difficult to maintain 2m separation.
    In the absence of golf I've been going out on my bike for exercise and I cycle past 2 courses. Both are empty apart from the occasional dog walker, however the cycle paths and footpaths are very busy with walkers, runners and cyclists taking up space. I think i would feel far safer on a golf course, either on my own or with a friend observing 2m social distancing and would feel I would get more exercise under those conditions which would improve overall wellbeing.

  • Posted by IainMacIan May 11, 2020 at 10:02

    Look at idea: Restrict Sports / Touring Cycling - Equality!
Log in or register to add comments and rate ideas

Idea topics