***12th Mar 2021** Update – course remains closed to visitors – access for visitors will be reviewed end of April 2021.
Latest Guidance from Scottish Golf: scottishgolf.org/covid-19-local-protection-levels-guidance/
Clubs should note that from Friday 12 March:
- Golf courses with a designated COVID Officer can permit organised golf for members who live within the local authority area. Play can take place in four-balls with no restrictions on the number of households.
- Golf courses without a designated COVID Officer, or where members are crossing a local authority boundary to play, can remain open for play with a maximum of four players from two households.
- For groups over the age of 12, coaching should not exceed group sizes of 15.
- For groups under the age of 12, coaching should not exceed group sizes of 30.
Since our last update, we have received several queries relating to the new group numbers and limits. We wish to provide clubs with further clarity on this.
The guidance to permit 4-ball play from 4 different households to members who live within the local authority area is in-line with new sport-specific guidance developed by sportscotland and the Scottish Government for organised sport. Cross-border travel from one local authority area to another for organised sport is not currently permitted.
Within the latest guidance, golf continues to be considered a form of informal exercise, where participants are permitted to travel up to five miles from their local authority boundary to take part. However, where this is the case, household limits of 4 people from 2 households apply.
Scottish Golf does not set the rules or parameters for these distinctions. However, we will continue to provide feedback on their practicalities for our member clubs. In comparison with most other sports across Scotland, we are in a unique and fortunate position to benefit from being identified as both organised sport and informal exercise at this time.
We remind all clubs and golfers in Scotland that we remain in a privileged position, with courses across the country remaining open for play. Being able to benefit from playing golf should not be taken for granted, and we kindly ask that all clubs and golfers adhere to the latest guidance to ensure we can continue to make positive progress out of lockdown.
Latest update from Scottish Golf 24th Feb 2021:
Following the First Minister’s latest update on COVID-19 restrictions, please note that there is no change to the current position for golf. This means:
- Golf courses can remain open for play with a maximum of two players from up to two households
- Outdoor coaching will be restricted to 2 people (including the coach) for those 12 years or over. Under 12s do not count towards the number so a coach can take larger groups of up to 30 U12s
- Golfers must stay close to home, travel only for essential purposes (which includes golf as part of the permitted exercise activities) and in line with the new legislation
Bridge of Allan Golf Club: the course and clubhouse will be closed to visitors until further notice – access for visitors will be reviewed end of April 2021.
Scottish Golf has issued guidance to all affiliated clubs with further guidance relating to the Scottish Government’s COVID protection levels by local area. The latest version of their COVID-19 Guidance for Golf Clubs and Golfers is available via Scottish Golf COVID-19 Updates
‘Level’ guidance sheet for golfers Appendix-Guidelines-by-Level-FINAL-v2
The updated guidance is summarised as follows and unless otherwise stated is effective immediately:
The Scottish Government has advised that you should avoid travel to other areas regardless of their level unless essential. For exercise/sport – there is an exemption, however, it is limited:
• In tier 4, not permitted to drive outside your Local Authority area for exercise – you can cross boundaries in the process of exercising i.e if a golf course straddles two Local Authority area boundaries.
• In tier 3, you are permitted to travel around 5 miles for exercise.
• In tier 2 & tier 1, you are permitted to travel freely for exercise within your own Local Authority area.
• U18s – can travel freely for exercise in Tiers 0-3. They should not travel in or out of a Tier 4 area.
All golfers should be aware of travel guidance outlined by the Scottish Government and this should always be followed.