Golf club manager hits out at new Covid restrictions

Alistair Dunsmuir
By Alistair Dunsmuir October 12, 2020 19:18

The managing secretary of a Scottish golf club has criticised a new coronavirus ruling that has meant the club has had to close its two clubhouses.

Gullane Golf Club in East Lothian has two clubhouses, one for members and one for visitors, and both have had to close for two weeks under new coronavirus restrictions brought in by first minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The ruling is separate to new local rules elsewhere in the UK, and even in Scotland, as it only applies to clubhouses in the Lothians, Glasgow, Ayrshire and Arran and the Forth Valley.

Speaking to The Scotsman, the club’s managing secretary, Gordon Simpson, said the enforced closure has come as a hammer blow.

“The announcement has had a huge impact on our business,” he said.

“It is not only the food and beverage that we are losing out on, it is the golf as well due to people cancelling packages as the restrictions in hospitality are just so severe.

“As a club, we have spent thousands complying with all of the government guidance with regards to PPE, changes in layouts, screens for bars and so on.

“Just as we were getting our business growing once again, she has pulled the rug from beneath us.

“Whilst the first minister announced that she has made £40 million available to help cover costs, that won’t go far given the amount of businesses around the country affected by the latest changes, it is simply not good enough.”

Karin Sharp

Clubs outside of the above areas in Scotland can still have clubhouses open from 6am to 6pm but cannot serve alcohol during that time while alcohol can be served outdoors until 10pm. This is separate to new restrictions elsewhere in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“The changes announced vary across the country and we would encourage all clubs to familiarise themselves with the latest guidance and how it may impact their operations,” said Scottish Golf’s Karin Sharp.

 

Alistair Dunsmuir
By Alistair Dunsmuir October 12, 2020 19:18
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4 Comments

  1. Peter October 13, 11:06

    As leaders, it’s up to us to calm the waters, work with local authorities and look out for the welfare of members and others !!

    Reply to this comment
  2. malford385 October 13, 10:58

    When did golf become the most toxic sport in the world. Draconian and poorly thought out and incredible basedly delivered restrictions are damaging every business, not just golf. A virus that has a 98.7% survival rate and by the way the hospitals are empty, this is institutional madness. The madmen are running teh Asylum!

    Reply to this comment
    • Spikee October 14, 12:23

      Have you had Covid have you!
      I did and I don’t want it again
      8 days of my life in a hospital bed. It’s OK for people like you to go on about survival rates why don’t you offer to do trials for a vaccine, because you are too scared so stop spouting your rubbish

      Reply to this comment
      • djm October 15, 14:28

        Calm down dear.

        What Malford385 said was incorrect

        The survival rates are, by age :

        Age 0-19 … ..99.997%
        Age 20-49 … 99.98%
        Age 50-69 … 99.5%
        Age 70+ …… 94.6%

        Absolute insanity to destroy an economy, based on those figures.

        Anyone who may have encountered the Chynese Virus is probably not going to want to repeat the experience, but for anyone to think that a vaccine is the Holy Grail,
        I’ve a bridge you might be interested to buy

        Reply to this comment
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