Golf to be banned in Northern Ireland and for some people in Scotland

Alistair Dunsmuir
By Alistair Dunsmuir November 25, 2020 07:21

Golf is set to be banned in Northern Ireland for two weeks, and some golfers in Scotland will not be allowed to play at certain venues, according to reports.

The news comes as English golf clubs have been told their 28-day coronavirus ban will end on December 2.

According to the Belfast Telegraph, golf courses were included in a list of leisure facilities that will be closed under the new two-week lockdown restrictions, which are due to start this Friday.

Just as it was in England, there has been much confusion surrounding the announcement.

Justice minister Naomi Long suggested on radio that ‘clarification’ was needed on whether golf courses could remain open.

However, shortly afterwards she posted on social media that Ulster chiefs within the Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI) are moving forward on the assumption that courses will be closed for two weeks from Friday. The published rules then did not mention golf but said ‘private sports clubs may remain open for individual training only‘.

Meanwhile in Scotland, golfers living in Midlothian are set to join their Edinburgh counterparts in being hit with a Covid-19 playing ban at clubs in East Lothian, reports The Scotsman.

‘Both East Lothian and Midlothian had been due to move from Level 3 to Level 2 areas while the City of Edinburgh remained at Level 3.

‘That had led to a number of East Lothian clubs informing members in Level 3 areas that they will not be permitted to book tee times or use practice or clubhouse facilities for the time being.

‘Midlothian members, meanwhile, had been allowed to book games as normal, but a late change of plan by first minister Nicola Sturgeon to keep it in Level 3 has now led to them facing the same disappointment.

‘The Scotsman understands that at least one East Lothian club was preparing an email to send out to members in Midlothian to inform them of the dramatic 11th-hour development.

‘It means that only East Lothian-based members will be permitted to play at some clubs on ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’ until the restrictions are relaxed.’

 

Alistair Dunsmuir
By Alistair Dunsmuir November 25, 2020 07:21
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2 Comments

  1. Graham D November 25, 14:04

    What a shame as England is allowed from next week.

    Reply to this comment
  2. Paitrick November 25, 13:33

    Again I’m not seeing the logic. Any virus must run its course. I do understand the fear and risk regarding Covid. However the safest or safer place to be during all of this is outside where social distancing practice is easier to maintain. The CDC says

    What makes activities safer
    Activities are safer if

    You can maintain at least 6 feet of space between you and others. COVID-19 spreads easier between people who are within 6 feet of each other.
    They are held in outdoor spaces. Indoor spaces with less ventilation where it might be harder to keep people apart are more risky.
    People are wearing masks. Interacting without wearing masks also increases your risk.

    You can as a facility make a contactless “Covid safer” transaction and interaction. Every golf operator is aware of what to do.

    Allow businesses and their owners earn a lively good rather than depression. Think about the big picture and be proactive rather than reactive.

    Everything we do has risks. Our greatest power as a human being is the power to make choices for ourselves and the risks we take.

    Good luck UK and Northern Ireland. I hope all works out.

    Reply to this comment
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