Golfers in England can play with outsiders from Wednesday | Golf News

Golfers will have the opportunity to play with outsiders starting Wednesday, according to updated government guidelines.

Golf courses in England will reopen this Wednesday, although clubs in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to remain closed for the time being.

Initially, groups were expected to be restricted to two people, both from the same home, but the updated regulations now allow playing with “someone else outside their home” as long as the rules of social distancing are followed.

The government guidance document titled “Staying Alert and Safe (Social Distancing)” reads: “Beginning Wednesday, May 13, the government will also allow open-air sports facilities, such as tennis and basketball courts, tennis courts, to be opened. golf and bowling.

Clubhouses will remain closed

“But you should only use them alone, with members of your household, or with someone outside your home, while staying two meters apart at all times.”

The guide was released less than 24 hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation and insisted that any sport given the green light to resume this week can only be enjoyed by members of the same household.

“We want to encourage more and even unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise,” said the prime minister. “You can sit in the sun at your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your own homes.”

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But Scottish Golf revealed on Monday that its courses would remain closed on the advice of its Prime Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and the governing bodies of Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to do the same.

An R&A statement, issued prior to the updated government guidance, said: “The UK Government has announced that golf may be resumed in England on Wednesday 13 May 2020. All outdoor sports must be performed alone or within a family group and that includes golf.

“There are no changes to the current position in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, so golf courses in these countries should remain closed for now.

Strict protocols will be applied when courses are reopened.

“It is important to emphasize that this remains an extremely difficult situation across the UK and we are well aware that many lives have been lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The effects of the virus will continue to be felt for a long time.

“As a sport, we must work together to resume play responsibly when the relevant government determines it is safe to do so. We must ensure that the safety and well-being of everyone involved is maintained, from golfers to club staff to greenkeepers at all times”. .

“Golf clubs and golfers have looked at the block very well and must maintain it and act responsibly as play resumes.”