We use our own and third-party cookies to deliver content to you throughout your experience online. It is possible that some cookies may continue to collect information after you've left our site. By using our site, you consent to cookies. Learn more here.
National lockdown ordered but there may be wiggle room
Words: GolfPunk
Photography: Getty Images
Sadly following the Prime Minister's announcement golf courses in England are set to shut when new national lockdown measures come into force at midnight on 5 November. Although a statement from England Golf suggests there may be some room for manoeuvre. The Government has confirmed golf courses and driving ranges sit alongside the likes of swimming pools and gyms as businesses and venues that must close for a month-long shutdown from November 5 to December 2. See the Government's website for details. There is a chink of light as announcements from industry bodies suggest that discussions are ongoing with the government. A statement from England Golf reads as follows:
The UK Government has this evening (31 October) announced a one-month lockdown of England, starting at midnight on Thursday 5 November and running until 2 December. These new measures will see the closure of pubs, restaurants and non-essential retail. People can continue to exercise for unlimited periods outdoors, either with people from their own households or on a one-to-one basis with one person from another household. England Golf is working with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf to study the detail, and to establish the exact restrictions on golf clubs and their facilities as the information becomes available. We will communicate definitive guidance once received from government. Please continue to consult our social media channels and the England Golf website for all updates via our dedicated coronavirus news pages. This includes our FAQs document which will be reviewed and refreshed at the earliest opportunity. Our best wishes to you and your families. Please stay safe and well. Jeremy Tomlinson, England Golf CEO
We had hoped that golf had won the argument back in May that it was a safe socially distanced sport but it seems not. Golf clubs will once again face financial headaches and one assumes will look to furlough staff. Golf has seen a post-COVID boom and this is a real set back for the industry. A petition has been set upon the Government website at https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/309851 and we encourage everyone to sign it.
