We have had a great response to our survey of club members, but the results so far do not paint many golf clubs in a great light. Over half of the respondents told us that their club had not offered any form of reduction or deferral during the COVID-19 crisis.
When the UK government announced the change to the COVID-19 rules, we wondered how this would impact on golf societies planning events. England Golf has now made an announcement providing advice to the golf world. It's still not one hundred per cent clear but it does not bode well for larger groups of golfers hoping to get together. In a release put out on Twitter, England Golf said
Thomas Bjørn is set for one of the biggest challenges of his career next week when he embarks on a four-day charity walk over 210 kilometres from #Wentworth2Wales to raise funds for Unicef UK’s Save Generation COVID appeal and the Golf Foundation as part of the European Tour’s #GolfforGood initiative. Donations for the #Wentworth2Wales walk can be made at:
The LPGA announced its revised calendar for 2020 on Wednesday with a planned return to play at the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational in Michigan on 15th July. There will also be more cash available due to increases in the purses for many of the events. Players will compete for an average of nearly $2.7 million per event.
Without wishing to tempt fate, it looks like we may be fine-tuning those swings and getting back on the links soon in the UK. A UK Parliament's All-Party Group has suggested that golf should return quickly, and the R&A has prepared guidance for operating courses under COVID-19 restrictions.
Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s address to the nation swathes of London and the south-east of England move into a new Tier 4 level from Sunday 20 December. Fortunately, golf courses in Tier 4 areas can remain open for play in the following formats:
The PGA Tour will kick off on 11 June with the Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas. However, players and caddies returning to the USA for the tour face the headache of 14 days in isolation due to the strict quarantine rules in place in the USA.
American Golf has teamed up with Golf Alchemy and Cleveland Golf to give away an exclusive set of three NHS branded wedges to one lucky donator. The prize is truly unique, as the team at Golf Alchemy has branded each club with the NHS logo, and carefully added a message of thanks to all NHS workers from 3-year-old Henry Brown, whose mother Emma Marshall is a healthcare provider for the NHS in Watford.
Once again We have had a great response to our survey of club members on the subject of subscriptions. Sadly, the picture has not improved since we initially surveyed during the first lockdown in the UK.
All golfers in England were plunged into a mood of despondency just after 8 pm last night when UK Prime Minister closed down all golf courses in England. England now joins Wales and the whole island of Ireland in a golf no go zone. Only the folk in Scotland will be able to brave the winter weather and take to the links.
Imagine the nightmare of turning up for your Saturday morning round of golf to find the police blocking your way to the first tee! Llanymynech Golf Club was the scene of such an event this weekend when Powys County Council ordered the course's closure.
It's just over a week since the latest lockdown ended in England and golfers flocked back to their beloved game. Now following the announcement of new Tier 3 areas, in particular, London some clubs are seeking to prevent members from playing.
