Golf clubs advised to close clubhouses under new restrictions

Golf clubs in the five Scottish health board areas hit with stricter new Covid-19 measures by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon have been advised to close their clubhouses in line with hospitality restrictions.

Scottish Golf has updated clubs following the new restrictions announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: Scottish Golf

The message was delivered by Scottish Golf's chief operating officer, Karin Sharp, in an update to clubs following the restrictions announced yesterday by the First Minister in the Scottish Parliament.

It means that clubs in and around Glasgow, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothians and the Forth Valley will be forced to close their clubhouses for hospitality purposes from 6pm tomorrow until a fortnight on Monday.

Clubs elsewhere in Scotland will follow the same rules put in place for the hospitality industry for every other health board area in the country.

That means clubhouses can operate from 6am to 6pm but cannot serve alcohol indoors during that time while alcohol can be sold outdoors until 10pm.

“Following the First Minister’s latest update in Parliament on Wednesday, Scottish Golf has been in dialogue with our partners at sportscotland and the Scottish Government to obtain further clarity about the new national restrictions being implemented across Scotland and how these might impact private member clubs,” said Sharp.

“On-course golf activities can continue under our current Phase 3 Guidance, with up to four players from four different households allowed to participate together.

“There are no changes to access to toilet facilities, locker rooms or professional shops which can continue to be utilised provided all appropriate measures, such as use of face masks, increased sanitation are adhered to.

“The key changes that apply to all golf club are the hospitality restrictions which apply to private members clubs across the country.”

Sharp added: “The changes announced vary across different regions of the country and we would encourage all clubs to familiarise themselves with the latest guidance and how it may impact their operations.

“These measures are in place for an initial 16-day period and will be reviewed thereafter by the Scottish Government.

“Scottish Golf remains in dialogue with sportscotland and the Scottish Government to seek further clarification on the potential impact of restrictions on indoor activity for driving ranges and swing rooms.”

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