Frequently asked questions in relation to the updated Phase 3 Guidance for Golf Clubs and Golfers on returning to Golf in Scotland

Guidance on “competition bubbles” is sports-wide guidance issued by sportscotland to all sports governing bodies in Scotland.

As golf has its own mitigating factors in that a maximum of four golfers can compete in one group together, this does not generally apply to club competitions which have been in operation under our Phase 3 guidance.

However, for team competitions or inter-club matches, clubs must be aware that a maximum of 30 people including coaches and officials can combine to essentially create a ‘competition bubble’ as long as physical distancing measures are maintained. Competition organisers should ensure that no two ‘bubbles’ come into contact with each other at any time throughout the day.

A. These protocols allow golf to resume in a controlled and phased manner, in line with the advice and guidance of public health officials. The guidelines were drafted in consultation with Golf Industry Partners, Golf Club Managers, Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland.

A. No, golfers are always expected to observe ALL public health guidance.

A. Golf Clubs must maintain an accurate record for 6 weeks of all golfers using the facility. This may be used to assist in contact tracing.

A. Whilst the golf clubs must ensure the game is played safely and in accordance with the protocol, it is the individual golfer’s responsibility to adhere to the laws of the land.

A. Travel restrictions are now lifted.

A. This is for the club to determine in line with their own playing regulations.

A. Yes – provided it is sanitised prior to and after use. Also will depend on whether the club chose to put buggies in operation and have the manpower to ensure sanitisation is undertaken.

A. All golf clubs are asked to put guidelines and measures in place to manage practice facilities. It is a matter for each club to determine availability and usage limits.

Yes, members who are in the highest risk (shielding) group outlined by the Government can return to play as outlined in Phase 3, however the restrictions for individuals in this category are slightly different and could impact the size of group in which a shielding member can play.

Categories are outlined here.

A. Yes.

A.  Access to indoor locker rooms and storage areas is permitted for the dropping off and collection of sports equipment or clothing.  The golf club should ensure mitigating actions are put in place to minimise the risk of virus transmission including physical distancing, hygiene and cleaning measures.

A. The R&A have published changes to rules to allow competitions to proceed safely. Clubs must use digital scoring and cashless entry fee / payment methods to avoid contamination risks. It will be at the discretion of the golf club when competitions resume.

A. Yes – as long as they continue to meet the rules of CONGU and scorecards can be verified by an approved method. Contact handicapping@scottishgolf.org for approved methods.

A. If it meets the government guidelines.

A. It is recommended everyone brings their own hand sanitiser and uses frequently during their round.

A. Once golf has resumed, the following groupings will be permitted to play Golf in Scotland:

• Tee-times should be managed and booked in advance – there should be no turn up and play allowed.

• Daily timesheets and intervals are at the discretion of the golf club – the following groupings will be permitted during Phase 3:
  • Groups of up to four golfers with no restrictions on the number of households represented provided they adhere to the Government’s physical distancing rules

• Competition play (club competitions only, no open play permitted) may resume in accordance with the updated guidelines and schedule 1 as attached to this document. Use of digital scorecards must be in accordance with Handicapping Regulations and full compliance is required to permit scores for qualifying purpose.

A. If the driving range is indoor, or a combination of indoor and outdoor then the facility is not permitted to reopen in phase 3. If the driving range is fully outdoors (regardless of whether bays are covered or not) and if access to the bays can be controlled with physical distancing and all appropriate hygiene measures in place these could reopen.

Risk assessments would need to be completed to ensure all areas are safe i.e. surfaces cleaned between use, ball vending machines restricted, sanitisation measures active. Facilities should also check with their own insurers that they were covered to restart operations.

Indoor Driving Ranges may re-open and facilities should ensure mitigating actions are put in place to minimise the risk of virus transmission including physical distancing, hygiene and cleaning measures.

A. Toilet facilities can re-open subject to the implementation of appropriate hygiene routines.

Golf clubs may offer indoor hospitality with physical distancing, increased hygiene routines and controls on the number of people. From Friday 25 September onwards, indoor and outdoor hospitality will be required to close at 10 pm, this includes clubhouse facilities and beer gardens which may have been in operation .More detail is available in the governments tourism and hospitality guidance Click Here