Following the First Minister’s update on Thursday 9 July, we are now in a position to provide all Clubs with updated Phase 3 FAQ’s as Scotland continues to progress with easing of lockdown restrictions.
To access our updated Phase 3 Guidance for Golf Clubs and Golfers on returning to Golf in Scotland, please click here.
This page will continue to be updated on a regular basis to support everyone in the golfing community here 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.
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. 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. Yes – as long as they continue to meet the rules of CONGU and scorecards can be verified by an approved method. Contact [email protected] for approved methods.
A. Once golf has resumed, the following groupings will be permitted to play Golf in Scotland:
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.
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