Clubs along ‘England’s Golf Coast’ have revealed their delight at Boris Johnson announcing that courses will be able to reopen this week.
Golf clubs were among businesses which were told to close in March as the Government announced a series of measures designed to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
But during his televised speech last night, the Prime Minister laid out his ‘road map’ for slowly easing the UK away from lockdown, which revealed that golf clubs will be allowed to reopen their doors this Wednesday. All outdoor sports must be done alone or within a household group and that includes golf.
The news was welcomed by golfers in Southport, Formby and Lytham, known around the world as ‘England’s Golf Coast’.
Southport Golf Tours said: “Great to see some positive steps towards normality announced last night. Fingers crossed that people can stick to the guidelines and we don’t end up undoing everyone’s hard work up to this point.”
Formby Golf Centre said: “It’s time to dust off the clubs, we will be reopening Wednesday 13th at 9am. We look forward to seeing you all again.”
Most clubs are yet to reveal details of when they will open and what measures will be in place, but Stand Up For Southport will report these as soon as they become available.
It’s time to dust off the clubs, we will be reopening Wednesday 13th @ 9am.
We look forward to seeing you all again ⛳️ pic.twitter.com/bjKo1lNNd8— Formby Golf Centre (@FormbyGC) May 11, 2020
Lancashire Golf said: “Seen a few posts asking where the first tee shot might go when get to play again, doesn’t really matter does it, just to be on the turf again with a golf club in hand, some spare balls in the bag and a friend (or two) to play with will be more than enough #whywegolf.”
England Golf released the following statement in conjunction with The R&A, home nations, PGA and other industry partners, following the Prime Minister’s announcement.
They said: “The UK Government has announced that golf will be able to resume in England on Wednesday, 13 May 2020. All outdoor sports must be done alone or within a household group and that includes golf.
“There is no change to the current position in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and so golf courses in these countries must remain closed for now.
Great to see some positive steps towards normality announced last night ???️♂️ fingers crossed that people can stick to the guidelines and we don't end up undoing everyone's hard work up to this point???? https://t.co/9J3khpI7xM
— Southport Golf Tours (@SouthportGolfT) May 11, 2020
“It is important to stress that this remains an extremely difficult situation throughout the UK and we are acutely aware that many lives have been lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. The effects of the virus will continue to be felt for a long time to come.
“As a sport we must work together to resume play responsibly as and when the relevant Government determines it is safe to do so. We must ensure that the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved from golfers, to club staff and greenkeepers is maintained at all times.
“Golf clubs and golfers have observed the lockdown very well and must keep it up and act responsibly as play resumes.
“We recently provided documents giving guidance on operations and resuming play and golf clubs should consider this carefully as they restart their businesses. We also provided Essential Maintenance Guidelines to help greenkeepers to prepare their courses for play.
“We fully appreciate the huge amount of expertise that exists within golf clubs throughout the country and this best practice guidance simply aims to achieve as consistent an approach as possible to protecting everyone. We are seeking further clarification from the Government regarding other golf-related facilities.
“The pandemic has already had a substantial impact on golf clubs and venues and the focus will soon turn to trying to recover from the crisis. As a group we will continue to do all we can to provide support and guidance in that effort.”
England’s Golf Coast is home to 14 of the finest golf courses in Britain. With no less than seven courses in the ‘Top 100 Courses of the UK & Ireland’ and 10 listed in the ‘Top 100 Courses in England’, the concentration of championship golf available within England’s Golf Coast is unparalleled.
Our three Open Championship venues of Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool and Royal Lytham & St Annes have hosted The Open an impressive 33 times between them since 1897. The Open was most recently held on England’s Golf Coast by Royal Birkdale in Southport in 2017 and will return to Royal Liverpool in 2022.
DO you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message us via Facebook or email Andrew Brown at: mediaandrewbrown:@gmail.com
