The UK Government has announced that golf will be able to resume in England on Wednesday, 13 May 2020.
Until further notice, golfers will be able to play as singles or in two-balls with one other household member or one other person from outside their household. Three- and four-balls are also permitted at the discretion of each club, but only when comprising members of the same household.
A statement issued by the R&A read: “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.”
There is no change to the current position in Northern Ireland and Scotland with regards to outdoor sport, so golf courses in these countries will remain closed until further notice. Golf courses in Wales and Ireland can re-open open from May 18.
A statement issued by Scottish Golf said: “We remain in daily dialogue with the Scottish Government and other golfing bodies throughout the UK, to ensure that when it is deemed safe to do so in Scotland, that we are ready to support our golf clubs with a concise protocol for reopening. We will update our membership as soon as the Scottish Government agrees a plan on a safe return to golf.”