Wales Golf has advised clubs that they can re-open from Monday, 18 May.
The announcement follows updated guidance from the Welsh Government that some golf clubs could re-open in Wales for ‘local members’.
As in the rest of the UK, golf clubs have been shut in Wales since March 23, but the government has offered legal clarification that could see golfers returning to the fairways.
Under the easing of restrictions in England, golf courses will be re-opened there from Wednesday, 13 May. After comments in the Senedd and clarification on the Welsh Government website, Wales Golf has advised clubs that they are permitted to open, but not before May 18, in order to ensure venues have sufficient safety protocols in place.
They have also warned all member clubs and golfers to comply with the regulations in a responsible manner to avoid the Welsh Government introducing measures that force golf courses to close again.
Jason Thomas, the director of the Welsh Government’s Culture, Sport and Tourism department, said: “Legal clarification is that golf courses are not included on the list of businesses or establishments that must remain closed – they have never been on that list. It’s been other measures in force that has restricted the ability of the clubs to open – travel measures etc, so we have clarified this on the Welsh Government website. Do they have to be closed? No.”
Welsh Government response to the Covid-19 pandemic is currently that people should only drive to exercise if they have mobility issues and that they should remain ‘local’, although no actual distance has been specified.
