Ava Romero
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world of sports, with lockdown restrictions affecting golf clubs and courses. Golf courses and clubs have had to adapt to changing guidelines, with restrictions on social gatherings and travel, impacting golfers' abilities to play and socialize. Golf's professional bodies have issued guidance for clubs on operations and safety measures, with some courses closing temporarily. The financial impact on clubs has been significant, and there has been debate about the rationale behind course closures. Despite challenges, golf has been recognized for its inherent social distancing, and some countries have allowed play to continue with safety protocols in place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Golf courses closed | Yes |
| Reason for closure | To reduce social contact |
| Golf clubs | Required to adapt to new restrictions |
| Golf clubs with hospitality venues | A maximum of six people from two households can meet both indoors and outdoors |
| Golf clubs with hospitality venues | Staff and customers are required by law to wear face coverings |
| Golf clubs | Can remain open in Tier 1 regions |
| Golfers | Should avoid travelling outside the very-high alert level area |
| Golfers | Should avoid staying overnight in a very-high alert level area |
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What You'll Learn
Golf courses closed during lockdown
Golf courses have been closed during lockdown in many parts of the world, including the UK. BBC golf commentator Andrew Cotter has questioned the rationale behind closing golf courses during the coronavirus pandemic. He has argued that golf is a beautiful escape to the outdoors and a good way to relieve stress.
In the UK, golf courses were closed during the country's second lockdown, which began on November 5, 2020. The chair of the Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) committee, Julian Knight, called for a rethink on the closure of golf courses, but the government stuck to its plans. The government's rationale for closing golf courses was to significantly reduce social contact.
In Scotland, golf courses were closed during a tightening of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in September 2020. Scottish Golf clarified that on-course golf activities could continue under their current Phase 3 Guidance, with up to four players from four different households allowed to participate together.
Golf's professional bodies, including the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) and the British Golf Industry Association (BGIA), have issued guidance to clubs on how to operate after lockdown. The guidance includes measures for preparing the course, starting a phased return to play, carrying out PGA professional services, clubhouse management, and resuming full services.
During the coronavirus lockdown in England, golfers were advised not to travel outside or enter a very-high alert level area, except when passing through on a longer journey. Golf clubs in affected areas were instructed to close locker rooms, except for allowing the use of toilets and wash-hand basins. Socializing indoors with members or visitors from other households was not allowed, but it was permitted outdoors in groups of no more than six people.
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Golf clubs' hospitality venues
Golf clubs with hospitality venues have been significantly impacted by lockdown restrictions. In the UK, golf clubs have had to adapt to changing lockdown rules, with varying restrictions in England and Scotland.
In England, golf clubs in Tier 1 regions were allowed to operate with minimal changes. However, for golf clubs in affected areas, several measures were implemented. Socialising indoors with members from other households was prohibited, but outdoor socialising was permitted in groups of up to six people. Clubhouses had specific operating guidelines, including mandatory table service, restricted operating hours, and the closure of locker rooms except for essential use. Face coverings were mandatory in public areas of the clubhouse and Pro's Shops, but could be removed when eating and drinking. Golfers were advised to avoid travelling outside their very-high alert level areas, and clubs were legally required to collect track and trace information on all visitors.
In Scotland, golf clubs also faced restrictions. On-course golf activities could continue with up to four players from four different households. However, the number of people allowed to meet indoors and outdoors was reduced to six, impacting hospitality venues. Staff and customers were required by law to wear face coverings, except when eating and drinking.
The impact of these restrictions on golf clubs with hospitality venues has been significant. Golf clubs have had to adapt their operations to comply with social distancing and safety measures, which has likely resulted in changes to staffing, services, and revenue. The closure of indoor socialising areas and restrictions on outdoor gatherings may have affected the financial viability of these venues, particularly with the additional costs of implementing safety measures.
Golf's professional bodies have played a crucial role in providing guidance to golf clubs on operating during the lockdown. Organisations such as the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) and the Golf Club Managers' Association (GCMA) have offered advice and support to help golf clubs navigate the challenges of the pandemic and plan for a phased reopening as restrictions ease.
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Golf clubs' financial losses
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the golf industry, with golf clubs facing financial losses due to lockdown restrictions. While the rules varied depending on the region and the phase of the pandemic, the main sources of income for golf clubs were affected.
One of the significant impacts of lockdown restrictions was the closure of golf courses and facilities. In England, for instance, there were calls for the government to reconsider closing golf courses during the second national lockdown, but the government stuck to its plans to shut them down. This decision was questioned by many, including BBC golf commentator Andrew Cotter, who found it challenging to understand why golf courses were closed when other outdoor activities were still permitted.
Golf clubs with hospitality venues also faced restrictions on their operations. In Scotland, for example, changes were implemented, limiting indoor and outdoor gatherings to a maximum of six people from two households. Staff were legally required to wear face coverings, and customers had to wear them while moving around inside. Similar restrictions were in place in England, with golfers unable to socialise indoors with members or visitors from other households. While outdoor socialising was allowed in groups of up to six, clubhouse operating hours were restricted, and locker rooms were closed except for accessing essential facilities.
These restrictions impacted the revenue streams of golf clubs. With limited access to their facilities and courses, golf clubs lost income from membership fees, guest fees, and other related services. Additionally, the restrictions on hospitality venues further reduced income from food and beverage sales, as indoor dining and socialising were restricted.
To address these financial challenges, golf's professional bodies collaborated to provide guidance and support to golf clubs. The Professional Golfers' Association (PGA), British Golf Industry Association (BGIA), British and International Golf Greenkeepers' Association (BIGGA), and other organisations developed a manual titled "Operational Guidance For The Future Phased Re-opening Of Golf Facilities." This document offered practical advice on preparing courses, implementing phased returns to play, and managing clubhouses to help golf clubs prepare for reopening and navigate the financial difficulties posed by the lockdown restrictions.
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Golf clubs' reopening guidance
Golf clubs have been significantly affected by lockdown restrictions. In the UK, golf courses were forced to close during the second lockdown, despite the protests of many golfers and golf professionals.
However, golf's professional bodies have issued official advice and guidance to clubs on how to operate after lockdown. The 2,500-word document was produced by the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA), British Golf Industry Association (BGIA), British and International Golf Greenkeepers' Association (BIGGA), and other golf associations. It offers practical advice on preparing the course, starting a phased return to play, carrying out PGA professional services, clubhouse management, and resuming full services.
During the pandemic, golf clubs with hospitality venues have had to adapt to changing restrictions. In Scotland, golf clubs were required to limit meetings to six people from two households, both indoors and outdoors. Staff and customers were also legally required to wear face coverings. In England, golfers could not socialise with members or visitors from other households inside the clubhouse. However, they could socialise outdoors in groups of no more than six people. All food and drinks had to be served at the table, and face coverings were mandatory in public areas of the clubhouse.
Golf clubs should refer to the latest government advice and work with local authorities to ensure they are complying with the most up-to-date restrictions.
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Golfers' travel restrictions
Golfers in the UK faced various travel restrictions during the country's lockdown periods. In England, golfers were advised to avoid travelling outside or entering a 'very-high alert level area', unless passing through as part of a longer journey. Overnight stays in other parts of the UK were also discouraged.
In Scotland, the government reduced the number of people allowed to meet in households, gardens, pubs and restaurants from six to four, impacting golfers' travel plans.
Golf courses and clubs were also affected by lockdown restrictions. In England, golfers were allowed to play outdoors, but clubhouses were subject to restrictions, including mandatory face coverings and table service. In Scotland, golf activities could continue with up to four players from four households, and staff and customers were required to wear face coverings.
The golf industry faced significant challenges during the pandemic, with clubs and courses having to adapt to changing restrictions. Professional golf bodies issued guidance to help clubs prepare for reopening and operating under lockdown conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the region and the lockdown rules in place. In some places, golf courses were closed during lockdown, while in other places, they remained open with restrictions in place.
Golf clubs with hospitality venues must follow the same rules as other hospitality businesses, such as limiting the number of people meeting indoors and outdoors, requiring staff and customers to wear face coverings, and collecting track and trace information.
It is recommended that golfers avoid travelling outside of their very-high alert level area, or entering a very-high alert level area, except when travelling through the area on a longer journey. It is also recommended that golfers do not stay overnight in another part of the UK if their area is under a very high alert level.
Socialising with members of other households is permitted outdoors, but not indoors. Socialising outdoors must be in groups of no more than six people.
