Ava Romero
During the COVID-19 pandemic, golf courses were closed in several countries, including the UK and Spain. In the UK, golf courses were closed during the first national lockdown in March 2020, and reopened in May 2020 with social distancing guidelines in place. In Spain, golf courses were closed in March 2022 during a lockdown easing period.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Canada |
| Golf course status | Closed in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Canada; open in Scotland with restrictions |
| Rationale | To arrest the rise of COVID-19 cases and protect the NHS |
| Industry response | Disappointment, confusion regarding the encouragement of safe outdoor exercise |
| Post-lockdown measures | Removal of rakes, ball-retrievers, benches, bins; social distancing; sanitization |
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What You'll Learn
- Golf courses closed in England and Canada during the pandemic
- The CEO of England Golf challenges the government's rationale
- Golf retailers offer a click-and-collect service during lockdown
- Golf courses in Scotland remain open, but with restrictions
- Social distancing and sanitisation measures for when golf courses reopen
Golf courses closed in England and Canada during the pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, golf courses in England were forced to close their doors on three separate occasions. The first closure lasted nearly two months during the first national lockdown in March 2020. The second closure lasted nearly four weeks from November to December of the same year. The third closure was announced in April 2024, with no specified end date but a promise to review the restrictions by mid-February.
The closures were met with some resistance from golfing bodies, who argued that the sport could be played safely during the pandemic. England Golf's CEO, Jeremy Tomlinson, challenged the government's decision to close golf courses, citing the Prime Minister's encouragement of safe and responsible outdoor exercise.
In Canada, the situation varied across provinces. Some provinces, like Alberta and Ontario, ordered golf courses to close during the pandemic, while others, like British Columbia, allowed courses to remain open as long as players maintained physical distance. British Columbia Golf (BCG), the organization representing amateur golfers in the province, initially suggested that all courses should be closed, but this idea was met with opposition from some members of the golfing community.
The pandemic and the resulting closures had a significant impact on the golf industry in both countries. Golf clubs near the US-Canada border experienced sharp revenue losses as Canadian golfers chose to stay local due to travel costs, currency rates, and diplomatic tensions. Cross-border recreational travel may depend on factors beyond marketing, such as easing diplomatic tensions and stabilizing currency rates, to restore the flow of Canadian visitors to American golf clubs.
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The CEO of England Golf challenges the government's rationale
The CEO of England Golf, Jeremy Tomlinson, has published an open letter challenging the government's decision to close golf courses during the lockdown. In his letter, Tomlinson acknowledges the government's encouragement of safe and responsible outdoor exercise for individuals and households, which, he argues, includes the game of golf. He finds the subsequent guidance on closing golf courses contradictory and confusing.
Tomlinson's letter highlights the benefits of golf as a socially distant outdoor activity that can be enjoyed safely during the pandemic. He emphasizes that the closure of golf courses contradicts the government's own advice on the importance of outdoor exercise for physical and mental health. Moreover, he points out that golf is a low-risk activity in terms of virus transmission, as it is typically played outdoors with ample space for social distancing.
The CEO also raises concerns about the impact of golf course closures on the industry and the wider economy. Golf is a significant contributor to the economy, and the closure of courses could have a detrimental effect on businesses and livelihoods within the industry. He suggests that with proper safety measures in place, golf can continue to be played safely during the lockdown. These measures could include social distancing, limiting group sizes, and enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols.
Furthermore, Tomlinson's letter emphasizes the mental health benefits of golf, particularly during a stressful time like a pandemic. He argues that golf provides a valuable outlet for people to stay active and connected while maintaining social distancing. He suggests that the government should consider golf as an essential activity that promotes physical and mental wellbeing, especially for those who may struggle with more intense forms of exercise.
While respecting the government's challenging role in managing the pandemic, Tomlinson's letter urges a reconsideration of the blanket closure of golf courses. He advocates for a more nuanced approach that balances infection control with the physical and mental health needs of the population. He concludes by offering England Golf's support in working with the government to develop safe and responsible guidelines for golf during the lockdown.
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Golf retailers offer a click-and-collect service during lockdown
During the lockdown, golf courses have been subjected to closures and restrictions. In Canada, for instance, golf courses were ordered to close during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the UK, golf clubs were also closed under enhanced restrictions, despite the low risk of outdoor infection.
To support retailers during this challenging period, governments have allowed them to offer 'click-and-collect' services. This has been the case in England, where non-essential retail stores were closed during the second national lockdown, and in Ireland, where level five restrictions were imposed. Golf retailers, therefore, could have offered click-and-collect services during these periods.
While specific details on the operation of such services were promised by the Irish government, some general guidelines were provided. For instance, customers could call ahead, pay electronically, and then collect their goods at an agreed-upon time and date.
This measure was encouraged by the Green Party leader, Eamon Ryan, who urged people to support small businesses by using click-and-collect services. This allowed retailers to continue operating and serving their customers while adhering to social distancing and lockdown measures.
In addition to click-and-collect services, golf clubs and facilities implemented several other procedures to ensure social distancing and safety. These included closing clubhouses and locker rooms, staggering tee times, and enforcing two-metre distancing at teeing areas and putting greens.
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Golf courses in Scotland remain open, but with restrictions
Golf courses in Scotland have not always been open during the pandemic. In 2020, Scottish Golf sided with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, maintaining that golf courses should remain closed. They released a statement saying, "the message is still clear—stay at home and save lives."
However, as time went on, restrictions eased, and golf courses in Scotland were allowed to reopen with limitations. During Tier 4 restrictions, golf courses in England were allowed to remain open, and the same was true for Scotland. Groups of up to four golfers were permitted, with a maximum of two households represented. All tee times had to be booked in advance, and golfers were instructed to avoid unnecessary travel.
Golf courses in Scotland have had to implement several safety measures to comply with government guidelines. Social distancing has been a key aspect, with golfers required to stay at least 2 metres apart during play and when walking to and searching for a ball. Golfers have also been advised to not touch stray balls and to avoid touching flagsticks and other course fixtures. The clubhouse and locker room facilities have been closed, except for limited essential access.
While golf courses in Scotland have been allowed to operate with restrictions, the situation remains fluid. It is important for golfers and golf clubs to stay updated with the latest government guidelines and adjust their practices accordingly.
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Social distancing and sanitisation measures for when golf courses reopen
Golf courses have been subject to closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, with some critics questioning the efficacy of such measures. However, as restrictions ease, golf courses can reopen with careful social distancing and sanitisation measures in place. Here are some guidelines to ensure the safety of golfers and staff:
Social Distancing Measures:
- Golfers should maintain a distance of at least 2 metres from one another during the round, including at teeing areas, when walking to the ball, searching for a ball, and playing shots.
- Limit the number of golfers in a group per tee time, adhering to government requirements.
- Implement a minimum of 10-minute intervals between tee times to prevent golfers from different groups from congregating too closely.
- Ensure social distancing in areas such as the professional's shop or starter's building, and advise golfers of these requirements before their arrival.
- Close clubhouse and locker room facilities, except for limited essential access, such as using the toilets.
- Remove or cover benches, bins, ball washers, and drinking fountains to discourage use and minimise contact.
- Suspend club rentals to prevent sharing of equipment.
Sanitisation Measures:
- Provide hand sanitisation stations throughout the course and clubhouse.
- Implement stringent policies on the hiring and sharing of equipment, including sanitising practices for practice areas.
- Encourage golfers to avoid touching surfaces such as flagsticks and stray balls.
- Use plugs or hole liners to prevent golfers from reaching into the hole to retrieve their ball.
- Regularly clean and sanitise facilities, including the clubhouse and any equipment provided.
By implementing these measures, golf courses can reopen while prioritising the health and safety of golfers and staff, minimising the risk of COVID-19 transmission. These guidelines can be adapted and updated as necessary to adhere to local regulations and recommendations from health authorities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, golf courses are closing in lockdown. In 2021, Ontario, Canada closed golf courses during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, golf courses in England were closed due to lockdown measures.
During lockdown, golf clubs, indoor and outdoor golf facilities, driving ranges, and coaching services are closed.
Golf retailers are able to operate a click-and-collect service during lockdown. In some cases, golf courses may remain open but with restrictions, such as limiting group sizes and enforcing social distancing.
Golf courses that remain open during lockdown must enforce social distancing and implement enhanced sanitation practices. This includes removing shared equipment, covering shared surfaces, and encouraging golfers to sanitise their hands and equipment.
Yes, there has been opposition to closing golf courses during lockdown. Some people argue that being outdoors is a safe way to avoid COVID-19 infections, and closing golf courses contradicts the encouragement of safe and responsible outdoor exercise.
