R&A measures announced to help golf’s return

At the moment all facilities are closed on government instruction, but there are murmurings that, when it’s safe to do so, golf will be amongst the first to be given the green light to resume.

But even if our courses are opened again, there will obviosuly need to be some strict hygiene measures put into place to protect those playing from coronavirus.

The R&A, a governing body for golf, has been working with a range of bodies to consider what these measures are and how best to introduce them.

It covers five main areas: course set-up, before, during and after the round and rules of golf related matters.

This guidance has formed part of a submission to the government and may be subject to change.

A spokesman for the R&A said: “There are many different types of golf clubs and golf facilities, requiring safe golf procedures to be finalised and implemented locally.

“However, the fundamentals are the same throughout the sport, which has a good record of compliance with rules and procedures.

“These procedures will include all aspects of the golfing experience, from arrival in the car park shortly before the round to departure straight away on completion of the round.

“Golfers will be required to comply with the rules on social distancing throughout.

“Some temporary provisions in relation to the rules of golf will also be necessary to ensure safe play.”

Fuller details of the precise measures being proposed are available at www.randa.org