Golf clubs can open their courses again this week following the government’s easing of lockdown restrictions.

England Golf - the game’s governing body for amateur golf in England - confirmed that the sport can resume in the country from Wednesday.

Despite the opening there will be restricted access, however, in line with current guidances.

Responding the the prime minster’s announcement on Sunday, England Golf said: “The UK Government has announced that golf will be able to resume in England on Wednesday, 13 May 2020.

“All outdoor sport must be done alone or within a household group and that includes golf.

“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.”

Many clubs have retained skeleton staff during the lockdown including greenkeepers, to ensure courses are maintained.

Governing bodies such as England Golf have also been in dialogue with the government, previously releasing guidance about how golf can resume in a safe way.

England Golf say these guidelines should be considered carefully.

Their statement added: “We fully appreciate the huge amount of expertise that exists within golf clubs throughout the country and this best practice guidance simply aims to achieve as consistent an approach as possible to protecting everyone.

“The pandemic has already had a substantial impact on golf clubs and venues and the focus will soon turn to trying to recover from the crisis. As a group we will continue to do all we can to provide support and guidance in that effort.”

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