Golf resumes on Wednesday, but 'we must play responsibly' - statement

The UK's golf bodies have responded to Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement last night.

A joint statement from England Golf, The R&A, home nations, PGA and other industry partners, says:

"The UK Government has announced that golf will be able to resume in England on Wednesday (May 13).

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

"There is no change to the current position in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and so golf courses in these countries must remain closed for now.

"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."

England Golf have provided documents giving guidance on operations, asking golf clubs to consider them carefully as they restart their businesses.

The statement added: "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."