How Social Media Reacted To UK Golf Courses Closing
The news we had all been waiting for arrived yesterday when Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the country to avoid all unnecessary contact and travel, with people only allowed out of their homes to go to work, buy food, buy medicine and for one form of exercise per day.
Whilst golf is exercise, it surely counts as unnecessary travel and isn’t included in the list of walking, running or cycling.
This essentially closed down every course in the country and the R&A told clubs to listen to their the home golfing unions – England Golf, Scottish Golf, Wales Golf and the Golfing Union of Ireland – which all asked clubs to close.
Following the P.M.’s statement it is clear that golf clubs, courses & facilities must close with immediate effect. Keeping golf courses open is simply no longer compatible with gov policy which is designed to save lives in a time of national emergency. Statement to follow in a.m.
This thought was echoed by a number of golfers who were initially confused by the government’s advice that exercise was okay as long as it was only once a day and just running, walking or cycling.
The CEO of BIGGA (British International Golf Greenkeepers Association) also said that golf courses should close but some maintenance is “essential.”
I would add that maintenance should only be permitted in a safe environment. This relies on there being extensive measures in place. The safety of our members remains our highest priority. We await clarification from government, as do many many industries
The Golf Monthly audience was happy with the decision to close courses –
Lots of golfers on here saying it is their form of exercise. Question, how do you get to the golf course? If the answer is by car then it’s surely non essential travel and a risk? I am a golfer and stay at home means stay at home
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