All golf courses in the UK have been told to close after government advice. Here's how social media reacted...
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.
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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.
Update for golfers and golf facilities.
Read here👉 https://t.co/HFECRnxWPP pic.twitter.com/0oWSJHjamF
— The R&A (@RandA) March 24, 2020
Following on from the Prime Minister’s statement tonight (23 March), golf clubs, courses and facilities in England must now close.
Read the full statement here: https://t.co/nNdk20LhdW pic.twitter.com/eQg0BWlKG1
— England Golf (@EnglandGolf) March 23, 2020
📝 | The message to all of us is clear, we must stay home and play our part in containing the spread of COVID-19.
With this in mind, Scottish Golf asks that all golfers in Scotland refrain from golfing until further notice.
Read more 👉 https://t.co/OjacNedNMQ pic.twitter.com/R5PXuCXxrS
— Scottish Golf (@ScottishGolf) March 23, 2020
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.
— Wales Golf | Golff Cymru (@wales_golf) March 23, 2020
Latest statement from GUI and @IrishLadiesGolf at 11.10am on Tuesday 24 March: https://t.co/O0QlVMcnzI pic.twitter.com/WGu9rhHxa7
— Golfing Union of Ireland (@GUIGolf) March 24, 2020
St Andrews announced that its seven courses are now all closed –
For further information please visit: https://t.co/jgcKUqU8O0 pic.twitter.com/Rxgx9H6G1d
— St Andrews Links (@TheHomeofGolf) March 24, 2020
Lee Westwood asked social media if playing golf with his son who is in the same household could count as exercise…
Am I allowed to go and play 9 holes with my son who’s in the same household as my form of exercise ? 🤷🏽♂️
— Lee Westwood (@WestwoodLee) March 23, 2020
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.
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However, this was cleared up after advice from the home golfing unions.
Golf courses are closing. That clears that up. Thank you for all your help.
— Lee Westwood (@WestwoodLee) March 23, 2020
I reckon golf clubs will be forced to close. Such a shame cause there’s nothing better than winter greens.
— Eddie Pepperell (@PepperellEddie) March 23, 2020
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
— Jim Croxton (@JimCroxton) March 23, 2020
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
— Andy Turner (@AndySTmr) March 23, 2020
Well that’s my club in total lockdown for the foreseeable future. Quite rightly so.
— MSP (@MSPAberdeen) March 23, 2020
Detailed guidance – closure includes “indoor and outdoor leisure facilities” no ifs or buts
— Derek Hathaway (@derekhathaway) March 23, 2020
TalkSport host Georgie Bingham was upset with the news:
Golf!!! Argggggggghhhhhh!!! Makes sense but 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
— Georgie Bingham (@georgiebingham) March 23, 2020
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