Wales: Why do golf courses remain closed despite people being able to mix outside in new…

Summary

Golf courses in Wales remain closed despite new coronavirus rules allowing outdoor gatherings of up to four people, causing frustration among golfers and financial strain on clubs.

Abstract

Despite the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Wales, which now permits groups of four to meet outside, golf courses have not been allowed to reopen. This decision has been met with disappointment from the golfing community and Wales Golf, who argue that golf is a safe, socially distanced sport that benefits mental and physical well-being. The continued closure of courses is seen as a setback for the sport, with clubs facing financial difficulties and members expressing frustration over paying for memberships they cannot use. Wales Golf has engaged with the government, presenting evidence that golf can be played safely during the pandemic, but the Welsh Government remains concerned about the potential impact of relaxing the 'stay at home' restrictions further.

Opinions

Golf is considered an excellent form of escapism and exercise, beneficial for mental and physical health across all age groups.
The closure of golf courses is viewed as inconsistent with the new allowance for outdoor gatherings, given the sport's inherent nature of social distancing.
There is a sense of frustration among golf club members who are still required to pay membership fees despite not being able to play.
Wales Golf has expressed disappointment over the government's decision to keep courses closed, emphasizing the safety and well-being benefits of golf.
The golfing community is hopeful that the upcoming review on March 12th will lead to a relaxation of rules, allowing courses to reopen.
The hashtag campaign #ShareYourStory has been launched to highlight the negative impact of course closures on golfers' mental and physical well-being.

New rules were announced for Wales today, which means four people can now meet outside, but golf courses remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The view from Ruthin-Pwllglas Golf Club, which is a nine-hole course located in Wales. (Featured Image: Eirian Evans)

Golf is a great escapism for you to get away from a busy, hectic lifestyle and catch up with your friends. Its a relaxing spectacle, which is enjoyed by all, no matter what age you are, but for the last two months, they have shut their doors due to an influx of people contracting the virus.

In the new announcement, Mark Drakeford, Wales’ first minister confirmed that four people can now meet outside, but for some reason, Welsh golf courses remain closed.

Let’s give some perspective, here. Over Christmas and into January, the virus was out of control, but numbers have fallen enormously in Wales and they are on top of the vaccines, which are currently being rolled out across the world.

So, why do Welsh golf courses remains closed? It seems bizarre, especially considering that golf is one of the safest sports, which you can play whilst being socially distanced, due to how much space you have out on the course.

Not only that, but golf is physical exercise and no doubt helps your mental well-being, which has impacted families across Wales.

It is also frustrating for members of clubs, who have been deprived of playing the sport they love, and they’re still having to pay hundreds of pounds for their respective memberships.

Wales golf have since put out a statement, showing their disappointment at the decision made by the Welsh Government.

It stated the following: “We are disappointed that the First Minister today was unable to relax the current ‘Stay at home’ regulations, which will now remain for a minimum of a further three weeks.

“The First Minister made it clear that for the time being all exercise must still start and finish at home.

“At a meeting with Welsh Government officials earlier this week, we presented the APPGG COVID-19 Secure Golf Document which supports our long-held view that golf has been and can continue to be played safely during the current pandemic. Other key areas of discussion centred around the numerous mental health and wellbeing benefits golf provides to tens of thousands of participants across Wales.

“Welsh Government agreed that golf is a sport that can be played in a safe, socially distanced manner. Their main concerns were with the potential Wales-wide impact of relaxing the ‘stay at home’ restrictions, and the cumulative impact of doing this.

“This week has seen the launch of a new social media campaign encouraging all golfers to share their story with the #ShareYourStory. This aims to highlight how their current lockdown experiences and the effect of not having access to a golf facility is impacting their mental and physical wellbeing.”

It is another setback for the sport at recreational levels, with all grassroots sports continuing to struggle financially as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Members will be hoping rules are relaxed when the next review takes place on the 12th March, as the longer this situation goes on, the more detrimental it is to golf courses across Wales.

Wales: Why do golf courses remain closed despite people being allowed to mix outside in new coronavirus rules?

New rules were announced for Wales today, which means four people can now meet outside, but golf courses remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.