Golf

Golf gears up for Phase 4 green light

golf ball in the green grass close to the hole
golf ball in the green grass close to the hole golf ball in the green grass close to the hole

The GUI and ILGU issued joint details yesterday of how golf will operate from July 20 should the government confirm this week that Phase 4 can commence under the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, writes Tony McGee.

However, the two bodies also warned that these rules are subject to change and golfers are asked to check www.golfnet.ie regularly for updates.

It was also firmly stated that as Phase 4 of the phased re-introduction of golf is entered, there remains a major responsibility on golf clubs and golfers to ensure that the sport is conducted in a safe and responsible manner.

“Full adherence to the provisions of this Protocol is absolutely essential. Golf was in the very privileged position to have been allowed to resume in Phase 1 and this return was based on the sport being able to demonstrate that it can take place in a safe, socially distant manner,” says the joint statement..

The Protocol sets out the basis on which golf can be played in a safe manner, during Phase 4 of the Roadmap.

Golfers are expected to observe the underlying public health guidance, set out at: www.hse.ie/coronavirus/ and www.gov.ie

There was praise for clubs and players, alike. “The high level of compliance shown thus far is a credit to the sport and these efforts must be maintained as we enter the next phase.”

The ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency remains a primary concern and overriding priority for both the Golfers' Union of Ireland and the Irish Ladies' Golf Union. The Unions acknowledge the tremendous efforts of all front-line workers which has allowed golf and society in general to consider this gradual return to a somewhat normal life.