Are Golf Courses Open during the Corona Crisis? - Captain Golf

Hello all.

I hope you are taking good care in these tough times.

Many of you are longing to get back out on the golf course. Your carpet indoor putting skills are no doubt top notch....and coffee mugs dented as a result.

Are Golf Courses Open Right Now in this Corona Crisis?

On the 23rd of March Golf England announced that all golf courses were to close.
(https://www.englandgolf.org/clubs-and-courses-must-close-covid-19-update/)

Captain Golf

At the time of Blog post, this is still the case! It may well change soon if and when the government announces a change to the phased locked down.

What Happens to a Member's Membership Fee due to Lock Down ?

As we approach the peak golf season in the UK many golfers will have already renewed their memberships. The fees crucially go back into the running of the golf club and the up-keep of the golf courses. If the membership fees are frozen this can lead to cash flow problems and impact the running of the golf club.

Many will have taken steps to reduce the running costs of the club, possibly furloughed staff and leveraged help from the UK government.

For many golf clubs, a lot of hard graft will have already have gone into the course for the coming season, prior to the Corona crisis. This should mean the golf course could well get into great shape once the lock down is over.

Membership fee policy will vary by golf club, however they will certainly be eager to attract new members in the future months. Expect peak demand and booked out tee times.

What might happen once lock down is reduced?

Golf requires an open space. A maximum of four players per round. We might well see tee times adjusted so there is a greater gap between golf tee off times, likewise the round reduced to a two ball, such measures might reduce 'contact'. With golfers wearing gloves, possibly a face mask, contact with other golfers will be reduced. The 19th hole might well stay closed or only offer that 'takeaway' beer for the beer garden where seating gets spaced out.

What is the situation with the PGA, European Tour, The Open.....

The Open: The R&A announced the summer tournament would be cancelled. Having been to The Open in Northern Ireland last year this is a big disappointment but it clearly does not make sense to have over 200,000 visitors mingling and in close proximity.

The Open was due to be played at Royal St Georges 11th-18th July 2020. Instead it will be moved to 2021 and the St Andrews tournament moved to 2022.

The PGA Tour: Events were cancelled but I understand there will be four events played without crowds and the situation reviewed thereafter.

European Tour: At the time of writing tournaments have been cancelled or postponed. To be confirmed but it could well start again but behind closed doors and be on TV.

Final Thought

Golf is a great sport and gets you outdoors. However, we need to take good care and follow the guidance of officials. When we do get the green light to get on the course, you will enjoy it double the amount. In the meantime why not compile your bucket list of golf courses to tick off.....We will look into bucket list golf courses to play in the coming blog editions.

Next Golf Blog

Take good care, Captain Golf

www.captaingolf.golf
www.captaingolf.blogspot.com






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