England Golf COVID-19 Restrictions update 14 October 2020
Coronavirus FAQs on the return of golf
Last updated: Wednesday 14 October (impact of three-tier system on clubhouses, actions following a golfer/staff member testing positive for Covid-19)
Q- What is the government advice on travel in relation to ‘very high risk’ (Tier 3) areas?
A- Golfers from a very high-risk area (Tier 3) should avoid travelling outside their locality. Travelling into a very high-risk area for the purposes of golf should be avoided. Golfers should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK if resident in a very high alert level area, or avoid staying overnight in a very high alert level area if resident elsewhere.
Q – Can clubhouses reopen for access to indoor bar and catering facilities?
A – The regulations now vary depending on the local Covid-19 alert status of your area.
In areas of ‘medium’ risk (Tier 1), indoor bar and catering facilities within clubhouses may open provided strict guidelines on safety and social distancing are observed. From September 24, clubhouses with food and beverage facilities must close by 10pm and are not permitted to open before 5am. From this date clubs must provide table service only or serve take away for consumption off the premises.
In ‘high risk’ areas (Tier 2), the above rules apply with the additional restriction that people must not socialise with anybody outside of their household or support bubble in any indoor setting.
In ‘very high-risk’ areas (Tier 3), pubs and bars must close. They can only remain open where they operate as if they were a restaurant, which means serving substantial meals, such as a main lunchtime or evening meal. They may only serve alcohol as part of such a meal.
Full guidance for clubs operating in high-risk areas (Tier 2) can be found here
Full guidance for clubs operating in very high-risk areas (Tier 3) can be found here
England Golf has also issued clubs with a checklist and framework to assist with the safe reopening of bar and catering facilities where it is permissible to do so.
Q – What procedures should a club follow if a golfer/staff member returns a positive test for Covid-19?
A – Best practice guidance on this subject can be found here
The following links are for details of England Golf’s Recommendations for those areas in High Risk and Very High Risk Categories.
By clicking on the links, you will be able to download copies of those recommendations, which like all the recommendations will be regularly updated as conditions and advice change.
- England Golf Advice for those areas in Tier 2 COVID-19 Restrictions
- England Golf Advice for those areas in Tier 3 COVID-19 Restrictions