Tuesday’s joint statement referred to some outstanding questions on professional shops, driving ranges, and coaching. Today we are able to provide updates on two of these.
Yesterday evening (13 May), the UK Government clarified the COVID-19 restrictions regarding golf coaching and retail in England.
Coaching
The UK Government has confirmed that one to one coaching is permissible under strict infection control measures, observing social distancing and must take place outside. In order to comply with this regulation, you should enforce strict hygiene measures and it is recommended that PGA professionals complete a comprehensive risk assessment and refer to the coaching guidelines on the PGA COVID-19 resource hub.
Retail
The UK Government has released updated documentation, which includes a section titled ‘Businesses and Venues’. It stipulates that,
“All retail, other than those exempt, must close their premises to members of the public. However, staff may be present to make deliveries or provide services in response to orders such as those through telephone, online, or mail”.
As the list of exemptions does not currently include golf retail, these premises must remain closed, except for Click and Collect services.
Essential access to a building such as a professional shop for clubs which operate a booking system to regulate tee times and take payment, is permissible provided appropriate social distancing precautionary measures are put in place.
Full details of the Guidance for providers of outdoor facilities on the phased return of sport and recreation can be found here
Further Clarification
We continue to pursue clarification of the COVID-19 restrictions with regards to driving ranges and custom-fitting across the UK. We will update you as further clarifications become available. In the meantime, our advice remains unchanged: where there is any room for doubt the safest option should be pursued.
The following organisations have come together to provide direction for golf in the UK during the COVID-19 crisis:
The Belfry; the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association; the British Golf Industry Association; England Golf; the Golf Club Managers’ Association; Golf Ireland; the Golfing Union of Ireland; the Irish Ladies’ Golf Union; IMG; The Professional Golfers’ Association; PING; The R&A; Scottish Golf; Syngenta; the UK Golf Federation; Wales Golf.
