Farewell winter leagues. Farewell long walks on a Sunday morning, forever chasing that little white ball that gets the better of us so very often.
The subject of much conflicting information following Monday’s Level 5 announcements, it has taken until now to get clarification on whether you can play.
Clubs had closed during the first lockdown before being subject to limits on groupings to two, then three, then four-balls as the sport resumed a sense of normality.
Earlier this week we heard clubs could remain open, subject to social distancing requirements before Green Party leader Eamon Ryan suggested they would close.
Now, the Golfing Union of Ireland have confirmed that is the case.
GUI Statement
“Following intensive engagement over the past 48 hours, GUI and Irish Ladies Golf have been informed this afternoon by Sport Ireland that, very regrettably golf clubs must close under the new level 5 restrictions.”
“Essential course maintenance is permitted to continue under level 5. We have sought clarity on the issue as to whether ranges/practice facilities can remain open for exempted activities. We will update clubs on this as soon as possible.”
With the new World Handicap System due to come in to play at the beginning of November, it will now be December 1 before golf clubs can reopen.
For those who prefer to avoid December/January, it may mean no golf until next spring.
