England Golf "Extremely Disappointed" After Courses Forced To Close
The governing body said it made a strong case for golf to continue during lockdown and is extremely disappointed with the result


The governing body said it made a strong case for golf to continue during lockdown and is extremely disappointed with the result
England Golf "Extremely Disappointed" After Courses Forced To Close
England Golf says it is "extremely disappointed" after courses and facilities were forced to close due to the six week lockdown.
Courses and driving ranges are now shut and coaching has also been cancelled.
Shops can only operate if they offer delivery or click and collect off-premises.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the toughest Covid-19 measures since March with the public told categorically to stay at home.
It means that Scotland, which is also in lockdown, is now the only part of the UK where golf is allowed to be played.
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The country's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday announced the lockdown measures with Scottish Golf confirming that play would be allowed for two balls.
Golf courses remain closed in Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
"England Golf – as part of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf along with other leading industry bodies – is extremely disappointed with the news, having made a strong case in recent months to keep golf open during the national lockdowns and in the regional tier system," a statement read on behalf of the golf industry.
"It is with great regret that we share this news with you, but please be assured that we will continue to make the case for golf to reopen whenever possible."
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf chairman Craig Tracey said he had been working to try and keep courses open but the government's view was to restrict travel and time away from home.
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Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news team as well as our large Facebook, X and Instagram pages. He covered the 2022 and 2025 Masters from Augusta National and was there by the 18th green to watch Rory McIlroy complete the career grand slam. He has also covered five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. His first Open was in 2017 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked inside the ropes with Jordan Spieth during the Texan's memorable Claret Jug triumph. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Western Gailes, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays off of a six handicap. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!
Elliott is currently playing:
Driver: Titleist TSR4
3 wood: Titleist TSi2
Hybrids: Titleist 816 H1
Irons: Mizuno MP5 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore 50, 54, 58
Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5