England Golf ‘Extremely Disappointed’ By Prime Minister’s Announcement
The governing body for amateur golf in England has reacted to Boris Johnson's proposed roadmap out of lockdown and what it means for golf
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The governing body for amateur golf in England has reacted to Boris Johnson's proposed roadmap out of lockdown and what it means for golf
England Golf ‘Extremely Disappointed’ By Prime Minister’s Announcement
England Golf is “extremely disappointed” that courses in England won’t be allowed to reopen until March 29 at the earliest.
The response comes after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed his four-part ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown, with the return of golf included in the first stage.
RELATED: What Condition Will Courses Be In Post-Lockdown?
However, the governing body for male and female amateur golf in England is unhappy with the decision, insisting the evidence shows there is no reason to delay so long.
“England Golf is extremely disappointed that the scientific evidence presented to government detailing how the sport can be played in a Covid-secure manner has not resulted in a return to play date earlier than 29 March,” the statement read.
“We will examine the details of the government’s roadmap before making further comment and working with our community of clubs, counties and golfers to prepare the game’s safe return.”
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf also commented, adding: "A meeting of the APPG with industry bodies is scheduled to take place this Wednesday (24 February) to consider the impact of the statement on the sport in England, and the full details are now being reviewed by the industry bodies, specifically the impact of the different levels on different aspects of golf including playing, coaching, retail, and club fitting, as well the implications for driving ranges and practice facilities."
RELATED: Gym CEO Labels Golf A 'Rich People's' Sport
When golf does return in England, fourballs will be permitted, with people allowed to meet up in groups of six from a maximum of two households.
As for pro shops, they'll be able to open again on April 12, the same date that outdoor catering will be allowed, while golfers will have to wait until stage three to enter clubhouses.
It means Scotland remains the only place in the UK where recreational golf can be played, with those North of the border able head out on the course in pairs.

A lifelong golf fan, Andy graduated in 2019 with a degree in Sports Journalism and got his first role in the industry as the Instruction Editor for National Club Golfer. From there, he went on to enjoy a spell freelancing for Stats Perform producing football reports, and then for RacingNews365 covering Formula 1. However, he couldn't turn down the opportunity to get back into the sport he grew up watching and playing and now covers a mixture of equipment, instruction and news for Golf Monthly's website and print title.
Andy took up the game at the age of seven and even harboured ambitions of a career in the professional ranks for a spell. That didn’t pan out, but he still enjoys his weekend golf at Royal Troon and holds a scratch handicap. As a side note, he's made five holes-in-one and could quite possibly be Retief Goosen’s biggest fan.
As well as the above, some of Andy's work has featured on websites such as goal.com, dailyrecord.co.uk, and theopen.com.
What's in Andy's bag?
Driver: Callaway Mavrik Sub-Zero (9°)
3-wood: TaylorMade M1 (15°)
Driving iron: Titleist U500 (17°)
Irons: Callaway Apex Pro '19 (4-PW)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM9 (50°, 54° and 58°)
Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron Newport 2.5
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
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