Raab Says It Will Be Difficult For Amateur Sports To Return This Summer
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says it will be difficult for amateur sport to return this summer.
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to Golf Monthly Newsletter Newsletter

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says it will be difficult for amateur sport to return this summer.
Raab Says It Will Be Difficult For Amateur Sports To Return This Summer
The Coronavirus lockdown in the United Kingdom has seen all sport at all levels suspended with no concrete restart date in sight.
On BBC One's Andrew Marr show, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab was asked if there was any chance of smaller sporting clubs being able to play sport outside this summer, to which he said it would be;
"Very difficult because of the level and scale of interaction.
"We do want to look when it is safe and responsible at ways to allow more outdoors activities to take place, but again we have to have the evidence that it is a sure-footed step that does not allow coronavirus to get a grip back on the country."
This may seem like doom and gloom however Raab did acknowledge the possibility of professional sport opening up once again;
"I think the professional sport may be different because of the scale of testing that they would be able to introduce."
This announcement comes just after the government announced it had a series of meetings lined up to discuss how to help elite sports resume.
Related: Ireland Hoping To Re-Open Golf In Early May (opens in new tab)
It seems golf does have an advantage over other sports given the ability to play the game whilst social distancing. For example golf in parts of Canada and several other countries has re-opened recently.
In terms of the UK, golf could be one of the first sports to resume given the government said that it is “gathering evidence” on whether golf courses could safely re-open.
If and when golf will re-open here, what form will it take?
Well, prior to the UK lockdown being introduced, clubs were prioritising safety of players and staff by putting into place measures like rakes and ball washers being taken out of action and banning flags being touched. We are likely to see these types of measures remain in place.
Don't forget to follow Golf Monthly on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more news on the Coronavirus.
A golfer for most of his life, Sam is a Senior Staff Writer for Golf Monthly.
Working with golf gear and equipment over the last five years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes.
He also loves to test golf apparel especially if it a piece that can be used just about anywhere!
As a result he has always been the one family and friends come to for buying advice and tips.
He is a graduate of Swansea University where he studied History and American Studies, and he has been a part of the Golf Monthly team since December 2017. He also previously worked for World Soccer and Rugby World magazines.
Sam now spends most of his time testing and looking after golf gear content for the website. He also oversees all Tour player content as well.
Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a handicap of five.
-
-
Why It's Time To Bring Back The World Match Play Championship At Wentworth
There couldn't be a better time to resurrect the much-loved match play event
By Andrew Wright • Published
-
LIV Golf 'Would Dominate' PGA Tour In Ryder Cup Style Match - Phil Mickelson
The six-time Major winner claimed LIV Golf would dominate the PGA Tour "so soundly" if the two organisations had a match
By Elliott Heath • Published
-
Is This FootJoy's Most Exciting New Golf Shoe In Years?
Dan Parker discusses whether the new FootJoy Fuel golf shoe has the potential to be FootJoy's most exciting to date...
By Dan Parker • Last updated
-
Governing Bodies Crack Down On Distance As Driver Shaft Lengths Limited
The R&A and USGA have introduced a new local rule to ensure professionals and elite amateurs do not use 48-inch driver shafts
By Elliott Heath • Published
-
Five-Year-Old Prodigy Raising Money And Awareness For Organ Donation
George is taking on the challenge to raise money and awareness for organ donation
By Andrew Wright • Published
-
Robert MacIntyre Returns To Shinty After Ryder Cup Disappointment
The left-hander has been in action for his local shinty side, Oban Celtic
By Andrew Wright • Published
-
Pro Plays 36 Holes In Under 80 Minutes To Win British Speedgolf Championship
Buckinghamshire professional Luke Willett took the British Speedgolf title
By Fergus Bisset • Last updated
-
"A Real Kick In The Teeth" - Greenkeeper After "Embarrassment" Course Comments
We chat to James Tibbles, head greenkeeper at Andover GC, after he was subject to negative comments on the course's condition
By Elliott Heath • Published
-
Tiger Woods' 2002 Backup Putter Sells For $393,300
Tiger Woods' 2002 Backup Putter Sells For $393,300
By Matt Cradock • Published
-
Olivia Lee Wins 2021 Peter McEvoy Trophy
Olivia Lee has become the first female to win the historic Peter McEvoy Trophy.
By Dan Parker • Published