Tayside and Fife golf courses say they are ready to reopen this week
Golf courses across Tayside and Fife are driving forward with plans to reopen on Friday after almost 10 weeks of closure.
by Jake KeithUnder the Scottish Government road map set out by Nicola Sturgeon last week, golf is one of a small number of sports being permitted to resume as part of the loosening of strict lockdown restrictions that have been in place since March.
Allan Bange, manager at Ballumbie Golf Course, said the club had been inundated with calls from golfers desperate for some news.
He said: “Even before this recent announcement, we’ve been getting calls on a daily basis asking when we are opening.
“The golf course is looking absolutely superb so our members know their money has been put to good use. We are very thankful to all those who have continued to pay. We would be in real trouble if they had decided to cancel.
“It could be a further few weeks before we can play competitions and we don’t know exactly how everything will work yet in terms of numbers and social distancing. We’re hoping to find out early this week.”
Keith Ridley, club captain at Cupar Golf Club in Fife, said: “We are privileged to be one of the first sports to take those first steps out of lockdown and the move will certainly boost the morale of our members and visitors.
“Obviously we will be following the strict guidelines set out by Scottish Golf regarding social distancing and the news that the club will be allowed to provide drinks and food outside by the time we reach phase two of easing of restrictions is also welcome news for financially.
“The club will continue to follow the advice of the golf authorities and the Scottish Government as we move toward whatever the new normal might be in the future.”
Jason Boyd, head professional at Montrose Links, said final approval on Thursday is all that is needed to get golfers back on the greens.
He said: “Nothing is set in stone of course but we are planning for Friday. Everything is in place.
“My phone has been ringing non-stop with people trying to book since the government set out its route out of lockdown.
“We have been following all guidance on essential work and the course has been maintained and is ready.”
David Angus, captain at the King George VI club on Moncrieffe Island, Perth said the community support during lockdown had been great, saying: “People have been putting money in, for example donations of £20 here or £50 there. It’s been a real community effort.”
Meanwhile, Dundee’s only municipal course at Caird Park will only be open to members initially.
The city’s other council-run facility, Camperdown Golf Course, shut permanently in the middle of lockdown.
The decision made by elected councillors had been the subject of much criticism and calls for a U-turn.
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