The rules on playing golf in Wales just changed significantly for thousands of golfers

In light of the Welsh Government's new lockdown restrictions, the rules on who you can play golf with have changed

Golfers in Wales will be able to play alongside someone from another household from Monday after the Welsh Government today announced the easing of its lockdown restrictions.

The sport was relatively quick to get back up and running in this country, but had to adhere to a lengthy list of healthy safety measures to ensure its return was carried out as safely as possible.

While the majority of those rules remain in place, the big change is that golfers no longer have to play with members from only within their own household.

That means the configuration of how groups go out to play can be determined by those playing, so long as there is no more than two households in the same cohort.

For example, a fourball can be played with two players from one household and two players from another. Similarly, one person from one household can join a threeball from another household - as long as they adhere to social distancing measures at all times and practice good hand hygiene.

Importantly, travel restrictions remain in place, with the latest guidelines now specifying that people in Wales can travel within only a five-mile radius to exercise, meaning your golf club must be within that distance. Mr Drakeford did, however, stipulate that the five-mile radius was only a guideline and in more rural areas of Wales it may differ.

"If your preferred form of exercise or leisure is one that can only be undertaken in specific locations, this still needs to be carried out locally," a Welsh Government statement read.

"Examples of this might include golf, angling or watersports. If there is a place where you can do these within your local area, then you are free to do so, but it would not be permissible to drive outside your local area for these purposes."

"That said, it is important not to risk spreading the virus by breaking that exercise and stopping or congregating with others outside your local area.

"Crowded places should be avoided, and social distancing should be maintained. The rules on gathering with others also mean that while you can now exercise with people from one other household, group activities are still not allowed."

Wales Golf has encouraged clubs and members to stick within the new rules of play announced by the Welsh Government.

They have also called on all golfers to stick within the Welsh Government travel guidelines, which require local travel only.

Coaching is now permissible under strict infection control measures, observing two metre physical distancing while coaching must take place outside.

Sessions must be either one coach to one household individual or one coach with a household group.

AROUND THE COURSE

A number of alterations will be made around the course as per the guidance from the R&A:

• All rakes and ball-retrievers to be removed.
• Ball washers and drinking fountains to be covered up.
• Benches and bins to be removed, covered or sign-posted in such a way that players don’t touch them.
• All other removable items to be removed, except that stakes defining areas of the course can be treated as immovable obstructions.

Flagsticks will remain in place but golfers will be advised not to touch or remove them from the hole.

The hole will be lined to ensure that the ball does not fall below the level of the green, making it easy to retrieve without touching anything part of the hole or flag.

BOOKING A ROUND

Playing groups can be configured however the players like, so long as there are members from a maximum of two households.

For example, a fourball can be played with two players from one household and two players from another. Similarly, one person from one household can join a threeball from another household.

Social distancing must be maintained at all times, however.

There will be a minimum of 10-minute intervals between tee times, while trolleys or carts will not be made available for hire "unless safe sanitising practices can be guaranteed".

ARRIVING AT THE COURSE

Locker-room facilities are to remain closed, with clubs to issue guidance on what is required from golfers when they arrive at the club. For example, they may be asked to stay in their cars until a certain time before their tee time.

Social distancing procedures are to be in place around the Pro Shop and the first tee.

DURING THE ROUND

Guidance for during the round is to essentially be conscious that you are keeping a two-metre gap with your playing partners at all times.

Golfers are encouraged to be particularly aware of this around tee areas, greens and when searching for a lost ball.

Advice also states not to touch lost balls and, with the removal of rakes, to make an effort to smooth sand in a bunker using your feet or club.

PRACTICE FACILITIES

Driving ranges and other practice facilities will be closed "unless safe sanitising practices can be guaranteed".

“We would like to thank all those golfers, volunteers, club officials and staff who have worked so hard to ensure the return to play has gone smoothly so far,” said Wales Golf chief executive Richard Dixon.

“The Welsh Government rules have been loosened slightly to allow players from two households to play together, but all the R&A protocols of play and Welsh Government guidance still apply.

“We would urge golfers to check if they can play within the Welsh Government travel guidelines, to abide by the new rules when they come into practice on Monday and maintain a safe approach.”