Further changes to golf in Wales following the Welsh Government Announcements
Further changes to golf in Wales following the Welsh Government Announcements
19th June 2020
Following the First Ministers Announcement today, 19th June, Wales Golf and The PGA would like to clarify the outstanding points for Welsh Golf Clubs and PGA professionals;
Local Travel
There is no change to the ‘local travel’ restrictions in Wales. It is highly likely that if progress continues, local travel restrictions are likely to be lifted on the 6th of July. We would like to re-enforce that for the next 2 weeks travel must be ‘local’ under the current government guidance Click here.
Who I can play golf with and how many-
There is no change to how many people you can play golf with and from the number of households.
Click here for latest Welsh Government advice around meeting different households.
Click here for the Wales Golf guidelines on this and the relevant combinations.
Coaching, Retail, Club Fitting and Driving Ranges
Coaching
There is no change in the number of people or households that PGA professional can coach. PGA Professionals are reminded that coaching sessions should be outdoors and conducted with strict hygiene levels and social distancing requirements. Click here for the current Wales Golf guidelines.
Retail
As of Monday 22nd June, Professional Shops in Wales can re-open for retail purposes. Please ensure all shops are adhering to the social distancing and Welsh Government Guidelines.
Club Fitting
Club fitting can commence. However when considering whether to custom fit golf clubs at your facility, the following points need to be followed:
- Carry out a comprehensive risk assessment considering current Welsh Government advice.
- All club fitting should take place outdoors and social distancing must be adhered to.
- Consideration needs to be given to the strict hygiene measures relating to the sharing of equipment.
Driving ranges
The First Minister also announced the re-opening of outdoor sports facilities from Monday 22nd of June as long as social distancing can be maintained. Driving ranges have been constructed in a variety of different ways, with varying features of indoor and outdoor facilities, making it impossible to provide a blanket response as to whether they can or cannot open.
Driving ranges contain several hard surfaces and remain a high-risk area for the spread of COVID-19. However, outdoor driving ranges are able to open if they can operate outdoors – E.g., on a grass area, with outdoor access points, and not under-cover.
If your facility is under cover or sheltered, you should get in touch with your local Environmental Health and Trading Standards office who will be able to provide further advice whether you can open.
Facilities must conduct a full risk assessment.
Further Clarification
Wales Golf and The PGA will be sure to update you as further clarification comes available. In the meantime, our advice remains unchanged: where there is any room for doubt the safest option should be pursued.
Please click here for further Welsh Government information regarding changes in Wales from Monday 22nd June.