A key Covid Adviser for the Scottish Government has said he has 'no idea' why golf hasn't been allowed to reopen in England yet.

A Covid adviser to Nicola Sturgeon has expressed her confusion about why golf and tennis have to wait another five weeks before they can resume in England.

Following the news that golf courses can reopen on March 29, Professor Devi Sridhar, a member of the Scottish Government advisory group and the chair of global public health at Edinburgh University Medical School, has said she has 'no idea' why the Prime Minister has chosen to wait so long before allowing outdoor sports to resume.

Covid transmission minimal in golf

"I have no idea why they [golf and tennis] are not already allowed in England," she said.

"It's great to see full tennis courts and kids in bubbles doing outdoor activities together. We need restrictions where we know transmission occurs more often and less restrictions where it is safer. Tennis and golf aren't contact sports."

Golf has remained open in Scotland throughout the third national lockdown, and the adviser also reiterated that the risk of transmission on a golf course is very low.

"Outdoor transmission is minimal we know, especially with distancing for outside sports," she continued.

England Golf "disappointed"

While it's great for golfers in England to have a date to look forward to, England Golf has said it is "extremely disappointed" that the reopening date for golf courses and driving ranges is not sooner.

A statement from the governing body, issued last night (February 22) read:

"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."

"We will now examine the details of the government’s roadmap before making further comment and working with our community of clubs, counties and golfers to prepare for the game’s safe return."

It also mentioned that the new restrictions for golf in England, such as whether fourballs will be allowed, will be revealed at some point tomorrow.

"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," continued the statement.