Golf to reopen in England with two balls by late March

We previously reported that golf courses in England will reopen by the end of March, and now we have some more details about what the return might look like.

Ahead of the Prime Minister revealing his roadmap out of lockdown on February 22, The Sunday Times has reported that golf will be able to resume in two-ball formats only before the end of next month.

Reopening with two balls only

These two balls will allegedly be able to be from two different households too, not just with those you live with or anyone in your bubble.

Tennis is also reported to be able to resume at the same time as golf.

"A second easing of social distancing rules is expected at the end of next month with the resumption of outdoor sports — such as golf and tennis — for two people from different households," reads the article. 

The two-ball only rule means that the whole country be will be playing under the same guidance as the Tier 4 restrictions, enforced in certain areas before the January lockdown.

"Cautious but irreversible"

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also made it clear that the easily of social-distancing measures will be nationwide, and that they will be "cautious but irreversible."

Golf courses are rumoured to be one of the first areas to open up after schools go back on March 8.

"All schoolchildren will return to the classroom on March 8 under plans to start lifting the lockdown, Boris Johnson will announce in a national address next week," the report continued.

"Under the government’s blueprint to reopen society, adults will initially have only small new freedoms so as to prioritise the return of schools — a move ministers know will raise the coronavirus R number for infections.

"Adults will be allowed to sit down outdoors for a coffee or on a park bench with one friend, or with members of their own family — a slight relaxation of the current rule, which permits outdoor meetings only while standing up."

Different to 2020

The series of national tiers are reported to be different to last year. Meaning that, although fourballs were permitted in some areas of the country in summer 2020, there's no guarantee that the same will happen this year.

Meanwhile, clubhouse facilities such as pro shops and restaurants may not be able to open until as late as August.

"Ministers have drawn a four-speed plan for restarting the economy, with all shops, pubs and restaurants open anywhere between early May and August," detailed the report.

The national tiers will be reviewed every two weeks after February 22.