Scottish Golf has confirmed that golf courses in Scotland can remain open during the new lockdown.

Scottish golfers will be able to get out and play during the new national lockdown.

The amateur body for golf in Scotland confirmed the news following First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's announcement that the country will go into lockdown from midnight tonight (00:00 5th January).

Golf courses will be able to stay open with play restricted to one and two-balls with people from up to two different households.

Golfers are also asked to stay local and only play at courses close to home.

The lockdown is expected to last until at least the end of the month, with a fresh statement from Scottish Golf stating:

“Golf courses can remain open for play with a maximum of two players from up to two households. Golfers must stay close to home, travel only for essential purposes and in line with the new legislation.”

In an update to golf clubs, Scottish Golf’s chief operating officer Karin Sharp said: “s has been the case throughout the pandemic, we have worked alongside both sportscotland and The Scottish Government to demonstrate that golf is a sport that can be played outdoors with physical distancing and increased safety measures in place. We are pleased that this continues to be recognised and from 00.01 on Tuesday 5th January.

“We are continuing to seek further clarification on a number of the wider aspects for sport from our partners at sportscotland and Scottish Government and as soon as we have sufficient detail with which to work, our more detailed guidance will be updated. We currently envisage being in a position to provide a more in-depth update for all affiliated clubs within the next 24 hours.

"Scottish Golf asks that all golf clubs and golfers adhere to the new guidance with the same spirit and integrity that has been shown throughout the last year to ensure we can all continue to benefit from playing golf through this new period of restrictions.”

With England expected to follow suit and also go into another national lockdown, this latest good news will give fresh hope to English golfers that the game will be able to continue following PM Boris Johnson's announcement at 8pm tonight.

Currently, golf is allowed in England and Scotland, with courses shut in Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.