Tier 4 restrictions have been put place in London and across the South East, but England Golf has confirmed that golf CAN continue.

Many of us have woken up today in Tier 4, but the good news is that golf CAN continue in these areas.

In Tier 4 golf can continue in the following formats:

  • Individual play
  • Two-balls from same or different households/bubbles
  • Three or fourballs involving people from the same household/bubble

However, if you live in Tier 1,2 or 3 then you must not travel to Tier 4 to play golf. Equally, if your golf club is in Tier 4 and you live in a different Tier, then you must not travel there to play.

Pro shops and restaurants will close, with coaching only permitted outside and as one-on-one or for members of the same household/bubble.

But importantly, exceptions can be made for under 18s and disability groups, where larger groups can mix.

The restrictions, brought in from today (December 20), will be reviewed after two weeks.

You can check which Tier you are in HERE.

England Golf's Tier 4 rules

A statement from England Golf read:

"The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf is happy to confirm that golf courses will be able to remain open when the new Tier 4 restrictions become effective in parts of England from 06:00 GMT on Sunday 20th December.

"In Tier 4 areas, golf courses can remain open for individuals playing with members of their own household or support bubble, or with one person from another household.

"As usual, social distancing is to be observed and all necessary steps are to be taken to ensure a COVID-19 secure environment.

"Under Tier 4 restrictions, non-essential retail – including Pro Shops and golf retailers – must close. Click and Collect will, however, be permitted.

"Outdoor coaching will be allowed on an individual basis or for multiple members of the same household or support bubble. Indoor coaching will be not be permitted.

"There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes, and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing.

"Custom fitting can take place outside on a one-to-one basis but is not permitted indoors.

"Some golf ranges can be classified as indoor settings, but it would be for each facility to read and interpret the guidelines against their own venue – it is suggested that if confirmation is required they contact their local authority who will be best placed to advise.

"Unless it’s essential for work or other reasons, Tier 4 areas must not be left by occupants or entered by anybody from a Tier 1, 2 or 3 area. Full details of Tier 4 guidance can be found on the government’s website."

You can read the full statement from England Golf HERE.

Sports restrictions

Meanwhile, talking about sports facilities in Tier 4 the official Gov.uk website states: "Outdoor sports courts, outdoor gyms, golf courses, outdoor swimming pools, archery/driving/shooting ranges, riding centres and playgrounds can remain open for individual exercise, and for people to use with others within your household, support bubble, or with one person from another household. Organised outdoor sport for under 18s and disabled people will be allowed."

Wales

Sadly, under the new nationwide Tier 4 restrictions for Wales, all golf courses in the country were asked to close from midnight last night (December 19).

As far as a reopening date, Golf Wales said they will "provide an update to clubs when further information becomes available".

Wales Golf CEO, Richard Dixon, released a statement saying: "I would like to thank all our Welsh Clubs for the excellent work you have been doing in helping to keep our sport, golfers and communities safe. By continuing this effort, we will put golf in a strong position to return as soon as it is safe to do so.

"We are disappointed that Golf clubs face closure during tier 4 restrictions (equivalent to a lockdown/ firebreak). However, we will continue to work hard behind the scenes and have today issued the following statement clarifying Wales Golf’s position:-

"Wales Golf feels there is a strong case for golf courses to remain open alongside public parks and playgrounds under Tier 4 restrictions and continues to work with the Welsh Government to make this point."

You can read the full statement from Wales Golf HERE.

Scotland

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that mainland Scotland will move into Level 4 restrictions from Boxing Day for three weeks.

Scottish Golf and PGA guidance rules for Level 4 golf activity states clubs who have a Covid officer and applicable risk assessments can have groups of up to four golfers with no restrictions on the number of households.

For those who don’t, groups of up to four golfers are allowed with two households represented. All tee times must be booked in advance.

Golfers are told to avoid any unnecessary travel into or out of a Level 4 area and to keep journeys within the area to “an absolute minimum”.

You can read all the updates from Scottish Golf HERE.

Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland

Unfortunately, golf courses must close in Northern Ireland on midnight on Boxing Day (00:01, Saturday, December 26).

The closure is scheduled for six weeks but there will be a review after four weeks.

However, in the Republic of Ireland golf courses can remain open despite the country entering Level 5 restrictions from December 24 until January 12.

You can view the adjusted level 5 restrictions in Ireland HERE.