Welsh golf courses reopen this weekend

Welsh golf courses have finally received the good news they have been waiting for.

It was announced this morning (March 12) that COVID-19 restrictions in Wales would start to ease from tomorrow, with the 'stay at home' messaged replaced with 'stay local'.

Outdoor sports facilities such as golf courses and tennis courts will be able to reopen from March 13, with fourballs and outdoor coaching (both four people from up to two households) allowed.

All facilities such as locker rooms and pro shops will remain closed but may be able to reopen from April 12.

Good news for Welsh golf courses

A statement on Gov.Wales, released this morning, stated: “From tomorrow (Saturday 13 March), four people from two households will be able to meet outdoors to socialise, including in gardens.

“In addition, outdoor sports facilities, including basketball courts, tennis courts and golf courses, can reopen, and indoor care home visits will restart, for single designated visitors."

Meanwhile, First Minister Mark Drakeford clarified that 'stay local' required people to stay within a five-mile radius of home where ever possible.

“The rule of thumb is that you should think of local as a five-mile radius from where you live but if you live in a valleys community or a rural area you can exercise your judgement and go a little bit further,” he said.

Wales Golf confirm restrictions

A statement from Wales Golf this afternoon then confirmed further details.

"Wales Golf is encouraging clubs to re-start reciprocal arrangements where appropriate, with members being able to play at other clubs close to their homes while the ‘stay local’ rule is in place. We are awaiting further guidance on travel restrictions for individuals with a registered disability," it read.

"Golf will be able to be played with a maximum of four people from two households (Children under 11 and carers do not count towards this limit.). No society golf bookings should take place until further notice.

"Currently, clubhouse facilities, locker rooms and professional shops must remain closed. However, toilets and washrooms are permitted. Therefore, controlled access to toilets will be required. Clubs must ensure toilets are regularly cleaned and well managed to minimise the risk of the transmission of the virus.

"Subject to confirmation at a later review, all shops, including close contact services, may be able to re-open on the 12^th of April.  Click and collect services can still operate but collections must take place from a shop entrance or side entrance and not from inside a shop.

"Outdoor coaching can resume with up to four people from two households, inclusive of the coach (Children under 11 and carers do not count towards this limit). Organised children’s activities outdoors may be able to restart from 27^th March.

Outdoor driving ranges may be able to re-open. However, facilities must check with their Local Authority prior to opening. All Facilities must conduct full risk assessments."

Restrictions easing in Wales

The First Minister also revealed that coronavirus cases in Wales were now at their lowest since September 2020.

This marks the first time Welsh golf courses have been able to reopen since before Christmas and the stay local rule may be relaxed on March 27 depending on coronavirus infection rates.

This follows the news that fourballs will be allowed in Scotland from Friday March 12.

Meanwhile, golf courses in England still can't reopen until March 29.

You can read the updated guidance from the Welsh Government here.

And from Wales Golf here.