England Golf confirms flagsticks can be REMOVED from July 19

England Golf has confirmed a number of changes for golf clubs in the country from Monday July 19, including once again being able to remove flagsticks from a standard cup. 

The updates were made in England Golf's 'Play Safe, Stay Safe - a framework for playing golf' report following Boris Johnson's latest speech to the nation on Monday. 

Johnson outlined plans to formally end just about all of England's remaining Covid-19 restrictions by the end of July. He said the success of the nation's vacinne rollout had put the nation on course to further relax restrictions starting from July 19. 

Golfers will be pleased to learn that from Monday July 19, all clubs in the country will now be able to return to standard cups and players can now pull the pin from the flag when they are on the green.

Bunker rakes will also return to courses, along with ball washers. 

From July 19, golf practice areas can operate at full capacity again without a restriction on the number of users, but clubs are being advised to continue providing hand sanitiser for players to help stop the spread of the virus. 

All pro shops, clubhouses, hospitality areas, changing facilities and other indoor areas will all be permitted to return pre-pandemic operations.

The process of providing access to the golf course, however, will remain at the discretion of individual clubs. 

Competition and scoring for handicap functions, including the registration process, handling and submitting of scorecards, and administration may also revert to pre-pandemic operations.

READ THE FULL BREAKDOWN OF CHANGES FROM ENGLAND GOLF HERE