Golf club boss furious with new coronavirus rulings

A golf club manager in Scotland is fuming with a new coronavirus ruling set by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

In an interview with The Scotsman, Gullane Golf Club's managing secretary Gordon Simpson has criticised the government's decision to close clubhouses in the Lothians, Glasgow, Ayrshire and Arran and the Forth Valley as a result of the increase in COVID-19 cases. 

It comes as a huge blow to Gullane Golf Club in particular given the venue has two clubhouses - one for members and another for visitors - which must now close down for a period of two weeks under new coronavirus rules in the country. 

"The announcement has had a huge impact on our business," Mr Simpson told The Scotsman. 

"It is not only the food and beverage that we are losing out on, it is the golf as well due to people cancelling packages as the restrictions in hospitality are just so severe.

"As a club, we have spent thousands complying with all of the government guidance with regards to PPE, changes in layouts, screens for bars and so on.

"Just as we were getting our business growing once again, she has pulled the rug from beneath us.

"Whilst the first minister announced that she has made £40 million available to help cover costs, that won’t go far given the amount of businesses around the country affected by the latest changes, it is simply not good enough."

Elsewhere in Scotland, clubhouses are allowed to remain open from 6am to 6pm, however they cannot serve alcohol during that time but it can be served outdoors until 10pm.

"Scottish Golf has been in ongoing dialogue with our partners at sportscotland and the Scottish Government to seek further clarity on the licensing of premises and how this might impact our affiliated clubs," read a Scottish Golf statement on October 13. 

"We have today received confirmation that individual premises will need to act in accordance with the current guidance in place based on their existing license. As the type of license can vary from club to club, we would encourage all clubs to make contact with their local authority and environmental health team who will be able to further advise on the type of license your clubhouse has."

Elsewhere in the UK, golfers can consume food and drink while seated in a clubhouse until 10pm. Golfers must also continue to wear face coverings while in the clubhouse.