Wales Golf chief URGES government to re-open golf courses immediately
Wales Golf CEO Richard Dixon has asked the Welsh First Minister to re-open golf courses in the country after they were shutdown under tier 4 restrictions.
The Welsh Government's recent decision to force all golf clubs in the country to close received serious backlash from the public and now Wales Golf CEO Richard Dixon has urged them to re-open courses as soon as possible.
Golf courses in England have been allowed to stay open under the new tier 4 restrictions and Dixon has asked the Welsh First Minister to consider doing the same for Wales, in order to limit damage to golf clubs and help members of the public stay active.
RELATED: Golf courses in Wales forced to SHUT DOWN due to latest Covid restrictions
“In light of the clear benefits that golf offers to approximately 100,000 players across Wales, and the damage to golf clubs across the country that will be caused by a further period of closure, it appears counter-productive to require that golf courses close under the recently introduced Welsh Government level 4 restrictions,” Dixon said.
“It is notable that both the UK and Scottish governments, recognising the benefits described above, will allow golf courses to remain open under their own tier 4 restrictions.
“We understand and fully support the decision to allow people to exercise in large outdoor spaces such as parks.
“It is difficult, though, to understand the rationale for preventing people from playing the sport of golf through which participants also gain the benefits of exercise in large outdoor areas, with risks further reduced through the detailed Covid protocols which are already in place.
“In summary, golf is an outdoor sport and has established Covid secure practices in place.
“As such it is ideally placed to be played safely under lockdown restrictions to the benefit of thousands of people across the country.
“Wales Golf and the clubs that it represents are more than willing to continue to work with you to facilitate the re-opening of golf courses at the earliest possible opportunity.
“We hope that you will give this matter your urgent consideration.”
