What restrictions get lifted at golf clubs from Monday May 17?

With more lockdown restrictions being lifted in England on Monday May 17, a number of changes can take place at golf clubs and courses up and down the country. 

Golf was given a green light to return in the third national lockdown on March 29, and that was then followed by the reopening of pro shops and driving ranges on April 12. 

The biggest set of changes for May 17 will involve club fitting, along with the option of indoor catering facilities to reopen but subject to the 'Rule of Six'. 

From June 21, all restrictions will come to an end in the country. 

Check out the latest lift in restrictions for golfers on Monday May 17 below:

STEP THREE - MONDAY MAY 17

Indoor catering facilities may open, subject to the 'Rule of Six'.

Group coaching will be permitted to a maximum group size of 30. 

Indoor swing studios may open for organised group activity.

All club fitting is permitted outside. 

Indoor club fitting is permitted as part of an organised group activity.

England Golf has also issued an update on what can happen when it comes to committee meetings and AGMs.

Their latest report reads as follows: 

"Following the recent change in legislation to allow the meeting of up to six people indoors from 17 May 2021, England Golf and the Golf Club Managers’ Association have reviewed the guidance on staging committee meetings.

"The government guidance makes exemptions to the ‘Rule of Six’ for the purpose of work, charitable or volunteering purposes. It is our understanding that this allows for the hosting of committee meetings, in-person, from 17 May, with more than six people in attendance where at least one of those conditions is met.

"While such meetings may be permitted, clubs must ensure that they are conducted in a risk-assessed COVID-safe environment with social distancing, regular sanitisation and good ventilation in place. The use of face coverings should also be considered.

"The position is more complex when it comes to AGMs. While some attendees will be there for work, charitable or volunteering purposes, members who are not on the committee or employees of the club will not fall within the exemptions. Where more than six attendees do not fall within any of the exemptions clubs will need to consider other options. These options include virtual or hybrid meetings or asking members to appoint proxies to keep the number of attendees within legal limits.

"Whilst there are still restrictions in place, clubs should also understand the purpose and benefit of meeting in-person and strongly consider the option of virtual meetings. Even where a meeting takes place, some members of the committee may feel unable to attend in-person and provision should be made to engage them virtually."

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE FULL LIST OF GUIDELINES AHEAD OF GOLF'S RETURN IN ENGLAND