Covid-19 restrictions end on England’s golf courses

By Rob Jerram, Digital Editor. Tour golf nerd. World No.1 at three-putting.

Last updated: 19 July 2021

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Make sure you warm up properly at the driving range before your first round of golf after lockdown.

Follow the rules when you return to golf to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

England's golf courses will reopen on March 29th.

Make sure you've got a new golf glove for when golf returns in England.

Enjoy your first round of golf back and lower your expectations.

Follow social distancing rules when you return to golf after the coronavirus lockdown.

Check your golf shoes and replace any old spikes before your first round.

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Make sure your electric golf trolley has plenty of charge.

Golfers will be allowed to remove the flag again.

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Golfers can remove flags and use rakes again as England Golf updates Covid-19 guidance amid relaxation of restrictions.

Golf clubs can remove “any restrictions around on course items” now following the latest coronavirus guidance from the governing body.

England Golf’s amended ‘Play Safe, Stay Safe’ rules came into force after Prime Minister Boris Johnson lifted the remaining coronavirus lockdown regulations in the country.

Standard holes, ball washers and shoe cleaners are allowed again along with the return of rakes and flag removal.

However, England Golf are recommending that all clubs continue to provide hand sanitiser stations throughout their courses and practice facilities.

Competitions and scoring can return to how they were pre-pandemic.

“Coronavirus-related changes to the rules of golf and all handicapping provisions that enabled the game to be played competitively during the period in which restrictions have been set are to be removed,” England Golf said in the three-page document.

It also advises clubs to consider “keeping a form of tee booking or player registration system in place”.

Pro shops, clubhouses, hospitality areas, changing facilities and other indoor areas can return to pre-Covid normality, while, on course, the removal of rules around social distancing and numbers will mean “there are no restrictions on the golf course with regards to course furniture, sharing equipment, touching golf balls or the size of groups, beyond those set by the club”.

The wearing of masks will also become personal choice, with the Government simply recommending that people use sense and consider wearing them in crowded spaces.

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The timeline of golf’s full return from Covid-19 in England

March 29

Golf courses reopened with pre-booked fourball play permitted. Takeaway food and drink only. Outdoor practice facilities can reopened and coaching sessions resumed on a one-to-one basis or in groups of up to six with appropriate measures in place.

April 12
Golf clubhouses and hospitality venues were allowed to reopen, serving food and beverages outside under the rule of six. Outdoor social areas were able to be used again and pro shops reopened their doors.

Locker rooms and changing facilities became available while self-catering breaks were also permitted with your own household, meaning some golf breaks were allowed. Indoor coaching facilities also reopened to individual users for one-to-one sessions.

May 17
Golf hotels and resorts reopened with golf clubhouses and restaurants allowed to welcome you back inside for food and drinks.

Six people from a maximum of two households allowed to dine and drink together. Indoor coaching extended to six people while the number of people allowed to gather outdoors will increase to 30.

July 19
All remaining facilities reopened with no limits on numbers or social distancing. Course rakes, divot boxes, ball washers and shoe cleaners allowed again along with the removal of flagsticks and the exchange of scorecards. Wearing masks indoors is now personal choice.

About the author

Rob Jerram

Digital Editor. Tour golf nerd. World No.1 at three-putting.

Rob Jerram is the Digital Editor of todays-golfer.com and has been a journalist for more than a quarter of a century, joining TG in 2010. He specializes in the DP World Tour, PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and the Ryder Cup, and has traveled the world watching the biggest tournaments and interviewing the game's biggest stars. Rob is also passionate about equipment and is a font of knowledge when it comes to golf balls, golf trolleys, and golf shoes, having tested thousands over the years. Despite being father to three daughters, he still manages to find time to maintain a 10-handicap, playing regularly at Greetham Valley GC, Spalding GC, and Thorpe Wood, all in the east of England. The best piece of golf equipment he's ever owned is the TaylorMade SLDR driver, his favourite player is Tommy Fleetwood, and the best course he's played is Turnberry's Ailsa. You can get in touch with Rob by emailing rob.jerram@bauermedia.co.uk

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Raking bunkers will be allowed once again as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
Boris Johnson tries his hand at golf.
England's golf courses are set to reopen on March 29th.
Golf clubs with dirty grooves don't perform as well.
Make sure you warm up properly at the driving range before your first round of golf after lockdown.
England's golf courses are set to reopen on March 29th.
Follow the rules when you return to golf to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
England's golf courses will reopen on March 29th.
Make sure you've got a new golf glove for when golf returns in England.
Enjoy your first round of golf back and lower your expectations.
Follow social distancing rules when you return to golf after the coronavirus lockdown.
Check your golf shoes and replace any old spikes before your first round.
Warm-up properly for your first round of golf after the Coronavirus lockdown.
You can't play like Rory McIlroy, but you could eat like him.
The steps out of lockdown in England.
The steps out of lockdown in England.
The steps out of lockdown in England.
The steps out of lockdown in England.
Me And My Golf's Andy Proudman and Piers Ward share their best-ever golf tips.
Make sure you book your tee times to save disappointment when golf returns from lockdown.
Golf's return to play protocols when England's courses reopen after lockdown.
Make sure your electric golf trolley has plenty of charge.
Golfers will be allowed to remove the flag again.
Could we see crowds return at The Open Championship?
Get to grips with you new golf handicap.