The United States of America broke the record of daily recorded COVID-19 cases last Thursday, tallying up an unbelievable 150,000 new cases.
That same day, the 2020 Masters teed off.
The battle for the green jacket is now over, with Dustin Johnson being crowned the winner of The Masters on Sunday evening, however the battle with coronavirus is far from over in the US. The Augusta National Golf Course lies in Georgia bordering South Carolina, two states that have struggled with coronavirus.
Asking the Question
We have seen professionals continue to play throughout these tough times, so why can’t amateurs do the same? With another lockdown in place over the UK, the Government need to prepare better and allow the public to go out with some form of physical exercise and movement. What better place than a golf course?
Golf is already a social distancing sport. There is no physical contact, which lowers the risk of transmission and wide open terrains easily allow people to keep their distance. With a few adjustments, such as everyone playing must use their own clubs and not allowing the flagstick to be removed, the risk of coming in contact with the virus becomes extremely low.
Case and Point
With proper sanitisation, clubs, carts and buggies could be hired to accommodate customers who don’t own them. Opening up golf courses will renew community interest, thus broadening spectators and participants.
Allowing the public to access golf courses will help local venues such as Ilford golf course,which had to shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. Being able to open back up to the public could boost smaller businesses relying on golfing opportunities.
APPGG Views
After lobbying to keep golf courses open from England Golf and All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf failed, England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson expressed his disappointment: “With the Prime Minister actively encouraging family households and up to two individuals from different households to exercise in the open air without limit, we strongly believe that golf courses should have remained open as an extension to recreation.”
APPGG’s Chairman, Craig Tracey said: “Unfortunately, unlike the lockdown earlier this year, the Government has decided to take a different approach despite golf having demonstrated it can meet the necessary requirements.”
