Scottish golfers could be given the green light to tee up again as early as the end of next week.
Scottish Golf have revealed they aim to give courses the go ahead to allow play by Friday May 29 – if Nicola Sturgeon rubber stamps the move 24 hours earlier.
On Thursday, the First Minister announced her road map to begin easing the nation out of coronavirus lockdown on May 28, with golf, tennis and bowls among the first sports to be cleared to resume.
Golf chiefs have issued strict guideline for players to maintain social distancing and play could be limited to local clubs as the government will continue to advise against lengthy journeys.
Scottish Golf said: “Following the announcement from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish Golf is pleased to confirm that golf clubs in Scotland can begin to prepare for a return to golf on May 29 at the earliest, subject to final confirmation by the First Minister by way of an update currently planned for 28 May.
“Scottish Golf has worked with Scottish Government, Active Scotland, sportscotland, Health Protection Scotland, The PGA and key industry partners at every opportunity to produce a clear guide for all golf clubs and golfers in Scotland.
“It should be noted that a final decision will be made by the First Minister on 28 May and if any changes to the current procedures are required to align with updates provided by Scottish Government then these will be shared with you as soon as they are known to ensure re-opening plans can be updated or adjusted accordingly.”
Sports such as tennis and bowls are also part of the phase one return – although with strict guidelines.
Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland chief executive: “We welcome the announcement today from the First Minister, which signals a potential return to tennis in Scotland in the days following Thursday May 28.
“We have been developing guidelines with the support of the LTA and sportscotland, which will set out consistent guidance to allow clubs and players to prepare for getting back on court safely.
“That guidance will now be updated for Scotland specifically, following the full publication of the Scottish Government’s revised conditions for sport and exercise. Updated guidelines for tennis will be published tomorrow.
“We are all looking forward to getting back to tennis as soon as it is safe to do so.”
