Golf courses in Northern Ireland should be allowed to open by May 18 at latest

The Northern Ireland Executive and the Department for Communities should allow for the reopening of golf courses within the week.
By Matthew Robinson
Published 14th May 2020, 20:43 BST
Updated 15th May 2020, 00:42 BST
Common sense should be immediately deployed, allowing golfers to enjoy a round while social distancingCommon sense should be immediately deployed, allowing golfers to enjoy a round while social distancing
Common sense should be immediately deployed, allowing golfers to enjoy a round while social distancing

Both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar have outlined clear roadmaps permitting golf courses in England and the Republic of Ireland to re-open from the May 13 and May 18 respectively, this while golfers in our province have been left completely in the dark by the traditional Stormont political-class in the Northern Ireland executive.

The Ulster branch of the Golfing Union of Ireland has expressed its desire for golf to return in Northern Ireland on the same day as the Republic, and the R&A has provided documents giving useful guidance on operations and the resumption of play for golf clubs in the UK throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

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With this in mind, the Communities Minister Hargey should without delay give clear direction permitting the re-opening of golf courses in Northern Ireland by May 18 at the latest, with appropriate social-distancing provisions and restrictions.

Golf is an interwoven part of our local culture and sporting DNA.

Common-sense thinking should be immediately deployed, allowing our many thousands of golfers to once again enjoy a round at our stunning links and beautiful parkland courses.

This is not just a question of economic necessity for golf clubs in NI, but it’s of vital importance for those in our society who cherish the physical and mental benefit that a round of golf in the fresh air provides.”

Matthew Robinson, NI Conservative, North Down

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Related topics:Northern IrelandGolfBoris JohnsonNorthern Ireland ExecutiveDepartment for CommunitiesEnglandRepublic of Ireland