When will golf courses open in Northern Ireland amid Coronavirus restrictions?

All golf courses here have been closed since the end of December due to Coronavirus restrictions in Northern Ireland.
When will golf courses open in Northern Ireland amid Coronavirus restrictions?When will golf courses open in Northern Ireland amid Coronavirus restrictions?
When will golf courses open in Northern Ireland amid Coronavirus restrictions?

But when will golf courses re-open again for the people of Northern Ireland to enjoy?

Here, we take you through everything you need to know.

What is the situation with Coronavirus restrictions in Northern Ireland?

The Northern Irish lockdown was recently extended until April 1.

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All golf courses have been closed since the end of December, with the Executive introducing stricter rules following a rise in Covid-19 figures in Northern Ireland.

Is there a date for golf courses re-opening in Northern Ireland?

The government in Northern Ireland has yet to announce when golf courses can reopen for business.

So that means that at the time of writing, there isn’t a date for golf courses re-opening in Northern Ireland as restrictions continue to be enforced throughout the country.

Golf is currently permitted in Scotland under strict restrictions, so there is some hope that the Executive may look to emulate this following pressure from Golf Ireland.

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Scottish courses and driving ranges can remain open providing appropriate steps are taken to ensure compliance with the current guidance.

These include prebooking, social distancing and using a track and trace system.

In level 4 areas in Scotlland, all indoor clubhouse and hospitality facilities should remain closed.

What have the authorities said about golf re-opening in Northern Ireland?

Golf Ireland has called on the Northern Ireland Executive to reopen golf courses.

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Indeed, regional manager Kevin Stevens believes courses should reopen as soon as possible.

"We're saying to the Executive that golf should be being played at the moment," Stevens told the BBC.

"We're wanting to see it come back as soon as it's possible and allow people to get out and exercise, it'll help their mental health.

"There are a whole lot of other benefits to playing the sport."

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Stevens also said clubs were feeling the financial strain of having to close during the latest lockdown.

He added: "Even after the sport’s sustainability funding announcement, there will be significant financial difficulties for clubs.

"I am talking about the rural clubs, the ones that are within the various local communities. They need our support at this time to survive."