Golf "can and should return quickly" despite UK lockdown
The strongest sign yet that UK golf courses are to reopen despite coronavirus pandemic...
The chairman of the 'UK Parliament's All-Party Group for Golf' Craig Tracey has revealed "golf can and should return quickly" across Britain despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The North Warwickshire MP's comments come just days after Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden claimed the government was "gathering the necessary information" in order to let golf courses reopen in the United Kingdom.
Tracey has reportedly been chairing virtual meetings with the R&A, the PGA, The Belfry, the UK Golf Federation and the British Golf Association, and will this week speak with the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA).
"The initial challenges with lockdown meant golf had to close in Britain, but the nature of the game means it can, and should, return quickly provided there are steps taken by all involved to maintain social distancing and to meet any other government instruction," said Tracey.
"There are so many elements and stakeholders in the golf sector that there is no single body that can or should dictate to others.
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"However, all recognise the symbiotic relationship between the different elements and that any failing in one area could cause significant reputational damage.
"I would like to say well done to all the different bodies involved. What they are doing now will make a huge difference and has the potential to make golf all the stronger if this co-operative way of working can be continued."
Tracey is the chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf, which comprises MPs and peers from any political party and exists to support the sport of golf during the coronavirus lockdown.
"I have been hugely impressed by the response of the different leading golf stakeholders in coming together and working to secure a coherent response to COVID-19," added Tracey.
"Members of Parliament know how valuable golf is to the UK as it has a huge economic impact, employs large numbers across the UK and has significant positive influence on people’s health."
