Turriff Golf Club remain hopeful of late season opening
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Like all clubs in the north-east, Turriff Golf Club hope to continue the season and run competitions later in the year if guidelines and restrictions allow them to do so.
They assure everyone they are still working towards welcoming all to the course again, when the Government guidelines say it is safe to do so, hopefully in the not too distant future.
As lockdown has had a big impact on all golf courses in the north-east, Golf Pro at Turriff, James Calam, said: “The 2020 golf season has certainly not got off to the start we had all expected.
“Covid-19 has unfortunately impacted everybody’s life’s in some way and we as a nation have had to work together and follow the Government guidelines.
He noted: “Monday, March 23 is a day I’ll never forget in my golfing career.
“To be told the golf courses and our professional shops had to close until further notice was a devastating day.
“With only four days to go until the start of our golf season, it was so close but yet so far!
“I, like so many others have stayed at home to stay safe and protect our fantastic NHS.
“Those that know me well, will know that this is unheard of.
“I love my job and I’m lucky enough to get up everyday and see golfers enjoying their game of golf.
“The impact Covid-19 to businesses, big or small is extreme and we are all affected.
“I hope people can get behind local businesses like ours and support them through these trying times once the ‘new normal’ is allowed.
“The support we get from the Golf Club members and visitors is always appreciated and we hope we can all work together so that we can put this part of history behind us.
Commenting on their plans to continue competitions later in the year, a spokesperson for Turriff Golf Club said: "Firstly we want to get members out onto the course to enjoy a game and this will initially be non-competitive but we hope that we can agree a way forward that will allow competitive play to resume soon after the course opens.
“We are very proud of Turriff Golf Course and at this time of year we would normally be busy with the new season in full swing but unfortunately the course and car park are empty and we all know that life is not normal.
“At present our green staff have been hard at work doing the essential maintenance on the course and it is looking amazing and our plan will be to re-open as soon as we can, once we get the go ahead.
“We have a great resource on our doorstep in Turriff and we want as many people as possible to enjoy the course and with both the physical and mental health benefits of playing golf after a difficult period for us all."
While plans are underway at clubs across Scotland, governing body Scottish Golf reiterated that nothing has been finalised regarding a date, or any details of potential phasing with Government.
Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, Joe Fitzpatrick said: "I recognise the importance of golf to many across the country, and the eagerness to return to the course as soon as possible. "However, that can only happen once it is safe to do so – and the focus at present must be the continuation of measures to slow the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.
"The Scottish Government and sportscotland are working closely with Scottish Golf to ensure the right preparation and risk assessment is undertaken to allow golf to return at the appropriate time.”
Scottish Golf's Karin Sharp said: “It has been disappointing to hear that some golf clubs in Scotland have communicated to members their intent to re-open their golf course ahead of restrictions being lifted.
"We urge all member clubs to continue to follow the Scottish Government advice, that continues to have the best interest of the public at heart.
"Golf is a sport where integrity and rules sit at the very heart of the game and we ask all golfers to respect the position of Scottish Government and show patience at a time when the virus continues to have a devastating impact on society.
"I appreciate the frustrations and desire to play golf as soon as possible, but I urge you to continue following Government guidelines and save lives”.
