Petition sent for golf’s return

A petition to allow golf to be played during the second coronavirus lockdown has passed the 100,000 threshold to force the government to consider changing their current ban in a parliamentary debate.

The proposal, which has been backed by leading Tour professionals Lee Westwood and Graeme McDowell, will see courses re-open with social distancing in place, although club shops and clubhouses will remain closed.

With the risk of COVID-19 transmission being lower outdoors, the move has been backed by governing body England Golf, who say the government are missing an opportunity to provide the public with important exercise and assistant with any mental health issues.

Golf was one of the first sports to be allowed back after the spring lockdown last year leading to a significant upsurge in participation and club membership – something the golf industry are keen to build on.

With Lee Westwood sharing the petition on social media, McDowell also tweeted: “I think this is something worth supporting in the UK. With correct safety measures, golf is a sport which can easily function in these tough times. Great for exercise and general well being.”