There are reports from across the country that some people are ignoring the guidelines not to play golf during the COVID-19 lockdown – and are even being abusive if asked to stop playing.
For example, according to Echo News, Essex councillor Stephen Aylen says he has seen about 20 people playing golf at the Belfairs Golf Club.The course is officially closed, with all flags removed from holes and there are no staff on site.
England Golf, Scottish Golf and Wales Golf have also all asked golfers to not play during the lockdown.
Aylen said: “I have tried to tell them they shouldn’t be playing and they always just start shouting, saying they are only playing a few holes and what harm could it do?“Even though I try to talk to them from a distance, I do sometimes fear for my safety. I have a duty of care to protect residents.
“Every day there is people there, probably around 20 a day trying to play.
“All the flags are removed but they are still just coming along.”
He said he has considered calling the police over the situation as they now have the power to hand fixed penalty notices to people who go out for non-essential reasons, but he believes they are already overloaded.
“I think people just do not understand how serious this is. They just don’t get it.
“There is an attitude of I am going to do what I like anyway, who do you think you are telling me what to do.
“It is terrible to think, but until someone near to a lot of these people dies from this, until it happens to them, they won’t do anything.”
According to The Scotsman, one person was photographed playing on Sunday at Carrick Knowe and it is believed that quite a few were also out playing at Craigentinny.
Elsewhere in Edinburgh, two people were spotted by a walker playing at Craigmillar Park, a private members’ club.
“It is disappointing and frustrating to learn that some individuals are taking advantage of the current situation where all golf courses are closed to access golf courses, including Craigmillar Park, and play golf,” said captain Gary Laing.
“Two individuals were seen doing so at Craigmillar Park on Sunday. I am confident these individuals were not members of the club as they were noticed by two members of the club who were out walking on the course taking exercise and both members did not recognise them.
“One of our members challenged the individuals and advised them they should not be playing golf. Whilst quite rude, the two individuals dismissed the fact that the course is closed and insisted on their intention to continue playing, despite being reminded of the government guidance. One commented that he had spent £1800 on equipment and intended to use it.
“It is disturbing that, even when challenged, the individuals showed no intention to cease playing golf.
“Clearly the safety of our members is paramount and, if situations like this increase, I may have to consider offering guidance to our members on how to safely challenge individuals who are not members and are playing the course when it is closed.
“I have had a discussion with Police Scotland and they have confirmed that instances where golfers are playing golf on a golf course contravenes the guidance issued on social distancing and approved exercise types.
“That being the case, I asked if they would attend the course and take appropriate action if notified.”
The appearance of people out playing at Carrick Knowe was blasted by John Pow, secretary of Carrickvale Golf Club.
“I was down around 6pm on Sunday and saw a guy on his own playing from medal tees and also a couple playing. Neither were members,” he said.
“I heard from a mate who was walking his dog round Craigentinny and he reckons there were at least 30 playing there.”
Pow added: “We don’t have flags out, but course looks as if it’s being maintained.
“We told our members not to play, pointing out they are not insured if they hadn’t paid to get on and there’s a huge amount of public walking the course. I saw families, dog walkers, even kids and families on bikes.
“I am obviously not happy seeing folk playing and hope members are not going out. I would urge them to stay home and wait until we can all get back playing.”
“We have taken the government advice, and it has been made very clear that golf is not to be played,” said Scottish Golf CEO Andrew McKinlay.
“The quicker people adhere to those instructions, hopefully the sooner we will get back out at the other end and enjoy playing a round of golf soon, which we all fundamentally want here.”
An Edinburgh Leisure spokesperson said: “It’s so disappointing that some selfish people think that there’s one rule for them and one rule for everyone else and are flouting the government’s advice and continuing to play golf. Edinburgh Leisure’s courses remain closed.
“While golf is an outdoor sport that allows players to exercise in the fresh air, the message to all of us is clear, we must stay home and play our part in containing the spread of COVID-19; and thus we implore people to refrain from playing golf on our courses.
“We know that these decisions are difficult, especially as the weather has picked up, but it is our shared responsibility to prioritise the health of our local communities by working together to follow the guidelines. In doing so, this will ensure that golfers will get the opportunity to play the game that they love as soon as it is safe to do so.”
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