Following the latest update to the the government’s Covid-19 regulations, London and areas of the south east of England will move to Tier 4 alert level from December 20.
Unlike in full lockdowns, golf courses in Tier 4 areas can remain open, but play is restricted to two-balls only for separate households, but up to four for those living in the same household or bubble.
Under Tier 4, non-essential retail – including pro shops and golf retailers – must close, although click & collect will be permitted. Clubhouses and changing rooms will be shut, with take-away food only.
Outdoor coaching will be allowed on an individual basis or for multiple members of the same household, although indoor coaching will be not be permitted. Custom fitting can take place outside on a one-to-one basis, but is not permitted indoors.
Unless it’s essential for work or other reasons, Tier 4 areas must not be left or entered by anybody from a Tier 1, 2 or 3 area, so someone living these area cannot drive to play golf in a lesser tier region.
The Scottish legislature has banned all people from leaving or entering its borders except for work, while all of golf courses in Wales must close from December 20 until further notice.
England Golf has created an infographic to advise golfers of the new restrictions that came into place on Sunday. For full guidelines on all tiers, visit englandgolf.org/playsafe/
To find out which tier of the alert level system you are in, check the government postcode tracker.
