Mayo golfers escape Covid-19 sporting restrictions

GOLFERS across Mayo can enjoy a round this weekend as their sport has escaped Covid-19 restrictions.

Department of Heath guidelines do not prevent club competitions or casual rounds of golf taking place.

However Irish golfing authorities says players need to be cogniscant of the social nature of the game and how this element of it is impacted.

A joint GUI and LGUI statement outlined: "Golf is a great sport for people generally to get out and about, exercise and enjoy fresh air.

"It is played in an outdoor setting where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is low.  

"All golf clubs should, at this time, aim to keep their members and staff safe and well. 

"As such, everyone should be keenly aware of the vulnerabilities golf clubs will face.

"The older age profile of golf club memberships than of the general population must be borne in mind.

"Groups having close and prolonged contact should be avoided.

"The social aspect of golf clubs should be curtailed, including limiting the potential for the following types of social interaction in accordance with the guidelines as issued.

"Siren starts with people congregating before and after are discouraged for the time being.

"Prolonged near contact as may happen during Bridge nights, choir practices and other clubhouse-based activities is to be avoided.

"Visitors either require some form of screening or should be discouraged for the time being.

"Society bookings where food and social interaction is involved afterwards should be limited in accordance with the latest guidance​ -

"Common courtesies – handshakes and other embraces associated with the etiquette of the game – should be avoided and participants may bump elbows as an alternative.

"Social meals for groups in the clubhouse, including at inter-club matches, should be avoided It is important that we all work together, following the advice of experts, in controlling the spread of COVID-19 infection. 

"This is a very fluid situation and we ask clubs to monitor the latest advice regularly."