R&A reveals plans for golf after coronavirus lockdown restrictions are lifted

Proposals for “safe golf” playing protocols have been submitted to the government by the R&A, which include the removal of bunker rakes and ball retrievers, as well as the covering of drinking fountains and ball washers.

Other proposals are that flagsticks should not be touched and tea times should be subject to a booking system with 10 minute intervals.

It is recommended that golfers play only social matchplay rounds rather than stroke play competitions and clubhouses are meanwhile likely to remain closed, with only toilets opening.

Leading golf administrators are currently considering ways for the sport to be played safely in a bid to allow courses to open as soon as lockdown restrictions are relaxed.

Their ideas, which have been published by the R&A as part of a series of recommendations for “safe golf”, have industry-wide backing from organisations such as England Golf, the Professional Golfers Association and other representative bodies.

In an email distributed on Wednesday by England Golf, chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson says: “The way everyone in golf has rallied together in these uncertain times fills me with great optimism for the future.

“Throughout these challenging times, England Golf has collaborated like never before with our colleagues in golf administration and presented a united front during many conversations with government.

“This collective approach has continued this week as we work with government to try and find the right conditions under which golf can return.”