Following on from the Prime Minister’s statement tonight (23 March), golf clubs and golf courses in England must now close.

 It is England Golf’s position that this deeply regrettable, but highly necessary and responsible course of action must be implemented with immediate effect and be maintained until further notice.

 The government has identified an urgent need to introduce new restrictions on public life and on non-essential businesses opening their doors.

 This has been done to limit the spread of the coronavirus and relieve the growing pressure on our National Health Service.

 Keeping golf courses open is simply no longer compatible with the updated policy of government which is designed to save lives in a time of national emergency.

 The health and wellbeing of the nation is the only consideration that matters at this moment in our history.

 These are incredibly testing times for the country. The golf industry cannot be shielded from the economic and social ramifications caused by this temporary shutdown of normal life.

 We would like to assure the golfing community that England Golf staff will continue to work remotely with all affiliated golfers, clubs and counties to try and minimise the damage caused by this suspension of regular golf club life.

 We will continue to signpost clubs and counties to the latest government advice and schemes designed to help the economy cope with the disruption caused by coronavirus.

Hi everyone,

This is from one 69 years and 9 months old member of Leek Golf Club. Not much more to go until the first digit changes, and then my chances of a pretty normal life will be changed forever.

This is a bit of a plea to all members. I want to play golf at Leek for a lot of years to come, and the only way I am going to be able to do that is by following the rules the Government has laid down and asking everyone to abide by them too. The Board and Club are doing everything they can to protect everyone, but on this occasion, I am writing just as a member asking you to help.

It does not seem to matter how old you are, this horrible virus can kill anybody, and I don’t want it to be anyone I know and love, including you.

So, I ask that if you visit the Club, that you really do stick to the rules. The Clubhouse is closed, so please do not transfer your socialising to another part of the premises, or even outside. Do not congregate in groups, and if you need the Locker Room, then please go in, but not together, do whatever is necessary and come straight out. It may be a good idea to take your clubs home, so that the number of times you need to go inside is reduced.

The Club is doing everything it can to keep the course open and we can succeed, if we abide by the rules. I would ask that if you see anyone not sticking to the rules, then you say something and don’t leave it to someone else. I know that we as a nation are not good at this, but it could save a life.

Please think of everyone, and the needs not just of the members of Leek Golf Club, but also of those further afield. And, if you feel unwell, then please self-isolate.

Let us look after our world. It may never be the same again, but at least let us take responsibility for not just ourselves, but everyone around us. This is not the end, but a new beginning.

Thank you.

Nel

Dear Member & Visitor,

Despite our best efforts to keep clubhouse facilities open we have now been overtaken by events and directed to close our clubhouse through the Government’s blanket closure of pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants from Friday 20th March.

The situation is to be reviewed monthly and we have arrangements in place to bring back clubhouse facilities if and when the prohibition is lifted.

The golf course and changing rooms are to remain open but with restrictions that enable compliance with Government guidance relating to "Social Distancing", "Gatherings" and Personal Hygiene. DO NOT TREAT ANY INSTRUCTIONS OR GUIDANCE AS OPTIONAL AS NON-COMPLIANCE WILL PUT THE CONTINUED AVAILABILITY OF OUR COURSE AT RISK. Some of the guidance and steps we need to take may appear extraordinary but we will continue to do what it takes to remain open. We trust you are reassured and in agreement with the Board's approach.

Updates will be communicated, via the Club Website, email and clubhouse notice boards. Also, information/advice from the office will be available on Saturday mornings.

Regards

T.C. Eccleston

On behalf of the Board

Coronavirus COVED-19

On Thursday we received England Golf’s advice to golf clubs regarding the above. We can’t say that England Golf has adopted our approach or whether the similarity is coincidental, but it is worth noting that our statement was posted on Wednesday.

 Nevertheless, it is comforting that the approach we are adopting appears to have governing body support, at least for the time being.

 Some of the guidance and steps we need to take may appear extraordinary but we will continue to do what it takes to remain open.

 We trust you are reassured and in agreement with the Board’s approach.

 Updates will be communicated, via the Club Website, email and clubhouse notice boards.

 Regards

TC Eccleston

On behalf of the Board

20th March 2020

Leek Golf Club is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will act in accordance with government advice.

The Course and all facilities will remain open whilst we are able to comply with government guidelines. The situation will continue to be monitored and you will be informed of any changes.

We encourage members to carry on playing golf and will strive to provide the game in the safest possible environment, recognising that the health and wellbeing of playing this great game benefits everybody. However if you are in a COVID-19 high risk category, please remember it is your own wellbeing which is paramount.

In the meantime:

• Members are requested to keep a 2m distance whilst at the Club.

• Personal hygiene requirements must be adhered to.

• No gathering of groups of more than 4 (Golfers are required to arrange their groups prior to arrival, ideally through the BRS online booking system).

• Buggy & trolley hire remains available with equipment sanitised between uses.

• Credit card transactions would be preferred.

• Seating arrangements throughout the Club will be such as to maintain a 2m distance.

• If you choose to play golf but don’t wish to enter the Club House you can change your shoes on the carpark.

• All players should not remove or touch Hole Pins.

• Bunker rakes have been removed.

• The Millennium Hut will remain securely locked until further notice.

• The toilet on the 10th will remain open.

• We may have to introduce additional Local Rules in order to keep playing.

• Please check daily changes to arrangements before play.

• To improve access to information, the Office will be open on a Saturday morning.

Contingency plans are in place to ensure maintenance of the course, but we do ask for your patience if everything is not always how you would like it.

As government information is liable to change we are monitoring the situation and will react when necessary.

Leek Golf Club will do all in its power to continue to offer golf in a safe and secure environment.

Keep calm, wash your hands & continue playing Golf...

Trevor Eccleston

Chairman