From July 19 golfers in England will once again be able to remove flagstocks and rake bunkers. England golf has updated its ‘Play Safe, Stay Safe’ covid protocols to define what can be expected after the lifting of restrictions.

Its revised guidelines state “all golf course furniture may be returned for normal use, including the removal of flagsticks, standard hole cups, bunker rakes and ball-washers”. 

However the guidelines recommended that clubs provide hand sanitiser stations on the course and around practice facilities to ensure that golfers can regularly clean their hands. Also that online booking for tee times and registration of players details continue.

Pro shops, with the wearing of masks at the discretion of the member or visitor, return to normal as do driving ranges and indoor areas such as simulators,.

Any alterations to the rules and handicapping provisions that enabled competitive golf to be played during the pandemic are also set to be removed.

As of July 19 there will be “no restrictions on the golf course with regards to course furniture, sharing equipment, touching golf balls or the size of groups, beyond those set by the club”. This is subject to the Government confirming on July 12th that all restrictions will be lifted.

At the time of writing, there is no change to the Covid-19 guidance for golfers in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.