Golf reopened Monday in England after months of closures in various waves of COVID-19 lockdowns, and thousands of players couldn’t wait to get their push carts back onto the fairways.
The reopening is part of the United Kingdom’s “rule of six” in which six people from two different households can meet in public, with several outdoor sports allowed to continue. England was hit hard by a new variant of coronavirus over the winter, and rules are just being eased as the first stage in planned reopenings.
Meanwhile, golf in Scotland has remained open since May of 2020 during the pandemic. Golf is slated to reopen April 1 in Northern Ireland, while golf in the Republic of Ireland remains closed until further notice.
The reopening in England doesn’t mean American tourists should set out on a trip immediately to sample the country’s tremendous links golf or inland courses. Restrictions remain in place for inbound tourists, with tests and various levels of quarantine required based on destination.
It’s recommended that U.S.-based golfers check with a tour operator to learn more about restrictions and possible plans to play in England, Scotland and Ireland.
The British Open is still scheduled for July 15-18 at Royal St. George’s in Sandwich, Kent, England.
Meanwhile, rejoice in golf making its return to the U.K. The golfers pictured below certainly did, eager to be among the first to tee it up.