Green shoots of recovery for sport – but check before return

Various restrictions have been put into place under the government guidelines with golf games limited to two-balls and groups of four from two households adhering to social distancing rules.

Anglers too should be keeping two metres apart when fishing, and also use their own tackle and equipment.

But it’s not simply the government rules that need to be taken into consideration – it’s where they play and practice too.

Many courses and greens have been affected by the lockdown and some from an inability to be maintained at the same level as they usually would during recent months.

Some have been used by walkers for the sanctioned hour of activity or exercising dogs too.

And that means there’s restrictions on what could, and should, be done on the grass areas. Groundskeeping experts have warned that in some cases where routine maintenance like fertilisation, regular cutting, aeration work has been missed, clubs will be playing catch up to avoid a knock on effect over this summer and future seasons and it could take three weeks of intensive course management to bring some up to scratch if no work has been carried out.

One warned: “The government said only essential works could take place which is cutting grass. Spring work like scarifying needs to have been done, and fertilising, fungicides and top dressings without which, surfaces will suffer.

“It’s not just a patch of grass, it’s a living plant. If you don’t maintain the surface you end up playing catch-up, and it comes back to bite sooner or later.”

Clubs have been struggling without income from social events and function hire, but also with membership renewals in the uncertain climate, but that too can instigate a vicious cycle where a lack of fees causes a lack of funds to maintain the playing areas.

Margaret McIntosh at Grahamston Bowling Club appealed for members to pay their renewals back in April – in order to maintain the green for resumption of play.

The club IS NOT among those opening this week, but the green IS ready when the country enters Phase Two of the restoration plan.

She told The Falkirk Herald: “There were too many restrictions for us to be able to open the club properly. We can’t open the clubhouse which we’d require for locker-room and toilet access. All the restrictions and guidelines make sense, but as a committee we decided we would not open quite yet and wait until phase two and re-assess then. The grounds and greens are ready though.

“Our maintenance company comes from Linlithgow and has been attending throughout. We’ve had members tending to the gardens and surrounds. We’ve been very lucky that members have renewed in order for us to maintain the upkeep and ensure we are ready when the time comes.

“The maintenance bills and the standing charges for the gas and electric still come in even if we’re not playing and the bar is closed and functions are off, so it has been important.”

But several around the district are just ready to get out and play again. Much depends on the First Minister’s confirmation today (Thursday) but Nicola Sturgeon’s outline plans last week gave cause for optimism.

Russell Wilson, the Captain of Grangemouth Golf course said “We have been keeping in regular contact with our members during lockdown and know how keen they are to get back out on the course for a game of golf, especially considering the excellent weather we’ve been experiencing. As a club we are confident in the proposals which have been developed in partnership with Falkirk Community Trust and look forward to welcoming everyone back to the course safely.”

Paul Finnie, sport an recreation Manager for Falkirk Community Trust said: “The safety of our customers and staff is of paramount importance to us and we have decided to open the course after careful joint planning with the club.

“The phased plan will mean some restrictions on start times and group sizes, but we are confident our customers will responsibly follow the guidance. We will monitor the situation carefully and adjust our recovery plan in accordance with the latest announcements.”