Golf course and bowling greens to reopen as lockdown measures ease

First stage of recovery for Renfrewshire Leisure services closed because of coronavirus pandemic

Renfrewshire Leisure will reopen a golf course and bowling greens tomorrow (Friday May 29) after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today confirmed the first phase of easing Scotland’s coronavirus lockdown can begin.

Barshaw Golf Club and Lochfield bowling green in Paisley and Robertson Park bowling green in Renfrew will each promote social distancing and strong hygiene measures among players  after the Scottish Government said that non-contact outdoor sporting activities could restart.

Today’s announcement marks the first phase of recovery for Renfrewshire Leisure’s sporting and cultural services, which have been closed since March as measures to protect public health and slow the spread Covid-19 came into force.

Other facilities will reopen – with appropriate safeguards in place – as and when the Scottish Government deems it safe to do so as part of gradual measures outlined in the country’s route map through and out of the coronavirus crisis. Details will be shared when available.

Victoria Hollows, Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “We are pleased to be able to reopen our golf course and bowling greens from tomorrow. We know how important they are to those who play there and hope this announcement will help their health and wellbeing.

“In line with Government guidance, we are asking every visitor to these sites to ensure they support our staff and those around them by adhering to social distancing and hygiene rules, details of which will be displayed at each facility. It’s important for the entire community’s health that everyone makes themselves familiar with the rules – and follows them.

“All players will be responsible for their own personal hygiene and should provide their own hand sanitiser.”

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Chair of Renfrewshire Leisure,  said: “The reopening of the golf course and bowling greens is a small but significant step back towards a degree of normality, both for our staff team and the community. It’s important that we get this right and, by working together with the people who use our services to stay in-line with all Government guidelines, we can ensure a positive experience for everyone as these facilities and others are allowed to reopen.

“As the First Minister also confirmed, people will now be able to sit in our parks and meet people from one other household outdoors. While we are all keen to be able to spend time with our friends and loved ones in person, we would echo the Government’s message for everyone to please remain physically distanced.”

While phase one of Scotland’s route map out of coronavirus allows the reopening of the golf course and bowling greens, it does not currently allow for clubhouses or pavilions to return to use. Changing rooms and toilets will therefore not be open until this guidance changes.

Arrangements have already been made for Barshaw Golf Club members to safely collect their equipment, while one-off – carefully-controlled – access is being allowed for bowling club members to collect their bowls. After this, all players must store their equipment and other personal items at home until these buildings are allowed to reopen.

At each bowling green, bowlers will be responsible for the sanitisation of bowling equipment before and after use. Bowls, jacks and mats must be sanitised at the end of each play and before the start of the next playing day. Discussions have taken place with club committee representatives.

Barshaw Golf Course, Paisley

The course will reopen at 9am on Friday, May 29. The pavilion will remain closed to general access, apart from payment. The course will be operated by two members of Renfrewshire Leisure staff, one located at the pavilion to take card and contactless payment for memberships, take tee time bookings and provide support. The second will be located close to the first tee and car park, reminding users of health and safety guidance, social distancing and ensuring golfers begin their round at the correct time. Initially, bookable tee times will be restricted to two-balls at 10-minute intervals from 9am to 3pm. Any rule breaches may result in the player/s involved being restricted from accessing the course. To book golf, call 0141 848 7907.

Lochfield Bowling Green, Paisley

No public pay-as-you-play will be available without a sponsoring member. Non-members will require to join one of the three clubs associated with Lochfield and/or be signed on by a member. A storage box with a numerical Digi-padlock will be provided on site for players requiring to borrow bowls, jacks and mats. No members of Renfrewshire Leisure staff will be present.

Robertson Park Bowling Green, Renfrew

No public pay as you play will be available without a sponsoring member. Non-members will require to join the club and/or be signed on by a member. No members of Renfrewshire Staff will be present.

For more details, go to www.refrewshireleisure.com. Members of the public with any queries can email enquiries@renfrewshireleisure.com.