Golf courses reopening: Government minister reveals date

The date for golf courses reopening in England will be March 29, a key Government minister has revealed.

As prime minister Boris Johnson prepared to unveil his roadmap out of coronavirus lockdown to the House of Commons on Monday afternoon, Nadhim Zahawi, the vaccines minister, confirmed elements of the plan on BBC Breakfast.

Establishing that schools would reopen on March 8, he added: “On March 29, we will see outdoor sports, and of course, the ability for two families or the rule of six to meet outdoors.”

Asked to be clear on what that meant in terms of socialising, and being able to see family and friends, Zahawi continued: “So on March 8 it’s two people being able to meet outdoors for a coffee or socially. On March 29, it’ll be two families or the rule of six meeting outdoors and outdoor sports: tennis, golf and other outdoor sports, including team sports, will return.”

He continued: “The prime minister will set out more details this afternoon in Parliament and tonight in the press conference.”

Golf clubs in England have been closed since the third Covid lockdown came into force on January 5. They’ve remained shut despite entreaties from England Golf and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf, who earlier this month issued a report – backed by scientific advice – claiming golf could safely be played during lockdown.

Johnson is set to address Parliament at 3.30pm on Monday before addressing the nation later on that evening.

Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi confirms to #BBCBreakfast schools in England will reopen on March 8th and outdoor group socialising and some sports will be allowed from March 29th. https://t.co/xUbrVueqZT pic.twitter.com/yJntSXifny

— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) February 22, 2021

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