A GOLF club has made a plea against the proposed closure of courses across the country in the upcoming England-wide coronavirus lockdown.

MPs are to vote on the government's proposal to implement a four-week lockdown for England from Thursday, November 5.

The shutdown would see golf courses and driving ranges among the many businesses and leisure facilities which would have to close.

In a letter to St Helens South and Whiston MP Marie Rimmer dated Sunday, November 1, Grange Park Golf Club secretary John Jackson has asked for support to "overturn" the decision.

In the letter, which has been shared on the golf club's social media pages, Mr Jackson says golf is " no doubt one of the most Covid-safe sports to play".

He says that for many members, it plays a large role in helping their mental wellbeing, and is an opportunity for socialising in a safe way for some who live alone.

 

The letter said: "As you know following the Government announcement yesterday, all golf courses and driving ranges across the country have to close from Thursday.

"This was devastating news for the club, our members and golf as a whole.

"Golf is essentially a socially distanced four-hour walk and is no doubt one of the most Covid-safe sports to play.

"Since we reopened the course back in May, we haven't had one case of Covid as a direct result of visiting the golf club.

"We have over 600 members at Grange Park and, for many, golf is their only form of exercise. Not only does golf help to improve their physical health but it also plays a major role in helping their mental wellbeing.

"For some of our older members, who sadly now live on their own, the golf course provides an opportunity to socialise with friends socially distanced."

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The Star reported in September after the golf club had appeared on BBC national news after seeing a surge in new members following its reopening in the spring.

The letter added: "England Golf recently performed a survey of 3,400 people which looked into the health and wellbeing benefits of golf. As a result of the survey, England Golf concluded that golf is saving local authorities a total of £3.4million a year in health costs.

"We need your support. Hundreds of thousands of golfers across the country rely on golf for their mental and physical wellbeing. Keeping the course open not only is vital for our members, but it also enables us to keep some of our staff employed.

"We ask that you please do all you can to overturn this decision.

"There is a petition being shared at the moment to exempt golf courses from the list of venues required to close due to COVID-19.

"This has already been signed by over 246,000 people, an incredible amount, and just shows how important golf is to the people of England."