Golf courses in England are set to open their doors after a series of measures designed to ease the coronavirus lockdown were announced by the government.

Prime minister Boris Johnson used an address to the nation on Sunday evening to outline the steps to ease the lockdown that has been imposed since March.

The general population will now be allowed to exercise outdoors more than once a day and play sports, but only with members of their own household.

“We want to encourage more and even unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise,” Johnson said.

“You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your own households.”

Here’s what you need to know.

Can I play golf?

Yes. Courses all over the country have been shuttered since the lockdown began but under the new advice from the government will be able to open again on Wednesday.

Who can I play with?

Under the new measures exercise must still only be conducted with those in their own households with social distancing still being practised, and this applies to golf.

You can also play alongside one other person who is not a member of your household but you must remain two metres apart at all times.

Only one-ball or two-ball groups will be permitted.

Does this only apply to England?

For now yes. There is no change to the current position in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales meaning courses in these countries will remain closed for now.

Are the rules the same?

Broadly speaking yes. The rules of golf will remain the same, but the use of bunker rakes will be prohibited while flagsticks must remain in.

Have golf authorities said anything?

The R&A welcomed the move but called on golfers to continue to be responsible.

“As a sport we must work together to resume play responsibly as and when the relevant Government determines it is safe to do so,” they said in a statement.

“We must ensure that the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved from golfers, to club staff and greenkeepers is maintained at all times. Golf clubs and golfers have observed the lockdown very well and must keep it up and act responsibly as play resumes.”

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