Ireland's golf courses will reopen on a limited basis from May 18

Leo Varadkar made the announcement in a nationwide speech on Friday evening

The Irish golf boards say Taoiseach Leo Varadkar & # 39; s announcement that "some outdoor sports activities will be allowed" from May 18 means that golf courses in the Republic of Ireland will be open

A statement from the governing bodies & # 39; welcomed & # 39; the decision.

& # 39; In the initial stages, the game will be for members only and matches are not allowed & # 39; said the

It added that clubs are refraining from opening timesheets for the time being. .

The statement by Golf Ireland, the Irish Ladies Golf Union and the Golfing Union of Ireland said in advance about when the "protocol [for return to play] will be published, as it will contain essential information about group sizes and roster intervals".

In a nationwide speech, Mr. Varadkar outlined the first phase of the Irish government's roadmap for easing the Covid-19 restrictions later this month.

According to the statement by golf administrations "in intensive dialogue with the government" about the potential for safe resumption of sport on a limited basis.

"To this end, the golf governing bodies have prepared a comprehensive draft protocol on the safe resumption of the game that we have contacted with the government in recent weeks.

" We are now planning this protocol to be finalized in the coming week, in consultation with the government, and to issue a clear opinion well before the reopening of our clubs. courses on May 18.

"That advice will emphasize the absolute necessity of golf clubs complying with the terms of the safe play protocol."

Friday's announcement only concerned clubs in the Republic of Ireland and the Irish golf governing bodies said they would "continue to work with the British authorities and the Northern Ireland Executive to seek a safe resumption of golf for our clubs in Northern Ireland ".

While the current Covid-19 restrictions are maintained in the Republic until May 18, people over 70 can leave their home from Tuesday if they avoid any contact with other people, while extending the 2 km movement limit to 5 km.