British PM Boris Johnson announcement heralds a return to competitive golf

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson reacts outside 10 Downing Street during the Clap for our Carers campaign in support of the NHS, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), London, Britain, May 14, 2020. [REUTERS/Henry Nicholls]

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson this week announced that those that cannot work from home should return to work. It also came as great relief to golfers in England when the UK government also announced that golf courses could reopen this week. Despite the caution that the war on the spread of Covid-19 is not over yet, I couldn’t help but sense a glimmer of hope of a return to normal.

Golf is a game of the great outdoors and since it can be played without any contact with fellow competitors, it is probably one of the safest sports in these grim times. Also looking at the European Tour calendar of events, whereas most events are either postponed or canceled, the Betfred British Masters hosted by Lee Westwood is still scheduled to take place from 30th July to 2nd August.