ALL golf on the Isle of Wight has been banned outright as the coronavirus crisis worsens on a daily basis.

Earlier in the week, although the clubhouses of golf clubs around the Island had closed, friendly golf was permissable under the latest guidelines from the English Golf Union.

The situation changed following the statement made by Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, on Monday evening.

Therefore, the report in today's edition of the County Press, on page 64, is incorrect. 

A statement from England Golf on the coronavirus situation reads: "Following on from the Prime Minister’s statement (of Monday evening), golf clubs, courses and facilities in England must close.

"It is England Golf’s position that this is deeply regrettable, but is highly necessary and a responsible course of action, which must be implemented with immediate effect and be maintained until further notice.

"The government has identified an urgent need to introduce new restrictions on public life and on non-essential businesses opening their doors.

"This has been done to limit the spread of the coronavirus and relieve the growing pressure on our National Health Service.

"Keeping golf courses open is simply no longer compatible with the updated policy of government, which is designed to save lives in a time of national emergency.

"The health and wellbeing of the nation is the only consideration that matters at this moment in our history.

"These are incredibly testing times for the country. The golf industry cannot be shielded from the economic and social ramifications caused by this temporary shutdown of normal life.

"We would like to assure the golfing community that England Golf staff will continue to work remotely with all affiliated golfers, clubs and counties to try and minimise the damage caused by this suspension of regular golf club life.

"We will continue to signpost clubs and counties to the latest government advice and schemes designed to help the economy cope with the disruption caused by coronavirus."