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Golf has almost entirely reopened in the U.K. and Ireland after a spring where all courses were closed for a considerable period.
Golf tourism, especially that of North American golfers coming to experience historic links golf, is a huge part of the industry there and many clubs rely on these visitors to sustain. In a recent article from the Belfast Telegraph, one of the world's most coveted rounds, Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland has indicated that they will lose 90% of business equating to £2 million in revenue.
Golf courses in the isles have since reopened and much like in the U.S., demand has been strong. But what about the thousands of golf groups who had 2020 trips planned overseas? We checked in with Joe Lyons, co-founder of Lyons Links, an Irish-based golf tour operator.
"Most people have decided to reschedule their 2020 trips to 2021," said Lyons. "It makes it quite difficult to book 2021 bookings, particularly at the marquee venues. Their tee sheets for 2021 are pretty much already full of 2020 bookings."
You can view the video above to get tips from Lyons on what you should consider for your next overseas golf trip to Ireland.
writing this Sept 13th. is there any golf travel from USA to UK (Surrey)? would I have to self isolate for 14 days in a hotel without going out--ie.no golf? Thank you! Don't think I have the money to spend 2 weeks without hiking or walking or golfing, just isolating so perhaps it's not really an option to golf in the UK from the USA travel at this time? What do you suggest?