GOLF had been ploughing on across the Bradford District, while all other sports around it were forced to stop, but last night, following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's address to the nation, it bowed to the inevitable.

With the PM issuing strict instructions on restrictions to public life for at least the next three weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic, and ordering the closure of non-essential businesses, there was really no option for golf clubs across England, other than to shut down immediately.

In a statement issued last night, England Golf said: "Following on from the Prime Minister's statement of March 23, golf clubs, courses and facilities in England must now close.

"It is England Golf’s position that this deeply regrettable, but highly necessary and responsible, course of action 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."