Aberdonian members of a north-east golf club have been asked to withdraw from a weekend of competition to adhere to lockdown restrictions.
City residents have been told not to travel more than five miles for leisure or recreation purposes as part of local lockdown measures to keep coronavirus at bay.
And as Inverurie Golf Club is situated further than this from the city limits, the Scottish Government rules would prevent anyone from Aberdeen heading out to tee off.
But the organisation’s captain sparked anger this week when he told members they were not able to control who would and would not attend this weekend’s championship competition.
Duncan Stewart’s e-mail asked people to show common sense but said: “The movement to and from Aberdeen is a guideline and we are not in a position to police movement of members.”
This prompted one golfer to brand the decision “disgraceful and irresponsible”.
But last night the club said a number of Aberdeen-based players had already pulled out of the contest, and that it was inviting others to do the same before tee-off.
Mr Stewart said: “We expect our members to act responsibly and to follow the Scottish Government guidelines which asks that people in Aberdeen do not travel out with the city for leisure or recreational purposes.
“Our primary message clearly landed as intended and a number of members residing in Aberdeen withdrew their names from play this weekend.
“Given developments in the last 24 hours – and with particular reference to sport and how the actions of sportspeople can impact on the wider community – to avoid any further ambiguity we have updated our communication to members, specifically asking that any residing within the Aberdeen City boundary should avoid playing at this time.
“Small member clubs have as an important part to play as large sporting institutions in minimising the impact of Covid-19 and in supporting the government and health agencies at every juncture.
“We have communicated clear guidance to members to ensure we as a club, and as members, comply with all social distancing and appropriate sanitising requirements both on and off the course.”