SKIPTON Golf Club has announced a decision to close its course following the statement made by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday night.

A spokesperson for the Skipton club, which is based at Short Lee Lane near the A65 and A59, said "we have no option but to close our course" after England Golf released this statement: "Following on from the Prime Minister’s statement, 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."

Please stay safe and at home.