Confusion over Llanymynech Golf Club

The Welsh Government says it has no problem with English members playing at Llanymynech Golf Club, providing it is within a “reasonable” distance from their home.

The club, which straddles both sides of the border, has been open for a couple of weeks to Welsh members, but English players who were due to start playing from today were told they would not be allowed due to it being under Welsh Government rules, with cross-border travel not permitted. 

But that’s not the case, said a Senedd spokesperson, so long as the players are not travelling great distances to play.

“It would be reasonable for members of Llanymynech Golf Club to enter or leave Wales within the confines of the golf course," a Welsh Government spokesperson clarified to us.

Welsh Government rules say you should not cross in or out of Wales without a “reasonable excuse”. Examples of what is considered “reasonable” are given on the Welsh Government web site but a source told us that in relation to the golf club it would be “if the player lived in Pant or Llanymynech but not more than, say, 10 miles away”.

Officials at Llanymynech Golf Club had previously raised concern over how two-thirds of the club’s members, who are in England, will access the club which has 15 holes in Wales and three in England.

A spokesperson for Powys County Council said: “We understand the frustrations that Llanymynech Golf Club are currently experiencing and are working with them to find a workable solution. 
“However, the Welsh Government currently have travel restrictions in place which means travel in to and out of Wales is not permitted unless you have a reasonable excuse. The council has provided advice to Llanymynech Golf Club on what the latest restrictions are following the Welsh Government’s announcement at the end of last week. Travel restrictions can only be enforced by the police.”