Ahead of this afternoon's debate in the House of Commons, England Golf CEO Jeremy Tomlinson has kept up his plea for the game to be allowed to return.

In a letter to clubs he says "The amazing groundswell of support for golf courses to re-open in England at the earliest opportunity continues to grow and gather real momentum.

It is my fervent wish that it continues in this vein in the coming days and brings about a return to play.

For this to happen, we all must keep driving the message to those at the heart of government that, in these troubling times, golf is part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

We will continue to make sure our voice is heard at Westminster through my direct contact with DCMS and the Sports Minister as well as our collaborative work with golf industry colleagues in the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf.

At the same time, golf clubs, proprietors and individual golfers can play a vital role in championing our sport by reaching out to their own MPs. [You can do so here]

Tomlinson continues "There is a very simple and clear message that we can all deliver when in contact with those in authority; golf has proved itself a safe and healthy pursuit for Covid times.

The mental and physical benefits of enjoying our great game safely at a time when so many people are experiencing feelings of isolation cannot be overstated.

Golf was one of the first sports to return after the first national lockdown and this was a privilege that our community of golfers took incredibly seriously. Accordingly, we all adopted the highest possible standards to keep participants safe.

The people spoke when 257,000 passionate individuals signed a petition in a 24-hour spell to call for golf to be exempt from closure during lockdown restrictions and spark today’s debate in the House of Commons.

Our story continues to be heard in the media as we promote golf’s positive agenda – a game for all which can be safely enjoyed in the fresh air with social distancing a natural consequence of how the sport is played.

Our sport has come together like never before during this difficult year.

With our members, clubs and counties helping to deliver our positive and respectful message to the nation’s decision-makers, I am confident golf can return.

I remain a passionate believer in golf’s ability to play a key role in the nation’s sporting recovery."

You can folllow this afternoon's debate in the Commons on Parliament Live TV