Eastbourne Royal club manager pleased to open, 'but not as much as the membership!'

Golf club's across the country re-oopened yesterday and golfers could not wait to tee-off once again.

Golf - along with tennis and angling - is one of the first sports to get back in action since the Government's latest update on Sunday.

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And the Royal welcomed players back - but at a safe distance.

Anderson said: "I am very pleased to be able to partially re-open our courses, but not as pleased as the membership.

"There all thoroughly enjoyed their games on Wednesday and to be out in the open air. We received numerous compliments on the condition of our courses, which have been maintained in accordance with Government guidelines during the C19 lockdown.

"Our ’Play Safe’ rules are that, for members only for the time-being, to play in two balls with extended ten minute tee time slots.

"There is signage on the guidelines for safe golf around the clubhouse and leading to the tees and friendly notices for the general public to ask them to follow the public footpaths across the course, as they have become used to free roaming during lockdown when taking their daily exercise.

"These signs seemed to work as the were no issues between them and the golfers. We have starters, to ensure no gatherings on the first tees and marshals to ensure social distancing whilst playing

"The members of course are used to the safe play rules, as leading up to lockdown the same measures were in place. Also, the Office has been in constant communication with the membership as things progressed towards opening up with the Government guidelines that would be in force."

The golfing community were so keen to get back on the course that they overloaded the intelligentgolf booking system - and caused some clubs - including Mannings Heath in Horsham - to delay the opening.

But Anderson said: "I have not had any issues since Tuesday when the tee bookings went live, especially with the short notice. I believe the whole golfing community throughout the country were trying to book tee times, which overloaded all booking systems not just IntelligentGolf’s system. But we got there in the end.

"Golf is the best sport for friendship, mental health and general fitness and one of the few games that you can enjoy whilst social distancing, I recommend it for anyone of any age."