Golf is back on the Fylde coast: But it's only tee for two

After seven weeks in lockdown, some sports which lend themselves to social distancing – others include tennis and fishing – have been allowed to resume and the Fylde coast’s clubs will be relieved to be taking bookings again.

Restrictions still apply under Government guidelines, with a maximum of two players per tee-time.

Fairhaven Golf Club can be booked for nine holes and places are being quickly snapped up.

Fairhaven’s Olwyn Kingstree told The Gazette: “I expect it will be a mad scramble for bookings and no visitors or guests will be allowed.

“The clubhouse, trolley sheds and practice area remain closed for the moment, so we have to change shoes in the car park.

“The pro shop will be open, admitting only one person at a time.”

It’s ‘car park golf’ too at Knott End Golf Club, with bunkers considered ‘ground under repair’ and the touching of flags forbidden.

St Annes Old Links secretary Jane Donohoe added yesterday: “Since noon everyone has been booking their permitted two rounds per week to try to ensure everyone gets a game on their beloved course.

“The first two-ball was due off at 8am on Wednesday and we have all the necessary signs/starters/sanitising in place. I’m sure Dan Webster (professional) will be there putting the first shots on our social media.”

A statement by England Golf reads: “All outdoor sport must be done alone or within a household group and that includes golf. There is no change to the current position in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and so golf courses in these countries must remain closed.

“The effects of the virus will continue to be felt for a long time to come. As a sport we must work together to resume play responsibly as and when the relevant Government determines it is safe to do so.

“We must ensure that the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved, from golfers to club staff and greenkeepers, is maintained at all times.

“Golf clubs and golfers have observed the lockdown very well and must keep it up and act responsibly as play resumes.

“The pandemic has already had a substantial impact on golf clubs and venues, and the focus will soon turn to trying to recover from the crisis. As a group we will continue to do all we can to provide support and guidance in that effort.”

Despite the good news for local golfers, the Senior Fylde League has been cancelled for 2020 after plans to start a competition next month had to be scrapped.

The final of the Lancashire Junior Tour, scheduled for May 28 at Lancaster Golf Club, has been postponed until further notice.

Here’s Alastair Taylor of Lytham Golf Academy on the week’s big news...

Golf is back!

So after lockdown our sport has returned.... well, sort of.

The Government has announced that golf clubs can reopen, with restrictions in place .

But at least it’s possible to get out and play, and hopefully any practice that you have been doing at home during lockdown will now come into its own.

It seems as though it will be a while before we get fully back to normal and so competitive golf may be very rare, if it takes place at all.

The many golfers who really enjoy that side of the game will be missing out for a while longer.

One great way to measure your game and test yourself is to track your game by recording some stats when you play.

You can keep this as simple as fairways hit, greens reached in regulation or number of putts.

There are apps and websites that which go into greater detail.

Keeping some information on your game takes away the emotional side, and tells you which parts of your game are coming out of lockdown well and which need practice if possible.

I hope you are all looking forward to getting back out and playing.

Do let me know how your first game back goes.

To contact Ali visit his website at www.alitaylorgolf.com or check out his YouTube channel AliTaylorGolf for more free tips.