Golf clubs in the locality have been welcoming back members following recent Welsh Government announcements and the revision of certain Covid-19 related restrictions.

Clubs have been advised to make sure that they have sufficient protocols in place to adhere to guidelines set out, to allow for a managed and co-ordinated reintroduction of golf across Wales from this week.

The guidelines set out by Wales Golf on its website in line with Government regulations state that - exercise should be done locally, which means people cannot drive to exercise outside their local area; people also cannot exercise with anyone other than a member of their own household.

Trefloyne Manor - whose ‘Dawn Chorus’ team of caterers have been busy during the pandemic kindly preparing meals for frontline NHS staff - was one of the first to re-open its courses in Pembrokeshire on Saturday strictly to club members only - with the underlying message, that anyone who doesn’t play the game - can’t play the game.

“We’re all thrilled to have the opportunity to restart golf at Trefloyne, but staying safe is paramount - so stick to the few simple rules at all times and we’ll all stay healthy and enjoy playing again,” said the Club’s press officer Graham Willcocks.

“The rules will inevitably change and develop as things move forward, and if any member wants to make a suggestion, please do.

“For now the golf is only for exercise, and it’s all non-competitive. Hopefully as the weeks pass we can start some form of weekly roll-up, but for now we’re just thrilled to have made a start.

“There was no shortage of players turning up to play on Saturday, and the atmosphere was surprisingly quiet and calm, with just a hint of muffled euphoria.

“Standing on the first tee you can’t help but notice just how well the course looks. It’s in incredible shape - fairways are neat and tidy, the greens are in lovely condition and the first and second cuts of rough are well defined.

“Head greenkeeper Matt Whittock has done a tremendous job and given heart and soul to keeping things moving forwards - mowing, seeding, top dressing, weeding and generally keeping the course in absolutely wonderful condition. He really is a star.

“He’s also had some invaluable help from Ryan Townsend and George Taylor, both of whom have worked really hard and done a great job. Then there’s the dedicated band of members turning up every Tuesday to work on the bunkers - always socially distancing, naturally,” continued Graham.

“Having taken all that in, we stood on the first tee and looked towards the green. A somewhat tentative start, let’s say, but once we’d remembered which end of the stick to hold and we’d managed to overcome the constraint of having to deal with muscles that had long since been forgotten, it didn’t take long to get right back into the swing!

‘To be honest, the golf wasn’t wonderful, but it was wonderful!

“My companion and I halved our informal game, and nobody we encountered seemed at all concerned about how well or how badly they were doing. In fact there was twice the laughter you’d normally hear out there on the course.

“Everyone you met just seemed pleased to be back at Trefloyne. And that’s really the point. It may have been just another Saturday, but it was a red letter day that engendered good humour and optimism - because we’re back on course!” said Graham.

Some of the restrictions set out at Trefloyne apart from the obvious social distancing rules that apply, include - single players only (unless you play with one other person from your own household); booking a tee time in advance; strictly one person to a buggy which must be booked and paid for in advance; don’t touch anything on the course (no sitting on benches).

The holes have been doctored so the ball won’t drop, so don’t touch the flags, whilst bunker rakes have been removed so players can smooth over marks in the sand with their clubs or your feet, like the good old days!

Everything else at Trefloyne is closed - the bar, restaurant, pro-shop and changing room facilities. Toilets, can be used by players but literally only in an emergency as the area has to be sanitised after each use, and there are no housekeeping staff around.

Tenby Golf Club - widely regarded as the birthplace of Welsh Golf after being established in 1888 will also reopen this Wednesday (May 20) with members able to tackle the classic 18-hole links course once again, under the guidelines provided by golf’s ruling bodies and the Welsh Government.

“We are pleased to say we will be re-opening on Wednesday. Golf is great exercise in the open air and is a non contact sport, so we are very pleased that this phased return to the game has started,” said Tenby Golf Club secretary David Hancock.

“Golf in Wales will initially have to be played by one person only - or two players from the same household. There are also other rules on social distancing etc that have to be observed for the safety of members and staff alike.

“These include bookable tee times only at 10 minute intervals; arriving at the tee no more than five minutes before the tee time; and leaving as soon as you have finished playing. Obviously the Clubhouse remains closed for the time being.

“There are also a number of changes on the golf course itself in order that golf can be played without touching surfaces. The flags will be left in, but the ‘cup’ will be inverted so that the ball strikes it and does not drop into the hole, therefore there is no need to touch the flagstick whilst playing.

“Golf will be on a social basis only to begin with no competitions being staged.

“The golf course is looking in great condition and members are obviously very keen to get out and start golfing again following their enforced lay off as the tee sheet is fully booked from 7.30 am until 6.30 pm for the first day,” he added.Tenby member Des Stone remarked: “You could hear the cheers from all areas around Tenby when members received the news from the club that the course would re-open on Wednesday. There must have been some early risers last Saturday morning, eager to access Masterscoreboard just to get names down to play. “It would have been rather like phoning the surgery to make an appointment to see the doctor. The golf course offers the cure, giving everyone the chance to get rid of all the frustrations built up over the last couple of months.”“Of course, there are restrictions and almost everyone will be playing the course all on their own, with one member a hole in front and one a hole behind, making sure that they don’t come anywhere near each other. For these first few rounds that will not matter. The chance to be out in the fresh air and able to hit a full drive, wherever the ball lands, will be reward enough. The opportunity for companionship and competition will come later,” he said.As of Monday golf also returned to Heatherton World of Activities, with the popular 18-hole pitch and putt par 63 course and nine-bay driving range re-opening.

All other activities, including the adventure golf, remain closed at the venue until further notice.

“It’s very important to keep our customers and staff safe, so social distancing and health and safety measures are in place, in accordance with Government guidelines,” said a spokesperson for Heatherton.

“The course and driving range will be closely monitored to ensure these rules are adhered to.

“For the pitch and putt - all Government social distancing and Wales Golf rules apply. “Players should familiarise themselves with these measures at www.walesgolf.org/covid-19/

“People playing together must be from the same household, and please bring your own clubs, balls, hand sanitiser and gloves.

“Hole cups have been flipped to avoid having to reach in for the ball, with the benches out of use and bin lids removed. Tee-off times must be booked in advance.

“On arrival at Heatherton please use our hand-sanitising station and follow the clearly displayed social distancing and hygiene instructions, which must be adhered to throughout your visit.”