Preston golfers return to courses as Government eases some lockdown restrictions

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, clubs across the United Kingdom were forced to close their courts as the country went into lockdown

But following prime minister Boris Johnson relaxation of some restrictions, the sport can be played once more although strict conditions have been put in place.

Golf is a game that lends itself to social distancing and this means amateur hackers can reacquaint themselves with their clubs and courses as early as this Wednesday, albeit not in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - where different restrictions apply.

For the time being, the traditional friendly fourball is a thing of the past. Government rules say exercise can only be taken with members of the same household or with one other person from a different household.

For golf, this means playing on your own or with one other person or within your family group.

Most venues will insist on tee times being pre-booked and players will need to arrive shortly before they start, and leave as soon as rounds are completed.

Clubs will be encouraging social matchplay rather than strokeplay competitions, and the usual practice of swapping scorecards is not allowed.

There will also be no touching of the flag - golfers will not be able to putt into an empty cup

England Golf CEO Jeremy Tomlinson welcomed the game's safe return.

He said: "Wasn’t it fantastic to think about those words again today as golf courses all over England re-opened for play?

"It was great feeling to wake up this morning knowing that the majority of our golf clubs were ready to take down that dreaded ‘Course Closed’ sign.

"Whether it’s going out with a member of your household or meeting up with a pal again, being able to play social golf will undoubtedly lift the mood of our golfing community.

"The reality now, of course, is that there is more hard work on the horizon.

"The threat from COVID-19 is also still very real and there is a huge onus on all of us to make sure we 'Stay Alert' and don’t become complacent.

Our 'Play Safe, Stay Safe' message has resonated with golfers over the past few weeks and it’s crucial that everyone continues to act responsibly.

Health remains the priority and we cannot take our eye off the ball and put strain back on the NHS and frontline workers who deserve our support and backing now more than ever."