Golfers across Northern Ireland had a “spring in their step” on Thursday as the region took its next gradual steps out of lockdown.
Following the return of the first children to school last month, the latest relaxation of the restrictions means up to six people from no more than two households are permitted to meet outdoors in a private garden.
Ten people, from no more than two households, are able to participate in outdoor sporting activities while click-and-collect purchases are now allowed from garden centers and plant nurseries.
Golf courses reopened for the first time since December 26, however clubhouses remained closed as part of the Stormont Executive’s gradual emergence from lockdown.
At Shandon Park Golf Club in east Belfast, the first golfers arrived at 6.30am to snap up their pre-booked 7am slot to tee off.
The club’s general manager Marianne Hood said the bright, sunny start to the day added to the good feeling as their golfers returned.
“Everyone has got a spring in their step, it helps that the weather is so good and the course has been looked after so well during closure,” she said.
“We officially teed off at 7am but the first were here at 6.30am just to make sure they didn’t miss one minute.
“It’s great to see players back on the course. For physical health and emotional health and wellbeing it is so important.”
The club has 1,000 members, including 800 who play as well as social members.
Players went out in pairs to play just nine holes instead of the full 18 so that as many members as possible could book a round.
“Normally a round of golf has got four people, which is called a four ball, but because of the restrictions they are only playing two balls,” she said.
“We’re only playing nine holes instead of the normal 18, and that’s to facilitate as many members as possible getting out.
“The clubhouse is closed too. It is different, on a normal day we would have a lot more golfers but the restrictions allow just two people at a time.”