Our golf courses are out of bounds, warns Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes clubs

Both Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes Golf Clubs have warned against travelling to either play golf, or walk dogs, on their courses in strongly worded Facebook posts.

Kirkcaldy has also confirmed that the club is liaising with Police Scotland and that any necessary action will be taken against those ignoring the rules.

"Unfortunately we are finding an increased amount of visitors to the golf course at the moment," read the Kirkcaldy Golf Club statement.

"To be clear, the clubhouse, practice facilities and golf course are closed until further notice.

"We ask dog walkers and those people choosing the course as a walking route for their daily exercise to remember that you SHOULD NOT be travelling by car to the golf course.

"It is also vital you keep dogs and children under control and remain off of the greens and tees which may have chemicals on them while our green staff continue to maintain the golf course by undertaking essential maintenance.

"Their safety is paramount and should not be coming into contact with others on the golf course.

"Kirkcaldy Golf Club are liaising with Police Scotland to monitor the situation and will fully back any action taken upon those found ignoring the rules. Member or not."

Glenrothes Golf Club also expressed dismay at those breaking the rules, particulalry those guilty of "hacking up" the golf course.

"Golfing is not an essential activity and we understand the difficulties and disruption this has caused to our lives and businesses, but the action is absolutely necessary, for one very simple reason and that is to save lives, slow the spread of this disease and protect our NHS," its statement read.

"It is with deep regret that we have been informed that people are defying these instructions. And not only defying these instructions but ‘hacking up’ the golf course in areas.

"Maintenance continues to be carried out on the course, in preparation of when we can re-open, which also means there are greenkeeping staff who do not have the luxury of ‘staying at home’.

"Those greenkeepers should be the ONLY ones on the course, with the exception of the Professional and Greens Convener who have also been tasked with assisting in the maintenance and checking of the course to ensure that no one is flouting these rules.

"We are aware of an influx of local people walking their dogs on the course as part of their daily exercise and although this is not advocated, dogs should always be kept on a lead, you should clear up after your dog and not allow them near the bunkers or greens (this is essential to protect your pets due to chemicals used) but in NO circumstances should you, in accordance with the instructions given, DRIVE to the golf course to exercise either yourself or your pets.

"These rules must be observed, we will 100 per cent back Fife Golf Trust on any action they wish to take that they deem necessary. The Police also have the authority to issue fines, and although I am sure you will agree they have enough to contend with at the moment.

"The sooner we all comply, the sooner we can resume some normality and get back to the sport we love."