A ‘great buzz’ surrounds golf as sport make a comeback

Last week’s easing of restrictions saw our fairways and greens opened again and, with the sun beating down across the area, conditions were near perfect for the sport to resume.

Sometimes you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone, and those lucky enough to be back out for a hit appeared determined to do their bit, stick to guidance and protect against any resurgence of coronavirus.

Social distancing guidelines were observed, as were club instructions on hygiene.

North East Fife MP Wendy Chamberlain urged those who have returned to their courses to continue to lead by example.

She said: “As the lockdown eases and people return to their favourite pastime, maintaining social distancing as they do, this comes as a huge boost to clubs and golfers.

“Golfers can set the example for other sports and hobbies, exemplifying how we may continue our business while staying safe and following the rules and guidance.” Courses opened again at first light last Friday with golfers heading to the first tee from as early as 5.30am.

Amongst those out early was Scottish Golf COO Karin Sharp.

Karin, who is also match secretary at Kirkcaldy Golf Club, hailed those around the country who had helped make courses look so splendid for members. “The greenkeepers and volunteers the length and breadth of the country are to be congratulated for their hard work, under essential maintenance guidelines in preparing for golfers to return,” she said.

With the majority of courses only allowing access at the moment for members, Karin said a knock-on, and welcome, effect has been a surge in membership numbers for some clubs.

She added: “We’ve been seeing lots of good news stories coming into Scottish Golf.

“From a membership renewal perspective it has been really positive, but equally we’ve had so many golf clubs telling us that they have had lots of new member enquiries and conversions, so that is great for the sport as well.

“There’s a great buzz about the sport just now and I think that’s something for the club’s to build on.

“Not just during the COVID-19 impact, but for the last few years now, many golf clubs have struggled, so it’s been great to hear all the positivity and the opportunities through membership enquiries that it will generate.”

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