GOLFERS in the West Midlands have been quick to get back into their swing following the easing of lockdown restrictions.
Courses across the region have seen a massive uptake in golfers coming for socially-distancing rounds.
Beverley Haynes, owner of Stratford Park Hotel and Golf Course, said she has been surprised by how quickly bookings have come in since the restrictions were changed.
“We have seen a massive uptake in people booking games since the rules were changed this week, and already spaces for the next few weeks are filling up quickly.
“Although we have seen a lot of interest from people wanting to come and play golf, it still feels eerily quiet onsite, as golfers are only allowed on the putting green two at a time and the driving range and hotel, bar and restaurant all remain closed.
“We’re also advising people to arrive only ten minutes before their start time, with one person at a time allowed inside to check in and buggies are only available for one person.
“Because this is an outside activity and there’s plenty of space for people to distance, we are confident that these measures make the game safe for visitors
“The course is open for both members and visitors and so far, the reopening has been very well-received with people enjoying being able to safely get back to the sport they love.
“We’ll be constantly reviewing and updating these measures as we receive advice from the government, health authorities and the sport’s governing bodies but currently, we look forward to seeing golfers being able to safely get back to the game.”
Helen Peters, the Chief Executive of Shakespeare’s England, the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for South Warwickshire welcomed the opening of the courses.
She added: “As we enter the next stage of the pandemic and sports such as golf can start to reopen with social distancing regulations in place, it’s a great opportunity for people to enjoy some respite from these difficult times.
“We are slowly heading towards the restart stage for tourism businesses, so allowing golfers to safely return to the sport will be a welcomed financial boost for our members and golf courses across the region as well as a boost to golfers personal well-being.
“Our priority as the DMO for south Warwickshire is to support local tourism as a whole and specifically our members, and to encourage people to support their local businesses and attractions once it is safe to do so.”
Visit www.shakespeares-england.co.uk/ for more information on golf courses across Warwickshire that have reopened.
