Derry golfers get back in the swing of things as courses in north open tomorrow

The Stormont Executive yesterday (Monday) confirmed that golf clubs across the north can follow their southern counterparts and reopen for members for the first time since March 24th in phase one of its five step Covid-19 response plan.

Inishowen clubs, North West, Buncrana and Ballyliffin Golf Club were among the clubs which reopened on Monday as normality began to be restored in the Republic and now clubs in the north have quickly followed suit.

And while clubs will only open for 'social golfing' as competitions are not yet permitted, Faughan Valley Golf Club owner David Forbes says he's just happy to open his doors again.

"It's good to hear," he said. "Obviously we knew we would get the go ahead to open this week. Scottish golf is open today, English golf has been open since last Wednesday and the Welsh golf is open as well, so it would have been a bit of an anomaly if golf in Northern Ireland wasn't to open.

"We're ready to go. We will be able to go from 10a.m."

It's been a difficult time for every golf club in Ireland and given courses were closed over Easter - one of the busiest periods in the golfing calendar - Mr Forbes admits it's been a stressful time.

"Naturally it has because you just don't know how long it was going to go on for. You assumed lockdown wouldn't last for too long but it just dragged on.

"And with golf you only have a limited season. You only have four or five good months to try and make a business.

"We lost the Easter season which would've been exceptional this year with the weather and even the May Bank Holiday weather was perfect so that's two really, really good periods of time.

"Easter week can be one of the busiest weeks for golf courses as a lot of people are on holidays.

"We have lost a fair chunk of the season so far so let's hope we can keep the weather right and get something out of the year."

The Golfing Union of Ireland released its protocol for a return to action which includes golfers should play in groups of no more than three players while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Members must also arrive at the club no more than 15 minutes before their allotted tee-times and leave the premises immediately after their round is finished.

And Mr Forbes insists his club at Faughan Valley has ensured they have everything in place to facilitate a safe return.

"Well the timesheet is open for Wednesday and already it's just been one call after another.

"You are only allowed three people every 14 minutes so it knocks you back a bit that way but it is what it is.

"We'll certainly abide with it for this period of time and hopefully it all works well for everyone.

"Basically the GUI has produced a protocol to do with tee times and the number of golfers who can be on the course at any one time.

"We've had to take the seats away so you can't sit down. We've also removed other course furniture such as distance markers and anything that people can touch has been removed already.

"Flags will remain in the hole. We've invested in a 'Putt Buddy' system where the ball can be retrieved from the hole without you having to touch anything.

"So there's different things that have to be brought in to ensure we adhere to the safety practices that are required."

Competitions are not yet permitted but that's expected to be part of phase two in the government's lockdown plan.

"There will be no competitions," said Mr Forbes. "It's just pure social golf for a period of time. You're probably looking at July before we can have competitions. There's no date yet but it's certainly a good month down the line.

"I think at this stage everyone is just happy to get back out, get a bit of fresh air and play a bit of golf. I don't think people will be too worried about not playing competitions at this stage."

And one positive during the Covid-19 lockdown is that it's allowed the fairways and greens to be well rested as they're now in pristine condition to welcome golfers back.

"The course is well rested and the fairways are fantastic," confirmed Mr Forbes. "It's in good order and it's been a good Spring for grass and we've had a good spell of weather so the course is nicely rested and ready to go now."