Jeburgh Golf Club welcomes a new membership surge

Courses across Scotland were able to welcome golfers back earlier this month after the initial lifting of restrictions in phase one of the government’s plan to gradually return to normal life from the still ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Now, the country is getting set to move in to phase two which will allow golf clubs to further ease restrictions on play as Jeburgh GC secretary Chris Page explained.

He said: “Initially during phase one, we only allowed two different households to play together, and as the rules have been relaxed slightly in to phase two we are now allowing three different households to play together.

“Add to this, we have now introduced a weekend club sweep which is a form of relaxed competition to give the golfers back a competitive edge without the strict rules of competition golf.

“Some other changes we have had to make include players being unable to touch the flagstick, temporary closure of the clubhouse and the removal of rakes from bunkers.

“All of this is to avoid cross contamination as much as possible.

“We have also put a reminder notice on to each flag stick of some temporary rules which on the course.

“The club has made visitors welcome seven days a week, but these visitors must use their own good judgement on travel restrictions and other limitations placed on them by the Scottish Government.

“Furthermore, the club has seen a huge uplift in new membership, with around 50 new members gained since the lockdown restrictions were lifted.

“This, I have no doubt, is largely because golf is one of the few sports that is currently permitted.

“The return of golf has been a huge boost to the club, and the course is busier than ever.

“Everyone understands the situation we have been in, and are now glad to be back playing golf.”