Golf and tennis kick-off sports return

The dos and don’ts of outdoor exercise have been tweaked this week – paving the way for some sport clubs to reopen and claw back lost income.

Golfers can now either play solo, with up to three other members of the same household, or as a pair with one person they don’t live with. The Cave Hotel & Golf Resort – formerly known as Boughton Golf Club – is reopening its course on Saturday to both members and those wanting to pay-and-play. Johnathan Callister, the venue’s chief executive, says the set-up it is “not ideal” but is adamant the course can adhere to the new rules. “The safety of our staff is paramount and we are in the process of having screens fitted around our counters,” he said.

“We also expect a delivery of all masks and PPE for our team this week. The hole cups have been made deliberately shallow and turned upside down so players need only touch the golf ball when retrieving it from the hole. Mr Callister stresses players must pre-book and arrive at the course 10 minutes before play. The clubhouse will remain shut and the onus will be on players to smooth over sand in bunkers with their feet.

If a pair lose a ball, they are advised to let the group behind through in order to avoid “highly problematic” queueing, and following the final putt on the 18th hole, golfers must prepare to leave the course and return to their cars “immediately”.

All golf clubs, at which greenkeepers have been keeping the fairways in tiptop condition throughout the lockdown period, are discouraging any socialising and stress that all players must remain two metres apart. The driving range at Boughton is also reopening but in a revised format. Meanwhile, Canterbury and Chestfield Golf clubs reopened to members only yesterday (Wednesday). Tennis clubs have been given the go-ahead to bring their outdoor courts back into use for singles matches and doubles, but only if all four players are from the same household. Players are advised to mark their balls with initials so only they pick up and serve with their own set. Clubs across the district are not rushing to reopen this week, with many seeking further clarification from the Lawn Tennis Association over safety factors such as the close proximity of players during net play. Bosses at Herne Bay Tennis Club are holding a committee meeting today (Thursday) to discuss reopening. They said: “Obviously, we would like to be able to get members back on court as soon as we can but safety remains our primary concern and if we move towards any level of reopening we need to make sure this is handled responsibly.”

While non-contact sports begin to slowly restart, the day rugby returns is still a long way away. Canterbury Rugby Club has missed out on between £80,000 and £100,000 after being forced to cancel their end-of-season events.