Bentham golfers return to courses as Government eases some lockdown restrictions

In line with the changes in government policy relaxing restrictions on outdoor exercise, general manager Isabel Marshall announced the picturesque course in The Three Peaks re-opened to members on Wednesday and visitors from Saturday, May 16.

Strict guidelines are outlined on the course website in a ‘Play Safe, Stay Safe’ policy to ensure social distancing and stringent precautions. Anyone self-isolating or displaying COVID19 symptoms is not allowed to play.

The 1922 Bar & Kitchen clubhouse and facilities, including toilets, remain closed, along with the driving range and ‘stay and play’ glamping pods and holiday lodges.

The maximum number of visitors per tee-time is limited to two, with members permitted to play in groups of four from the same household only.

Where normally the course offers buggy and equipment hire, players will be required to use their own, and facilities around the course such as bunker rakes, ball washers and benches will not be made available. The hole cups have been raised for contact free ball collection.

Players are reminded they must always remain 2 metres apart, not touch stray balls, leave the flag untouched in the hole and not to shake hands at the end of a round.

Isabel explains: “We’re pleased that we are allowed to re-open the course for members and visitors to enjoy some much missed sporting exercise with us, but we must do this responsibly to protect our staff and the local community while we all remain vulnerable, so the 19th hole is definitely closed.”