Courses Show Ingenuity to Prepare for Return of Golf

Golf courses across the UK have been closed since the government announced lockdown measures on March 23rd, as part of the ongoing battle against the coronavirus pandemic. However, that hasn't stopped our beloved venues preparing themselves for when they are permitted to reopen, displaying some ingenuity to ensure that the game can return safely.

Before the full restrictions were introduced, during the initial containment phase of the crisis, courses adopted several innovative concepts to encourage social distancing and reduce contact points, including the removal of bunker rakes, and hole cups being raised to negate the need to touch the pin when retrieving your ball.

Following The R&A's newly unveiled guidelines, we now have an understanding of what shape golf will take when it resumes, and those previous measures will undoubtedly remain in place for a significant period ahead. But some clubs have been going that little bit further to make certain that they are ready when the time is right.

Staff at revered Scottish Highlands institution, Brora Golf Club, which has benefited from a huge fundraising drive, have been working hard on creating a device that allows golfers to retrieve their ball from the hole without having to use their hands.

Getting ready for post lockdown golf. 17 more to go... pic.twitter.com/xaelPoC8Ge

— Brora Golf Club (@BroraGolfClub) April 29, 2020

Produced by a factory in Lancashire, similar has been manufactured in the southern half of the country.

Here’s a nice device, manufactured and made by golfers in a local factory in Blackburn, Lancashire.. no need for any players to touch the flag, simply lift with your putter and the ball falls away onto the green ???????????‍?? @EnglandGolf @Lancashiregolf #PrecisionGolf pic.twitter.com/LAhi731iTO

— Jack Brooks (@JackBrooksUna) April 30, 2020

pic.twitter.com/P5DyLgDG87

— Jack Brooks (@JackBrooksUna) April 30, 2020

Recommendations have suggested that bunker rakes shouldn't be on the course, that golfers are to smooth the sand as best they can with their clubs or feet, but longer term, there is merit to this idea at Garforth Golf Club.

One of our provisions to protect and #playsafestaysafe when golf returns , players can be provided with personal bunker rake #golf #safeguardtheplayer pic.twitter.com/loClxocgCT

— Garforth Golf Club (@GarforthGC) April 29, 2020

So, what do you think of these innovations? 

Ultimately, golf will only return when it is deemed safe for golfers and staff, but we appreciate the imagination and forward thinking displayed, which should offer confidence and peace of mind for when the game does resume. 

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