Which golf clubs in the Harrogate area have re-opened to members?

A number of clubs in the Harrogate area including Pannal, Rudding Park, Oakdale, Knaresborough Ripon City and Scarcroft re-opened to members following a loosening of the Government’s coronavirus-enforced lockdown.

Members at Wetherby are scheduled to return to their course on Saturday.

Exercise has been prioritised in stage one of Boris Johnson's roadmap, aimed at bringing the nation back to normal as the global pandemic continues, with the playing of golf part of that.

England Golf, and lower down the authoritative chain, the Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs, have been attempting to create as much clarity for golf clubs and their members on who can play and when, ahead of the return to action.

Not all of the county’s near-200 clubs were able to re-open their doors immediately, with some requiring more time to get their courses ready for members.

But those that did, with the assistance of the Yorkshire Union, have done so with clear guidelines – and they are expecting a huge take-up in available tee-times.

“Together with information previously circulated, by a variety of organisations [PGA, England Golf etc], our affiliated clubs have been/will be able to produce a guide for golfers,” explained Jonathan Plaxton, the secretary of the Yorkshire Union.

“This guide makes clear that golf with someone [one person] from another household is allowed.

“It adds that we can either golf alone or with members of the same household, or with one person from another household.

“For the avoidance of doubt only two people should be in any group [two-ball] where two households are represented.

“The decision when to re-open each course is entirely the decision of each club.

“This will no doubt be affected by their readiness to operate safely and ensure compliance with social distancing rules."

Guidelines issued by individual clubs include advice on how to book tee times and pay course fees, as well as advice on washing clubs before arriving at the course and not shaking hands with playing partners before and after a round.

The only golf that Sadie Smith, Oakdale Golf Club junior captain, has been able to play during lockdown is a bit of chipping practice in the garden and some putting competitions in the house with her family.

“I can’t wait to get out of the house and return to golf on the course,” she said.

During lockdown, Oakdale has been making the most of closure by carrying out essential maintenance and keeping their greens and fairways cut ready for golf to resume.

James Thomas, Oakdale manager, added: “We are ready and eagerly waiting for the green light for golfing events on a larger scale but welcome this first step for individuals and households to get out and play.”