Everything you need to know as South Shields Golf Club prepares to reopen

As part of a 50-page plan for lifting lockdown restrictions across the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced golf courses, tennis and basketball courts would be permitted to reopen on Wednesday, May 13.

As it prepares to welcome back putters, South Shields Golf Club (SSGC) has carried out a Covid-19 risk assessment and introduced its own guidelines to protect the health and wellbeing of its staff, members and the general public.

In a letter to members, the committee said: “Our prime concern is allowing our membership to play in a safe environment.

“The key principle is that you must observe social distancing of two metres. We realise that the entire golf industry is under probation and scrutiny from the public with the Government and we cannot afford for any breaches or infringements of this partial relaxation of the lockdown.

“These rules are unfortunately necessary to protect us all. However, we want you to enjoy the freedom of golf outdoors. Please act responsibly with respect to your fellow members, our staff, and the public. Please stay alert, protect yourself and save lives.”

Follow live coronavirus updates here

This what you need to know:

- Throughout May and June the club will be open to members only. This will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and visitors introduced appropriately.

- All tee times must be booked in advance. You can only book yourself in and only pre-book three times a week.

- Two balls will play at 10 minute intervals – a member can play with another member from your household or one person from another household.

- There can be no large groups congregating anywhere on the grounds.

- Tee times will be available from 6.30am and the last round must be completed by 9.45pm.

- You should arrive in the car park no more than 15 minutes before your tee time.

- Sanitation stations have been placed outside each locker room.

- Players must book in via the Pro Shop or office window and queue as per the markings.

- Membership cards must be shown.

- Buggies will not be available for rent, members can use their own but must not share buggies.

- Locker room and toilet access is limited to two people at time (it is recommended you wear a face covering inside).

- The first tee can only be accessed by the path behind the putting green.

- White lines are placed at 2.5 metre intervals – don’t proceed forward until the space in front is clear.

- The putting green is only in use for the two groups waiting immediately prior to those on the tee (maximum four people).

- The practise ground is out of use at present.

- On the course, stop at the designated white line if the tee is occupied.

- After your round you should leave straight away and take your clubs and trolley home.

For more information and the full code of conduct visit the website

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.

How to subscribe to the print edition

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.