As the lockdown starts to ease, members of East Berkshire Golf Club are looking to return to their course as soon as possible, writes Dave Wright.

Golf is considered one of the safer sports as social distancing is possible without too much difficulty.

During the lockdown, the club in Ravenswood Avenue in Crowthorne has been closed, along with every other golf venue in the UK, and they will respect the 'play safe' code when play is able to resume.

The clubhouse facilities will remain closed and no guests or societies will be allowed to play.

“We are all desperately keen to get back on our course," says East Berkshire's general manager, David Cromie.

In-coming club captain Peter Spooner added: “We know how much our members have missed their golf and the social interaction it brings.

"We will have to wait for the social side to reopen and we will always follow the government guidance."

Cromie said members of the public have used the grounds for exercise during the lockdown.

"We hope this has helped local people during this difficult period and we thank them for respecting the course."

Club chairman Stuart Lowden commented: "When play starts again, the public will need to keep to the public footpaths. This is for their own safety as a golf ball can hurt."

The members-only club are hoping that some of those who exercised around the beautiful course will be encouraged to take up golf.

Details about membership are available from the club via phone (01344

772041) or email - office@eastberkshiregolfclub.com It is expected most clubs will insist on tee times being pre-booked and players will need to arrive shortly before they start and leave as soon as rounds are completed.

Clubs will be encouraging social matchplay rather than strokeplay competitions, with the usual practice of swapping scorecards not allowed.