UNTIL people were told to stay at home on Monday, golf was one of few sports still being played during the coronavirus outbreak.

While the professional tours had already stopped to avoid mass gatherings of supporters, club golf continued.

However, it wasn’t quite as normal, and players had to adhere to strict conditions from governing body, the R&A. Without question, all golfers had to remain at least two metres apart at all times, and they had to avoid contact with any communal objects.

There was no contact with the flagstick, while there were no rakes in the bunkers.

Despite playing on, golf clubs were already making plans for a shutdown. Hexham Golf Club announced that all social functions would be suspended, while regular events, such as the season opening drive-in for captains, would not take place during this unprecedented year.