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.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here