Elsham GC moves into a ‘transitional stage’

Initially as clubs opened for play, most courses were open for members only with a pre-booked tee-time also a requirement.

A strict set of rules has been drawn up by England Golf to keep everyone safe, sane and sanitised.

Elsham Golf Club are one club working under the new guidelines.

As well as staying two metres apart, players are asked to be extra vigilant with hand hygiene. They cannot share equipment, only pick up their own ball and not remove green flags during play.

Bunker rakes are a thing of the past-at least for the moment.

As are traditional handshakes at the end of a round.

David Rickman, the R&A’s executive director of governance, said “We are fortunate that golf lends itself to social distancing, so by making a few relatively small changes to the rules and the environment in which we play, we can make it safe for golfers.”

At Elsham ‘two balls’ for members only were the system at the outset.

This has now been altered to three balls and hopefully is set to change again to experimental four balls.

Tournaments are only now being introduced but beyond regulations for the moment are matches with other clubs.

Putting, by general consent, is a little more difficult.

The flag must remain in the hole where there is an upside down ‘flagstick cup’ that enable the golfers to retrieve their balls without touching the flag.

Elsham captain Bob Adcock said: “The latest estimate seems to be that the UK will be free of Covid-19 by September 30, so social distancing and therefore the tee booking system will probably be with us for some time to come.

“When we set out to re-open we stressed it is crucial that the tee times are adhered to, as they have been since we reopened,

“We have moved to a ‘transitional stage’, with the club looking to return to playing medal and club competitions as soon as possible.”

Elsham is moving forward in a number of ways with a new practice area without the need to collect your own balls and the club’s new website will be up and running next month.

Head greenkeeper Colin Hopper and his staff are making sure the course is in magnificent condition after its enforced rest.

Even in these challenging times Elsham is still looking to improve and continue to move forward.