These are the social distancing rules imposed as golf clubs reopen in the North East

Social distancing measures have been put in place as golf clubs across the North East reopen to members as lockdown restrictions ease.
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As the UK lockdown restrictions are eased slightly today (Wednesday, May 13) golfers are now able to head to course in the North East for the first time in over eight weeks.

But in order to protect members and staff, certain measures have been put in place. We’ve taken a look at the new rules at Whitburn, George Washington and Wearside golf clubs.

Whitburn Golf Club

Whitburn Golf Club re-opens with George Elsom on the course following new government lockdown relaxationsWhitburn Golf Club re-opens with George Elsom on the course following new government lockdown relaxations
Whitburn Golf Club re-opens with George Elsom on the course following new government lockdown relaxations
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The golf course, off Lizard Lane, has reopened with a special thank you for emergency service, NHS staff and carers, the club is offering a discounted membership for the rest of the year.

The £150 membership deal, which includes a £300 discount from the regular membership, will be available to all workers until the end of summer.

As the course reopens, social distancing measures have been put in place to help protect staff and golfers.

Ian McConnell, who has been treasurer at the golf club for more than 30 years, said: “At the moment the course will be operating to a maximum of 80% capacity for members and guests but not for unaccompanied golfers.

Whitburn Golf Club re-opens to its members with new government lockdown relaxationsWhitburn Golf Club re-opens to its members with new government lockdown relaxations
Whitburn Golf Club re-opens to its members with new government lockdown relaxations
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“Visitors will be coming in the future most likely from next week.”

These are some of the social distancing rules which have been imposed:

Members must pre-book a tee-time.

Flagsticks must remain in hole.

Buggies - only one person (plus one set of clubs) will be allowed in two-seater buggies.

Practice area will not be in use.

Locker rooms, trolley room and toilets will be open (subject to social distancing) from 7am up to 7pm. You may prefer to remove your golf bag and/or trolley to reduce the risk of social contact.

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The pro shop will be open from noon tomorrow (subject to social distancing).

The putting area will be open to practise, before teeing off only.

The clubhouse remains closed to members, except for a pre-booked appointment with a Club Official.

George Washington Golf Club

The club reopened this morning to members only. A spokesman for the club said: “It is great that we can play Golf again , however it is very restricted and is very reliant on every Member playing their part in ensuring we all Stay Safe with social distancing maintained at all times.”

New rules and protocols include:

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All members must have a booking and at the moment no visitors or member’s guests are allowed on the course.

There will be nine holes only and play will start from 1st and 10th tee to accommodate as many as possible.

Golfers must play on their own or as part of a family from the same household and currently living there.

All facilities are closed and there will be no access to the clubhouse, golf shop, toilets or locker rooms.

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The penalty for breaching the rules is a loss of membership. For more details about the rules click here.

Wearside Golf Club

The is nine holes only from the 1st and 10th at present.

Members must pre-book a tee-time – there are no guests allowed at this time.

Golfers must observe social distancing and must not mingle.

Groups restricted to 2 players maximum, at 10 minute intervals

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Arrive at the 1st tee no more than 5 minutes prior to the reserved tee time.

Clubhouse access is limited to locker rooms and toilets only.

Post-round players must return straight to their cars.

All practice areas are closed i.e academy course, practice area and netsFor the full list of rules click here

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