KNUTSFORD Golf Club will reopen its course for members from Wednesday.

The move follows the gradual, step by step, downscaling of coronavirus lockdown measures announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday night.

All golf clubs across England are permitted to welcome back players on a restricted basis.

This includes golfers only being allowed to play alongside others from their household, or on their own.

"We are in the process of reopening the course and resuming play in a limited way following the guidance and advice provided by golf's ruling bodies," said Knutsford Golf Club secretary Peter Gough.

"We expect to be able to play at 10 minute tee off intervals with members of our own household from Wednesday.

"Measures are in place to ensure members do not touch equipment like flags or rakes.

"All holes have liners in them so that balls do not drop to the bottom of the hole and can be retrieved easily."

Sessions need to be booked in advance for the nine-hole parkland course in Mereheath Lane.

"Tee-off times have to be booked online using our booking system," explained Peter.

"The clubhouse and halfway house are shut until further notice. There will be no contact with staff. It is "park and play" for members only, no visitors or societies."

Members will be advised of all the covid-19 safety rules in advance.

"Notices will go out to members tomorrow with clear instructions," said Peter.

"Reminder messages will be attached to all flags on the course and laminated posters will be displayed prominently to remind members of the rules which they need to follow."

England Golf served notice of the opportunity for golfers to get back into the swing after the Prime Minister's presentation on primetime television.

And England Golf have issued caution to all those looking to return to action.

"It is important to stress that this remains an extremely difficult situation throughout the UK and we are acutely aware that many lives have been lost to the Covid-19 pandemic," says a statement.

"The effects of the virus will continue to be felt for a long time to come.

"As a sport we must work together to resume play responsibly. We must ensure that the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved from golfers, to club staff and greenkeepers is maintained at all times.

"Golf clubs and golfers have observed the lockdown very well and must keep it up and act responsibly as play resumes."

The statement adds: "We recently provided documents giving guidance on operations and resuming play and golf clubs should consider this carefully as they restart their businesses.

"We also provided Essential Maintenance Guidelines to help greenkeepers to prepare their courses for play.

"We are seeking further clarification from the Government regarding other golf-related facilities.

"The pandemic has already had a substantial impact on golf clubs and venues and the focus will soon turn to trying to recover from the crisis. As a group we will continue to do all we can to provide support and guidance in that effort."