THE sun shone on March 29, when Enmore Park Golf Club re-opened following three months of lockdown, and members were allowed back out on the fairways, writes Richard Walsh.

The course looked magnificent, the views were stunning and many members enjoyed birdies on the greens that were all in brilliant condition.

Henriette Hayden, who was first out at 7am, said: “This morning it was was fabulous to be first out!

“The weather was calm and mild, early morning birdsong heavenly - a great accompaniment to playing golf, and of course, so lovely to see friends again (at a distance)!”

After enjoying her round, Jane Driver - who was also in the first group - said: “I was thrilled to be asked if I wanted to join Tim and Henriette Hayden for a game today, albeit at 7am!

“It was just so lovely to be out playing golf again.”

Rob Fear, who also played on Monday, said: “The club manager and the board worked hard to ensure everything was in place for members to select a tee time to play.

“The greenstaff have done a fantastic job to prepare the golf course ready for play amidst many weather challenges during lockdown.

“Now is the time to enjoy the golf game with hopefully no more interruptions!”

Leighton Townsend celebrated his return to the course on Tuesday by getting a hole in one on the 12th.

Townsend (pictured) said: “It was lovely to be out and playing golf and, of course, to see friends again.”

Regarding his ace, the 7.1-handicapper said: “It was a great thrill, I have to say.

“It was on the 12th hole where I played a 6 iron.

“It made returning to our wonderful golf course once again even more of a pleasure.

“Gary [Cook] and his team have done a wonderful job on the course.

“Let’s all hope the lockdowns are firmly behind us, and we can look forward to many years of golf at the club.”

Looking to the future, Enmore has taken delivery of a 18x9m marquee with all the furniture, courtesy of a grant from England Golf, to overcome the difficulties of trading under Covid-19 restrictions and provide the club with assets that it would benefit from in the long term.

Initially the marquee will be used for catering on a safe, socially distanced basis, for the period that inside catering is still banned.

In the long term it will be used for parties, weddings and various other celebrations without impacting the other clubhouse facilities.

If anyone is interested in discussing a possible celebration in the future, they can call Simon Rendle (club manager) on 01278 672100.