ELSHAM TO THE FORE WITH SAFE GOLF

Golf is one game in the Brigg area that is in full swing after non-contact outdoor sports were given the green light on the recent easing of some lockdown restrictions.
Initially as clubs opened for play, most courses were open for members only with a pre-booked tee-time also a requirement, writes Elsham Golf Club's Peter Thompson.
A strict set of rules has been drawn up by England Golf to keep everyone safe, sane and sanitised!
Elsham is 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 everyone in the sport is "conscious of the continued impact of the pandemic and that lives are still being lost".
He added however that golf has a "small part to play" in the nation's wellbeing.
He 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. 3
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.
Golf is a different game in a number of ways but thankfully less changed than many golfers envisaged while getting a longer lie in during lockdown.
Elsham captain Bob Adcock said:  “The latest estimate seems to be that the UK will be free of Covid-19 by 30th September, so social distancing and therefore the tee booking system will probably be with us for some time to come. When we set out to reopen 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. Thanks to Colin Hopper our Head Greenkeeper and his staff 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. So we aim to ‘Play Safe, Stay Safe and Enjoy.’
Pictured: Holes on the greens with upside down 'flagstick cups' that enable the golfers to retrieve their balls without touching the flag.  Image from Peter Thompson.