Golfers in Swindon have been back out on the fairways following changes to the rules around the coronavirus lockdown.

Broome Manor Golf Course reopened after a two-month hiatus with strict social distancing measures.

Director of golf Mark Sandry outlined the steps he’s taken to make it possible for golfers to resume playing.

He said: “It’s been a challenge. From Monday last week it was clear we could open on the Wednesday – it was all go from then.”

“We ordered screens, sanitiser, gloves, facemasks and ensure social distancing is taking place with floor markings.

“All of the steps we've taken have fallen in line with the government and PGA Golf.

"We are safe to open as long as we follow their guidance.”

The rules for players are all outlined in an email sent out the night before playing.

Mark added: “The flags and cups have been raised for putting so no one touches these things – when the ball hits the cup, they can pick up the ball and walk on.

“The rakes, bins and seating have been removed from the course.

“We have had to get extra staff in with extra cost, but we have been blessed with volunteers from the golf club to help with marshalling.”

Volunteers from the club have been hard at work raking bunkers and marshalling the golfers.

Golfer Dave Pym said: “We’ve arrived and did not come in to close contact with anyone and the one-way system is good.”

Mr Pym said that he was one of the lucky ones with the booking system, by only ringing twice and getting through to book a tee time.

“A friend of mine rang 360 times in one day to try and get a tee time,” he said.

Mr Sandry did acknowledge that there had been some teething problems with the booking system.

The driving range is open alongside the nine and 18-hole courses.

Mr Sandry said: “The driving range is a one-way system and have only opened the right-hand side.

“All the golf balls are disinfected daily so only one person, the player, will ever touch those golf balls in any day.

“The surfaces such as the contactless card machine are cleaned regularly.

"Once the customer finishes with their basket then they take it and place it in a barrel of disinfectant on their way out.

“I feel we have gone above and beyond for the customers, but we will keep reviewing and changing the rules, so they are subject to change at any time.

“The players are just happy to be back out.”