THE county’s golf clubs are staying on alert to be able to open as soon as restrictions are eased.

The sport was able to adapt to stay active right up until the full lockdown was put in place on March 23.

And it is felt those measures will allow golf to be one of the first to get up and running when the government change the rules.

While many clubs have furloughed clubhouse staff, greenkeepers have been able to work and keep courses under control.

Philip Morley, general manager at North Oxford, said: “All the main playing areas we have been able to maintain with a skeleton staff.

“I would say we are at about a 75-80 per cent level, so as soon as we know we are coming back we can bring the other greenkeeping staff off furlough and tidy up round the edges.

“After what was probably the most brutal winter, we have had this amazing run of weather.

“The course is in excellent shape, so as far as that is concerned we are ready to go.

“There has been an indication we will get a few days’ advance notice, which would help us understand what we need to put in place.”

The measures brought in by clubs during March were all aimed at promoting social distancing and minimising contact.

It is likely to mean clubs only allow groups of two when play returns, while gaps between tee off times will be widened.

Flags are due to stay in the holes, which themselves will be filled in to some degree so players can retrieve their ball without touching the cup.

Rakes have been removed, with bunkers either deemed ground under repair or allowing golfers to pick and place, while clubhouses will be shut with the exception of toilet facilities.

It all means clubs are well set to open their doors when it is deemed safe.

David Milne, director at Hinksey Heights, believes it could be by the end of the month.

He said: “If the announcement was on a Sunday we could be open on Monday morning.

“There’s no reason why we couldn’t be up and running right away.

“We have to be ready, because nobody has made a penny in this last period.

“If there’s a classic sport for social distancing it’s golf. It gives you exercise physically and mentally.

“The courses in Ireland are going back in the middle of the month.

“We are remaining optimistic.”

One reason why clubs feel confident they will return shortly is in one area of the UK the sport has continued to be played.

The government in Jersey has permitted golf to be played, providing strict rules are followed.

And it is providing an example to follow.

Andrew Lawrence, general manager at Burford, said: “Most of the arrangements outlined by the various governing bodies are similar to what they have done in Jersey.

“We could go tomorrow with the course.

“It would be a case of putting the flags back and the tee markers out and we could get going.

“The key is whenever we get the green light it’s a case of safety first.”