DELIGHTED golfers are back in the swing  after two months of lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Members of Whinhill Golf Club hope that yesterday's re-opening, under the new management of Inverclyde Leisure, will mean a bright future ahead for their club.

Secretary John Lawrence was swift to praise everyone involved in getting the course ready.

He told the Telegraph: "I feel great about it and the membership seems to be going well.

"We have 170 members, it would have been 200 if we hadn't lost all those weeks.

"Members have been asking for weeks and weeks, 'when are we going to get back?' and 'when will we see each other?'

"The social distancing regulations are very well set out.

"It's been really well organised."

John thanked Stewart Burns, course manager, for working around the clock to ensure everything was ready in time, Gary Havlin, who runs the junior section, and Ian Cairns at Inverclyde Council.

He says the club has been in constant contact with bosses at IL, who took over the management of the golf course from Inverclyde Council and of the clubhouse, from the club, on April 1.

A spokesman for Inverclyde Leisure said an email was sent to club members giving them details of how to book tee off times and outlining all the specific safety guidelines.

Information for casual golfers will also be published on the IL website in the coming days as it is not possible to just turn up and play a round.

Councillor Jim Clocherty said: “It’s been a long, hard 10 weeks or so of lockdown and the reopening of local golf clubs, including the municipal course at Whinhill, will be a welcome distraction for many.

“The chance to get out and enjoy some fresh air while playing a few holes will only benefit the physical and mental wellbeing of local golfers.

“However, I urge people to follow the safety advice, especially the two-metre physical distancing rules, which remain in place, and continue to maintain good hand hygiene.

“Golfers should also book tee times in advance to avoid congestion.

“Further advice and information will be published in due course for members and casual golfers and I encourage them to read over this before enjoying their round.”