CHESHIRE’S golf clubs are disappointed with the Government’s decision to include them in a list of sports facilities forced to close during this month’s lockdown.

England Golf made a late bid to keep golf clubs open, but the Government opted not to make allowances other than for a few water-based sports under restrictions, such as fishing, canoeing, sailing and paddle boarding.

As a result, golf courses and driving ranges in Cheshire and across the country cannot reopen until Thursday, December 3 at the earliest.

Elizabeth Bridge, joint owner of Knutsford’s Heyrose Golf Club, understands the Government is in a difficult position, but is nonetheless frustrated.

She said: “If you can walk in a park, it’s quite safe to play golf.

“The average course is about 64 hectares and there can’t be more than 72 people playing at a time. There is plenty of space for social distancing.”

Darryl Cawthorne, general manager at Sandiway Golf Club in Northwich, shares the same frustration.

“Clubs have shown since the reopening we can do golf safely and sensibly – as far as I’m aware, there have been no outbreaks at golf clubs,” he said.

“The advice is very contradictory. It says to go out and take unlimited exercise, but you can’t do anything you want to do other than go for a walk in the park.”

However, after a summer of unprecedented usage of the golf course, Mr Cawthorne was able to see the positive side of having to close for a month.

He said: “The members have played and played and played, probably more so than ever before.

“From a course point of view, it’s good to give it a breather and let the staff get some work done.

“It is what it is, and it’s only four weeks – hopefully.”