GOLFERS can return to courses across England from tomorrow.

Anglers and tennis players will be back in action too – all as long as venues have been officially reopened.

The Government's plan for gradual, small steps in the easing of coronavirus lockdown measures, first presented by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday and firmed up in a 50-page document yesterday, includes people being able to resume playing sports such as fishing, golf and tennis in a safe way that still involves social distancing.

Those taking part in these activities will only be able to do so with others from within their household, with one person outside their household, or on their own, in the continuing coronavirus pandemic.

On the golf scene, clubs in Northwich and the surrounding Cheshire area are now carefully considering how and when they can reopen for business safely.

Hartford Golf Club have confirmed the course and range will be open from 7am tomorrow to members and visitors.

As part of the Covid-19 safety precautions, payments will be by card, hole cups will be placed upside down to make it easier to retrieve balls, and bunkers should be raked by foot or club to avoid shared handling of rakes.

England Golf have issued caution to all those looking to return to action though.

"It is important to stress that this remains an extremely difficult situation throughout the UK and we are acutely aware that many lives have been lost to the Covid-19 pandemic," says a statement.

"The effects of the virus will continue to be felt for a long time to come.

"As a sport we must work together to resume play responsibly. We must ensure that the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved from golfers, to club staff and greenkeepers is maintained at all times.

"Golf clubs and golfers have observed the lockdown very well and must keep it up and act responsibly as play resumes."

The statement adds: "We recently provided documents giving guidance on operations and resuming play and golf clubs should consider this carefully as they restart their businesses.

"We also provided Essential Maintenance Guidelines to help greenkeepers to prepare their courses for play.

"We are seeking further clarification from the Government regarding other golf-related facilities.

"The pandemic has already had a substantial impact on golf clubs and venues and the focus will soon turn to trying to recover from the crisis. As a group we will continue to do all we can to provide support and guidance in that effort."