Dear Industry Colleague,

It is wonderful to be able to play golf again and to be able to offer customers the opportunity to get out on the course having been locked down tight for seven weeks. There are many restrictions in this new method of operating: some are better, and some not so helpful.

It has also been extremely encouraging that for the main part, the various golfing bodies; UK Golf Federation, R&A, PGA, BIGGA, GCMA, BGIA, and the regional home unions have all worked fairly harmoniously together to get a reasonable set of rules to operate under during these difficult times.

In our lead article, we show how our own course at Basildon has coped with the new restrictions. Some of the signage included in the article maybe useful to other operators, as the wording has already been gratefully distilled from a number of golf course operations.

For some, it has been difficult to operate in such a completely different style; just a few weeks ago we were encouraging all to stay and to spend more time and money - now we want golfers to come, spend their money, but then leave quickly and without fuss afterwards.

Whilst we are all grateful to be trading at all, many long for the days when they can enjoy all aspects of their particular golf establishment, playing in the format of their choosing and enjoying food and drink before or after they play. Thank goodness the weather has been good.

Best wishes Colin Jenkins

(07768) 887033