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Golf clubs get back into the swing of things post-lockdown

The 19th hole may still be out-of-bounds but the fairways were full at Oxley Park Golf Club yesterday.

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The Wolverhampton-based club were delighted to see members back in the swing following the end of the second national lockdown

Tee times were in short supply as golfers eagerly headed out after being unable to play for a month.

With Wolverhampton having been placed in Tier 3 of the government’s Covid restrictions the clubhouse at Oxley remains closed, but captain Andy Lavill was happy to see plenty of action out on the course.

“There were plenty of bookings yesterday and the weekend looks very busy as well,” said Lavill, who has been a member of the club for over 10 years.

“It’s a relief to be able to open the course up again and see people out there enjoying a round of golf.

“The greenstaff worked really hard during the last lockdown on their winter programme to get things ready and the course looks in great condition.

“It has obviously been a tough year and the lockdowns have impacted on us as they have with other clubs.

“But everyone has really pulled together at the club and hopefully things will pick up and we can get back to normal next year.

“What we want now is to be able to open up the clubhouse, so we are keeping our fingers crossed for the government update on December 16 and hoping that the area is brought out of Tier 3.”

Golf enjoyed a boom following the first lockdown earlier this year and Lavill is hoping that will continue.

“When we came out of the first lockdown in the summer there was quite an interest in playing and we also saw a lot of younger people taking up the sport,” he said. “They might have played football or cricket before and decided to give golf a go. And if they continue to play and decide to join then it will be good for the club’s future.

“It’s a very friendly and very welcoming club and visitors and new members are always welcome here.”