GOLFERS in the Vale of Clwyd are still able to take to the course... as long as they follow guidelines.

Due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, Denbigh Golf Club's clubhouse has closed its doors for the foreseeable future.

However, the golf club remains open for play adopting the government health guidelines to all who wish to take to the course.

The club stresses that whilst outside on the course, the dangers are very low.

Players are reminded to observe the distance rule with their fellow competitors to avoid contact with other players' equipment.

The course, locker rooms and toilets will remain open for members' use with the usual caveat to people of keeping their distance.

The shop will also be open to enable members to check in.

Should players wish to enter the pro-shop, then it is imperative that they wash their hands thoroughly, as advised nationally, prior to entering the area and maintaining a safe distance from others within the building.

The club has issued a further rule that the pin on the green should not be touched and it has to be left in place at all times throughout the game.

In addition, the greens staff have inserted stoppers at the base of the pin which will prevent the ball falling to the bottom of the cup, thus allowing players to recover the ball after holing out without reaching and touching the cup itself.

This is contrary to the rules of the game, but it provides an added safeguard to players during these difficult times.

The clubhouse itself is now strictly out of bounds and thus there will be no provision for social gathering within the premises.

With the improving weather and the course having dried out remarkably, the members are appreciative of the opportunity to play even with the restrictions.

If anybody has any symptoms, they are told to stay at home and not to go to the club to play golf.

A new addition to the staff last autumn to assist in the pro shop was Nigel Roxbrough, who many will know as the former chef and front of house manager at the Brookhouse Mill.

Nigel, a low handicap player, undertook his duties under the direction of the professional Ben Brierley, but soon found his energies directed at areas of the course he remembers as more open.

With the support of the greens committee and the ground staff, he undertook to clear the dense vegetation between the fourth and 17th fairways, restoring it to its former habitat of wild flowers and open aspect.

"Our thanks to all who assisted as the club is indebted to its volunteer members force as a number of areas have been enhanced, to the benefit of nature and members alike," said a club spokesman.

"We look forward to the restoration of large areas of bluebells which will soon be visible and later on to the wild orchids that once were more evident.

"Besides an area of recreation, it remains an area of conservation and hopefully enhances the experience of all who tread the fairways.

"Our thanks to Nigel for the first steps taken and to the many who gave of their time."