GOLF courses in South Ayrshire are set to be playable again from Friday.

South Ayrshire Council have confirmed the return to golf in the area following First Minister Nicola Sturgeon allowing the gradual easing of lockdown measures from Thursday, May 28.

Courses will open their doors again to keen golfers, but there will be strict measures put in place to allow facilities to operate safely.

Golfers can only play up to two rounds per week to allow fair access and ensure social distancing requirements are maintained.

Courses will be open for social play only and tee times will also be restricted.

Full season ticket memberships will remain suspended and a temporary, new Flexi-Membership scheme will be introduced.

Golfers have been advised to play at their nearest course to comply with current travel restrictions.

Councillor Brian McGinley, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure said: “Golfers will be delighted to hear that our courses are reopening, particularly as we are experiencing some fantastic golfing weather.

“I can’t stress enough, however, that we are not back to business as usual and it is important that everyone works with us to ensure our facilities can re-open safely in line with current COVID-19 advice.

"This means observing the new measures we have put in place to ensure social distancing.

“We want to make sure that people have fair access to our courses, so we ask that enthusiastic golfers appreciate why, to be considerate of fellow players, we can only allow flexi-golf members to book two tee times per week.

"Of course, we’ll review this depending on demand at courses.

“Our courses are in excellent condition and I’d like to thank the staff who have worked exceptionally hard in recent weeks to maintain them.

"I know that lots of local people have enjoyed visiting the courses as part of their daily exercise routine and they are still welcome, however I would urge walkers to keep to the footpaths and take care when golf is being played.”

For more information please visit www.golfsouthayrshire.com.