Glorious greens welcome back north-east golfers
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Golfers made a glorious return to greens across the north-east over the weekend after more than two months away.
Tee times across Aberdeenshire for the first rounds were booked up in advance of clubs opening after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced lockdown restrictions would begin to ease last week.
In Turriff, the glorious sunshine had players out in full force making the best of the weather and the course itself.
They included ladies captain Ruth Fraser who said: "It actually feels a bit weird coming back to the course, it made me a wee bit nervous but its also really exciting to get back to playing.
"In fairness it will help release a lot of pressure for many by helping get folk out the house for a start!."
At Inverurie, club captain Duncan Stewart signalled the start of the season by raising the club flag in a somewhat non-traditional opening
A spokesman for the club said: "The first weekend of the course being open has been exceptionally busy and our eager golfers have waited long enough to get out and swing those clubs."
Nearby Meldrum House Golf Club, which was forced to close its grounds to visitors, opened its course to members once again.
First off the tee was club captain Scott Mackay and vice captain Mark Kelly.
Golf Course and Grounds Manager Kenny Harper said: “As no-one has played on the course for nearly nine weeks, all the normal wear and tear we would see at this time of year, like divots, have disappeared.
"The weather has been perfect for keeping the course in tip top condition with sunny days and cool nights."
Weekends play at Newmachar from the first tee off on Friday saw over 1000 golfers taking to the fairways, with all sticking to the play guidelines over an immaculate course thanks to greenkeeping staff led by course manager, Paul Mill.
Up at Longside golf returned with captains John Campbell and May Bain leading off and Alford and Kemnay clubs also saw a welcome return of members to their respective courses.
Many clubs having become popular walking spots for those taking daily exercise including Ellon McDonald.
The club's Sandy Aird said: "McDonald Golf Club would like to take this opportunity to thank the greater Ellon community for the courtesy and respect they have shown our course over the past nine weeks.
"The exemplary behaviour by those who have used our venue for their daily exercise has left the course in wonderful condition.
"Our greens staff are working evenings and very early mornings to get the course ready for what are now busy tee sheets which this week included Ladies European Tour player Michelle Thomson."
There was even time for competitive golf to return with Tarlair's seniors social distancing scores being used for the first Stableford of the season.
