Council Starts the Phased Approach of Opening its Golf Courses
May 19, 2020
From Wednesday 20th May, the two golf courses owned by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council will reopen for course members only. This is the first phase in line with Step 1 of the NI Executive’s Pathway to Recovery.
Members of Castlereagh Hills Golf Course, Upper Braniel Road and Aberdelghy Golf Course, Lambeg will be able to book tee times daily between the hours of 8am and 7pm. Increased safety protocols are in place to protect our members at this time, only three golfers can play together, and they must observe social distancing rules at all times.
Alderman James Tinsley, Leisure & Community Development Committee Chairman, speaking about the phased reopening said: “The council is pleased to implement a phased approach as recommended by both the Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI) and the NI Executive to allow members of its two golf courses to have the opportunity to play 18 holes. Three members can tee off at the same time but they must adhere to social distancing at all times from the car park and around the course. We would appreciate if you could arrive 15 minutes before your tee time.
“We would like to remind players that in line with GUI protocols flags and flagsticks should not be touched and please only use your own golf balls, clubs and trollies at this time to protect everyone. Signage will be in place throughout the two golf courses to remind players to keep safe and follow our increased safety protocols and we will have staff onsite too.
“We would encourage you to play with a member of your household if possible, and if not in line with GUI guidance travel separately and remain socially distant at all times. Once your game is over please do not wait about, return to your car and head home.
“We will announce when our golf courses will be ready to implement Step 2 of the NI Executive’s Pathway to Recovery which will permit the return of four balls, made up of members and guests, pay and play golfers and the return of closed competitions. Please keep in contact with the council.”
There will be no competitions at this time and the clubhouse and restaurant will remain closed with the exception of toilet facilities, which will be available under health and safety guidelines.
The council would remind any members of its two golf courses who have colds or Covid-19 symptoms to remain at home and only try and book a tee time when well again.
All tee times, which are 14 minutes apart, must be booked online by visiting www.castlereaghhills.com or www.aberdelghygolfcourse.co.uk. Under no circumstances should golfers arrive at the course without booking in advance.
For further details about the opening of Castlereagh Hills Golf Course and Aberdelghy Golf Course and a copy of the latest safety protocols, please visit www.castlereaghhills.com or www.aberdelghygolfcourse.co.uk