Former Turnhouse golfer Pete Smith delighted to be able to play golf in Australia

Pete Smith, pictured at the 2013 US Open, is enjoying being able to play at Kogarah Golf Club in Sydney

An Edinburgh man who lives in Australia has spoken about feeling safe on a golf course at a time when the sport in Scotland is shutdown due to the coronavirus crisis.

Pete Smith, a former Turnhouse member, moved Down Under in 2006 and currently plays his golf at Kogarah Golf Club in Sydney.

The course there was closed at the end of March in accordance with the advice of Golf Australia and Golf New South Wales. Shortly afterwards, Golf New South Wales then decided that as long as golf courses could apply social distancing rules then courses could re-open.

Some, including Kogarah, decided to remain closed for a few days before it re-opened on April 8, though under strict guidelines outlined by NSW Public Health. In a letter, members were informed of possible fines to the club of up to Aus $55,000 for any breach of the guidelines. Protocols include:

* the course is only open to full members.

* members are to arrive on a just-in-time basis, not more than 15 minutes before their booked round, and remain in their car if necessary.

* no more than one member is permitted in the pro shop at a time.

* members must leave the club immediately after their round.

* play shall be in not more than twos at all times.

“In Australia, the majority of golf is played in competitions, with not much social golf played by club members,” Smith told the Edinburgh Evening News. “Pretty much all clubs have weekly competitions on Saturdays,

Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

“Our Wednesday and Thursday competitions are running as normal – and tee time intervals are a bit longer than usual.

“There are swimming pool noodles in the bottom of the holes to stop the ball going fully into the hole meaning you can reach the ball without touching the hole or the flag.

“I was initially worried about whether the ball would bounce out – but haven’t seen it yet!

“Our Saturday and Sunday competitions are now a ballot as to whether you get a time or not – we don’t have as much daylight to play into the night. So I guess some people may miss out.

“I still miss the chance to go and have a beer and a chat with my playing group at the end of the round, and other members.

“But, being able to get out and play golf is definitely a highlight of the week when you are stuck indoors all day!”

Courses in Scotland have effectively been closed four weeks following the stay-at-home guidlines introduced by the UK government. “I have not observed anyone breaking the social distancing rules – and they are really easy to maintain on the golf course,” added Smith of still getting his golfing in Australia. “I do miss the odd high five when you hole a big putt, but for most of us it doesnt happen too often anyway!

“My view here is golf provides a great source of exercise for many. For our older members golf is often their main source of social interaction during the week.

“And, whilst they can’t meet with all of their friends, they can at least enjoy the company of a friend at a time that can be very lonely for many people.”