GOLF is finally back and people around the city are more eager than ever to get back out on their much-loved courses.

Yesterday, everybody rejoiced at the fact groups of up to six people from any number of households or a group of any size from up to two households are now allowed to gather in parks and gardens with social distancing.

Outdoor sport facilities, including golf courses and tennis courts, were also given the green light to reopen their doors once again.

It has been over three months since Bradfordians have been able to swing their clubs on their favourite greens.

So, a return was very welcome especially in the warm weather we surprisingly received today.

One golf club in Oakworth, who used the time off to invest in an irrigation system to ensure their greens ran more smoothly, gladly accepting the newfound water support, had 165 keen golfers in upon their return.

Steven Dean, Secretary of Branshaw Golf Club, said: "It has been a difficult time, but good to see a lot of the members and familiar faces back.

"We haven’t really lost any members, a lot of them, who weren't at work, were back playing.

"It has been a long time, so everybody is keen to get back going and get a bit of exercise in again.

"At the minute, we are playing in fours, which is normal golf, but there are still some restrictions in place from the summer.

"Mainly with things people might touch, like there is no rakes in bunkers.

"I am sure they will go on a lot longer, but if it means that we are back playing, then happy days."

Richard Parker-Miller, General Manager at Headley Golf Club in Thornton, added: "We have been really busy with our members booking onto the handicap master to play.

"There is an overwhelming sense of relief from the members returning to play .

"During the pandemic, we have strictly adhered to all the rules and guidelines to ensure our members and staff remain safe.

"We have increased our membership during Covid by over 30 per cent and are still getting many new enquiries weekly.

"We will opening the beer terrace on April 12, as per guidelines, and our members will support the club as always.

"Green shoots after an awful time for us all but our grass is looking green!"

David Evans, Secretary at Cleckheaton & District Golf Club, said: "It’s been a tough 12 months.

"But the support of the members and everyone at the club has been fantastic.

"The green-staff have worked hard on the course just recently, and the members playing today have been delighted with how it looks, considering the time of year.

"It’s been great to see people with a smile on their face walking to the tee.

"Our halfway house is open for takeaways on the course, so the caterers are providing a service too.

"The clubhouse is still closed with only toilet facilities and the reception in the pro-shop open.

"And even the sun is shining now, the dawn of a new year Covid free hopefully!"