Golfers across Dorset have returned to the fairways this week after the government announced that could reopen, with measures in place to restrict contact.

Courses have implemented the changes, such as allowing ten minutes between each tee time, removing rakes from bunkers and not allowing golfers to touch flag poles.

They have also created one-way systems through clubhouses and around the courses and people can only play with one friend or with members of their own household.

Weymouth Town Councillor Colin Huckle, President of Weymouth Golf Club, said: "We were caught a bit on the hop because we didn't think we would reopen until at least the end of May, but we have been working hard to prepare for an opening and following all the guidance and social distancing.

"We have hand sanitisers dotted around the course with one on the first tee and one on the 18th, a couple around the clubhouse and one by the course toilets.

"We have to be honest, this hasn't done us any financial favours (being closed for so long). We have lost income from the whole winter and the next 12 months we are going to have to be rather careful."

Nick Rodgers, manager of Came Down Golf Club, said: "It's great to be back out there with the sun shining.

"We have lots of health and safety measures in place, we have been planning for weeks and we prepared a document for members on the reopening of the course.

"You can't touch flag sticks or rakes and anything that could be touched to potentially spread the virus has been removed from the course.

"The members are delighted, we have kept up regular correspondence during the lockdown and it's great to have them back. You couldn't be in a safer place really, up on a hill in the middle of nowhere away from humanity."

Adam Stordy, assistant manager at Bridport and West Dorset Golf Club, said: "We have only had one greenkeeper on because the rest have been on furlough and he has done a brilliant job at getting the course ready.

"It was a surprise how soon it came (the reopening) but we had taken steps in the weeks before by ordering PPE and floor signs etc.

"It's great to see the members back up on the course, that's why you get into this sort of industry to meet people so it's great to have them back.

"We have one-way systems up to reception and up to the course and the members have really embraced it. With golfers they generally like to congregate and catch up but our members have been so good they have been brilliant and have really embraced the measures we have put in place."