330 clubs in the Republic of Ireland opened their courses - but not their doors - as golfers returned to action under strict social distancing rules.
Only members who live within 5km of their club were allowed to play on Monday on the first day of Phase 1 of the Irish government’s Roadmap for Reopening of Society and Business.
Clubs nationwide reported huge interest though numbers were naturally limited by the travel restrictions in place.
“We should be thankful and grateful to all the frontline workers that have done so much that allows us, as a country, to be in the position where golf can be played.”
Some of the rules in force today meant that all bookings for tee times had to be made online or by telephone with increased intervals between tee times.
Golf Ireland CEO, Mark Kennelly, added that the new regulations had proven successful.
He explained: "The feedback to date is that the return to play protocols set out by national governing bodies have worked well. While very happy that our sport is one of the first to be allowed to resume, we are acutely conscious that the country is still going through a major public health emergency and that remains our overriding priority. The national governing bodies urge all golfers to continue to fully comply with the safe golf protocols and to public health advice from the government and health authorities."
Club competitions will not be permitted until Phase 2 comes into force on June 8.