Derry golfers swing into action as courses reopen

GOLFERS were in a “tee-rific” mood as golf courses reopen across the North of Ireland on Thursday.

New rules on meeting up outdoors and the return of some sports are among new changes to the North’s lockdown restrictions.

Bert Whoriskey, who at 90 years old is City of Derry Golf Club’s oldest member, said he was “itching to get out” for his afternoon tee time.

“That wee ball does a lot for you physically, mentally and it keeps you on the straight and narrow,” he said.

The golfer, who said he had scored three hole-in-ones so far in his lifetime, believes if a doctor could write a prescription for the sport, “it would do everyone the world of good”.

Changes to rules on outdoor gatherings mean that from today April 1, ten people from no more than two households can take part in outdoor exercise in a public place or at a sports club.

This means the return of some sports, such as golf and tennis.

However, clubhouses and sports facilities such as changing rooms, showers, kitchens and meeting rooms must remain closed.

Mr Whoriskey said he has struggled with being unable to play his beloved sport, and would have been out on the fairways five or six times a week before the pandemic struck.

“It has been terrible to be quite honest, you miss everything and you really do miss the craic with your comrades.

“When you even see the condition of the golf course it really does lift your heart,” he added.

Throughout lockdown, the 90-year-old has taken up more walking, but said “it is not the same” as playing 18 holes with your pals.

Mr Whoriskey, despite being the golf club’s oldest member, said he receives no special treatment and is struggling to get a tee time for Saturday because of demand.

The chair of Northern Ireland’s GP committee said it was “a great day and it shows that we are going in the right direction”.

“I hope this is just the start of a slow, gradual and cautious reopening of so many other things,” said Dr Alan Stout.

However, he stressed that the North of Ireland was “still on a tightrope” and any further easing of relaxations needed to be careful and proportionate.

There were no new deaths recorded in the last 24 hours acros the North of Ireland.

There were 107 new cases, with just 12 cases in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.

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