The sound of swinging golf clubs returned to courses this week as coronavirus restrictions eased.

For many, it is the first time they have picked up their clubs in months since the UK entered its third national lockdown in early January.

However, with the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown moving ahead, certain restrictions were relaxed from Monday.

This meant that outdoor sports facilities, including golf and football clubs, were allowed to open back up again.

The return to the golf courses has delighted residents and clubs alike.

Edwina, an employee at Silverdale Golf Club, said: “It has been very good and busy.

"The weather is certainly helping.

“The members have been back for the first few days and we have seen a lot of smiling faces around the club.

“They have been really happy to get back out there and think the course is in a wonderful condition.”

Carus Green Golf Club said members were feeling relieved to have some normality back.

Conor, who works at the club, said: “It’s been very good.

"It’s a relief for everyone to be playing golf again after three months away.

"Everyone is just happy to be getting out, seeing friends and getting back into it again.”

Throughout lockdown, members at Kirkby Lonsdale Golf Club had been staying in touch over Zoom.

Vice-captain Graham Bywater said they had completed quizzes to keep in contact.

Graham revealed it was great to see fellow members in-person again this week.

He added: “The first few days back have been good.

"We thought the course would be flooded because we had such terrible weather on Sunday but remarkably it was open.

“The course was absolutely rammed on Monday; I turned up at the car park and it was jam-packed full, so everyone was keen to get back.

“Everyone has been chomping at the bit to be back.

"We’ve all been doing our putting on the carpet over the past few months, so when we got back onto the green we were all absolutely rubbish!”