A Somerset golf club is offering free golf to help boost activity during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Orchardleigh Golf & Country Club is set to offer free golf to help keep people active during the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak – allowing people to book a tee time in advance before turning up and playing, removing the need to enter the clubhouse, which will be closed throughout.
Starting on Monday March 23, for an initial period of four weeks, the club will be welcoming members of the public for games of golf, completely free of charge, all-day, every Monday.
With the Government currently advising social distancing, a golf course provides a setting where people can keep physically apart, but still enjoy a degree of social contact – all while embracing fresh air and exercise.
Speaking of the initiative, Chris Vincent, owner of Orchardleigh Golf & Country Club and Orchardleigh Estate, said: “We’re living in difficult and uncertain times at the moment. Like all businesses, we’re taking precautions, however we’re also keen to do our bit to support the public’s need to be outside for their own mental wellbeing, without compromising the Government’s social distancing efforts. We hope that by offering free weekly golf sessions we’ll encourage visitors to make the most of the vast open space on offer at Orchardleigh whilst keeping active, mentally stimulated and honouring social distancing as per the Government advice”.
He added: “Of course, if stricter measures come into force and we’re all advised to stay at home then we’ll need to stop the initiative. However, we’re hoping to offer it for as long as possible. We’re all keen to keep things going, and this was one way we felt we could potentially use our facilities to help people keep their spirits up in very testing times.”
Whilst the golf course will be accessible, the clubhouse will be closed to the public, so players are encouraged to bring any necessary refreshments with them. Booking a tee time is recommended for anyone looking to take advantage of the golf club’s offer, which can be done by calling 01373 454200.