BREAN Golf Club has now reopened for play, following the government’s easing of the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, and has announced a special discounted membership category for NHS workers.

For the first few days, play was restricted to club members and, as expected, many of them took to the fairways again after the enforced break.

An initial nine-hole layout was used to start with, but the course returned to its full 18 holes on Saturday when almost every tee time was taken throughout the day.

It was quite fitting that one of the first groups to complete the full course contained the reigning Brean club champion, Phil Hodgson.

Hodgson is an NHS worker at Weston General Hospital and had to wait a few days to make his return.

While the course is open, all players have to comply with many restrictions during their rounds to ensure safety for everyone, with social distancing being practised throughout.

Tee times can be booked in advance, either online or by contacting the pro shop on 01278 752111; group sizes must not exceed the permitted two balls.

The Pro Shop will be operating to administer the tee times from the side window, with no customer access to the building, and the remainder of the Country Club remains closed.

It is also requested that people (members or visitors) who haven’t pre-booked a tee time do not arrive at the venue.

Brean’s PGA professional and director of golf Andrew March said: “I must thank all the golfers for following the rules and processes we have set out for them as we return from the lockdown.

“We have been very busy over the past few days, especially with the fine weather we have enjoyed.

“The greenkeeping team, who have continued to carry out the permitted essential maintenance over the past seven weeks, have done an amazing job in getting the course in great condition, and this has not gone unnoticed by the members and visitors as we have had lots of great feedback about the course.

“The club is currently working on a course development plan, including rebuilding some tees, revamping bunkers and many other areas around the course, to enhance the golfers’ overall experience.”

The owners of Brean Leisure Park, who operate the course, made the quick decision to freeze all the club memberships from the day the lockdown was announced, so none of the members lost any of their membership during the enforced period of inactivity.

The club has now joined the nation in showing its gratitude to NHS staff, by offering a discounted emergency services category membership.

Anyone who works for the NHS qualifies for this 12-month rolling membership which offers a significant annual saving on the full subscription rate at the club.

The emergency services category includes unlimited golf seven days a week, free swimming membership at Brean Splash (when it re-opens) and the option to add on a discounted gym membership.

Members also benefit from access to the online booking system and a loyalty discount card for Brean Country Club.

With many shorter loops of holes available on the par 69 course, it is possible to get a few holes in even if time is at a premium.

Not only is this category open to NHS workers but it is also extended to other workers in the various other categories that make up the emergency services.

To claim this discount you need to show proof of your occupation or be a holder of a Blue Light Card.

The membership is less than £500 for a full year’s golf and for a small additional charge this can be paid by direct debit over the 12 months.

The club appreciates that our NHS and key workers are still working hard on the front line, so there is no sign-up date restriction and this membership is available whenever the opportunity arises for them.

For more details, you can visit the golf club website here.