PEEBLES Golf Club has a busy course today (May 29) for the first time in two months.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that some outdoor sports are now permitted as long as social distancing guidelines are followed.

Peebles Golf Club’s marketing convenor Ross Duncan said tee-off times have all been booked up for today.

He said: “I think everybody’s raring to get out there and hit a ball again – although there might be a few rusty swings.”

Play will be restricted to nine holes initially, said Mr Duncan, with other safety measures including a ban on touching the pin and a maximum of two households per group.

New members have joined in recent days, according to Mr Duncan.

“There have been a few people joining this week, knowing golf is a sport you can play again,” he said, adding that the course will be busy throughout the weekend.

Innerleithen Golf Club is also welcoming back members after being closed for more than eight weeks. 

Vice-captain Michael McGovern said the course is in “great condition” due to the efforts of head greenkeeper David Watson.

Mr McGovern said: “The committee is confident that everyone will abide by the rules during our new way of living and playing sport. 

“Our main objective is the safety of the players and the public and we very much look forward to seeing our existing and new members.”