WHILE team sports remain suspended under Government lockdown restrictions those clubs allowed to open are seeing a boom in participation.

Tennis and golf clubs across the county have re-opened leading to a spike in membership figures and participation.

Burghill Valley Golf Club is one of those in the county which is currently open to members only.

"You can't get a peak tee time for weeks and everybody is excited to get playing," said Jo Edgley, marketing and accounts manager.

"We have had a strong intake of members which is more than usual and we're hoping to get people back into the game.

"We've had well over 20 new members in the last two weeks. I think for those who have never played before because of the lifting of the guidelines they are now giving it a go.

"Also we have those who are maybe coming back into golf and not played for some time.

"I think people are desperate to get out of the house and do something different."

Government guidelines state that golf must be enjoyed alone, within a household group or in two balls with one person from outside your household.

The golf club has also introduced social distancing measures in its car park.

"If you are a bit rusty it's perfect for isolation as you could be picking the ball out of the opposite end of the fairway to your playing partner," added Edgley

"It's more dangerous walking around Morrisons than playing golf."

To help keep social distancing booking of tea times has been online and using a mobile phone application.

The nice weather and other social distancing measures has meant that the golf course is busier than usual.

"Before lockdown if you wanted to get onto the course in an hours time then you could," added Edgley.

"As everybody has been held up in lockdown it is now a bit more difficult to get on the course."

Burghill is currently only open to members but the club hopes to open for visitors in the future.