Brean Golf Club has re-opened for play and has also launched a special discounted membership category for NHS workers.
The Government’s easing the lockdown allows golf courses to safely re-commence play.
The club’s director of golf, PGA Professional Andrew March, says: “For the first few days, play was restricted to just club members and, as expected, it saw many of them taking to the fairways once again after their enforced break.”
“An initial 9-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, who is an NHS keyworker at Weston General Hospital and had to wait a few days to enjoy his return to the course.
He is pictured (right) alongside his playing partner for the round Simon Baunton and the special flag supporting the NHS on flying on the final green.
Whilst the golf course – which is based next to Brean Leisure Park – is open once again, all players have to comply with many restrictions during their rounds to ensure safety for everyone. Social distancing is being practiced throughout.
Tee times can be booked in advance, either online or by contacting the Pro Shop on 01278 752111 and 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.
Andrew adds: “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 seen the course very busy over the past few days especially with the fine weather we have enjoyed.”
He also praised the club’s greenstaff team who have maintained the course over the lockdown, adding: “The team who have continued to carry out the permitted essential maintenance over the past 7 weeks have down 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 are currently working on a course development plan including rebuilding some tees, revamping bunkers and many other areas around the course to enhance the golfer’s overall experience.”
“Unlike some other golf clubs, the owners at 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.”
“We have joined the nation in showing their gratitude to the wonderful work that our NHS do by offering a discounted Emergency Services category membership. Anyone who works for the NHS can qualify 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 that re-opens and option to add on a discounted Gym membership.”
“Members will 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 golf course it is also allows you 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 made up the Emergency Services of the UK. To claim this discount you need to show proof of your occupation or be a holder of a Blue Light Card.”
The membership is under £500 for a full year’s golf and for a small additional extra charge this can be paid by direct debit over the 12 months.
We appreciate our NHS and key workers are still working hard on the front line. There is no sign up date restriction and this membership is available whenever the opportunity arises for them. For more information see https://www.breancountryclub.co.uk/golf
Pictured: Phil Hodgson (right) and Simon Baunton (left)
