Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly believes the sport are privileged to become one of the first to resume during the coronavirus crisis and he insists that all Government directives will be adhered to ahead of the phased return to an ending of restrictions.
The sport was given the green light by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar last Friday, which allows golfers return to the links from 18 May provided that social distancing is practiced on the course.
Kennelly said that the sport's governing body will be issuing a protocol for clubs to follow to allow physical distancing and ensuring that courses do not become overcrowded.
"It is a great privilege for golf to be one of the first sports to [return]," said Kennelly, speaking to RTE Sport.
"Ensuring physical distancing and proper hygiene will be paramount, and there will be procedures put in place to ensure that the golf courses don't become overcrowded.
"The players won’t be touching rakes in bunkers or flagpoles and we will be sending out significant details to clubs over the coming weeks.
"And there will need to be measures to control the number of golfers at a facility at any time. Golfers will really appreciate the opportunity to play casual golf on their home course in the initial stages."
Kennelly confirmed that the initial return to the game would only be open to players playing at their own clubs, however, he anticipates that visitors should be allowed to start playing as guests over the coming months.
"We have a responsibility to ensure it is done in a safe way where all Government procedures around physical distancing can be maintained and our protocol will show how that can be achieved.
"In the initial stages, we will be saying 'established members only' as that will help us to control the flow and ensure physical distancing.
"Golf will begin to reopen [fully] in line with the phased ending of restrictions. And over the summer golf will play a part in rebooting the domestic tourism industry, so we imagine in later phases that green fees and visitors will become an option."
Earlier, Minister Simon Harris told RTE that the five-kilometre rule will still apply to golfers as there is no change in the Covid-19 rules in relation to the sport.
