Golfers will be hoping for good news when the government announce their plans to ease restrictions put in place to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime minister Boris Johnson is set to reveal his roadmap out of lockdown on Monday (February 22) with the return of outdoor sports such as golf and tennis, which naturally involve social distancing between competitors, believed to be high on the agenda.

Andrew March, director of golf at Brean, said: "I haven't heard any dates mentioned yet from the PGA but hopefully it will be in March sometime.

"Exactly what it will look like I have no idea but whatever guise it takes it will be safe. Golf's governing bodies have submitted documentation to government to prove how safe golf is and the health benefits it gives.

"As chairman of the West Region PGA (re-elected for another 12 months last week!) I sit on National Executive committee and we have a Zoom meeting scheduled for February 23 when hopefully a reopening plan will be an agenda point!"

While courses have remained closed since the start of the latest lockdown in early January, having enjoyed some winter play before Christmas, clubs have had to battle against the elements in recent weeks as they prepare for the return of members.

March added: "It has been a difficult period with weather for green keeping teams over this lockdown. Whilst they have tried to use the break from golfers being on course to carry out their winter work projects dear old mother nature hasn't always co-operated.

"Saying that if golf was open with the weather the opportunity to get out on the course may have been limited.

"One thing is definite is that golf will be one of the first, if not the first sport, to return after lockdown and if 2020's return is anything to go by it will be very busy once again when it does.

"With many clubs welcoming an influx of new members last summer it is likely tee times will be scarce in first few weeks and the benefits of being a club member will be seen fully.

"At least with the days becoming longer by the week it will open the opportunity of evening golf once again by the end of March."