Castlerock Golf Club introduces new measures to avoid cross-contamination on the course

Castlerock Golf Club had already taken in all the rakes from the course to avoid people touching them on their round.

But their was the issue of the pin, with golfers normally removing the flag before holing out.

This won't be an issue any longer on at Castlerock though as club General Manager Bert Mackay explained.

"We were talking the other day how we can protect staff and members more throughout the club," he said.

"Damian our assistant head greenkeeper came in this morning and we were talking about cross-contamination on the golf course.

"We have taken the rakes in, but some people have mentioned on our Facebook page about the pins.

"So Damian has come up with the idea of leaving the cup sitting about an inch proud of the hole.

"We are encouraging everyone now to putt with the pins in, bot on the practice putting greens and the course.

"Keep putting as normal and you will hear the noise as the ball hits the cup.

"If the ball bounces off the cup will will class that as a holed putt or chip from now on.

"Please don't touch the flags. They will be sitting a inch or so out of the ground, don't be thinking we're not doing our job properly.

"You can thanks Damian for his great idea."

As well as raising the putting cups the club is also advising:

- no rakes in the bunkers

- putting with flags in

- don't lift or touch anyone's golf ball

- no handshaking before/after

"These are simple things to follow but will keep everyone safe on the course while enjoying exercise and the sport we all love," added Bert.