Belfairs golf course set to reopen by the end of the month

May 13, 2020

Belfairs Golf course, a Southend-on-Sea Borough Council owned pay and play golf facility in Leigh-on-Sea, is planning to reopen by the end of the month following the Government’s relaxation of restrictions on Sunday 10 May.

Belfairs Golf course has been closed since 23 March and has been a popular location for local people to take their daily walk during lockdown.

Under Government rules, golf will be able to resume in England from today (Wednesday 13 May), but council staff will now spend the upcoming days making the course playable again and making any required modification to make the course safe for players and staff.

New signage to promote social distancing requirements and ensure those walking on the course are aware that golf is being played again will also be erected. People will still be able to walk in the woodland once the golf course has reopened.

Cllr Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment and planning, says: “We are working hard across all our services and facilities to implement the new Government guidance whilst also ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our local residents and staff as a top priority.

“We will get the course open again as soon as possible and by the end of May at the latest, but in the meantime we need to do some minor works to ensure the course is up to a good standard and playable and all users of this public open space, be they golfers, dog walkers or any other visitors, are safe.”

When the course opens the following restrictions will apply:

• Only two players will be allowed to play a round together
• People must telephone the Starters Hut on 01702 525345 to book a tee-time

There are two golf clubs based at Belfairs Golf Course – Belfairs Golf Club and Southend Golf Club. Peter Mahoney, of Belfairs Golf Club, and Colin Wyatt, of Southend Golf Club, say: “Both Belfairs Golf Club and Southend Golf Club are looking forward to the golf course opening up again. The Council has done a great job of maintaining the golf course while it has been closed, but there are still issues to deal with before reopening. Golfers must keep to the guidelines set out for everyone’s safety when the course reopens.”

In light of the latest Government announcement, the Council is looking at the measures that need to be in place to reopen outdoor sports facilities, including Belfairs Golf Course, and address the requirements for these facilities to operate in a COVID-19 secure way. Once necessary measures are in place opening dates for other sports facilities will be announced.