Golfer records first hole-in-one with first shot after coronavirus lockdown

Ed Sandison celebrates his first hole-in-one, achieved at the opening hole at Styal Golf Club in Cheshire on the day English courses reopened

A golfer recorded his first hole-in-one today - with his first shot after the coronavirus lockdown.

Ed Sandison's spectacular return to a golf course after a seven-week shutdown of venues in the UK came at Styal Golf Club in Cheshire.

As courses reopened around England, the 18-handicapper achieved the feat with a hybrid club at the 176-yard par-3 first.

"No joke, my first shot after lockdown, the first hole @styalgolf and my first ever hole in one!" he posted on Twitter.

"I apologise to everyone who knows me as this is what I will be talking about for the next five years #golf #golfisback #lovegolf."

Sandison's day to remember came as English courses led the way in reopening in the UK.

Despite social distancing being implemented, some players decided to take precautionary measures by wearing face masks out on the course.

"It was great feeling to wake up this morning knowing that the majority of our golf clubs were ready to take down that dreaded ‘Course Closed’ sign," said England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson.

"The reality now, of course, is that there is more hard work on the horizon. The financial issues raised by temporary business closure during the pandemic also means that there are tough times ahead for all clubs.

"We are not out of the woods on this one. Rest assured England Golf will do all we can to support our clubs in the weeks and months ahead.

"The threat from Covid-19 is also still very real and there is a huge onus on all of us to make sure we 'Stay Alert' and don’t become complacent."

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