With more than 2,000 rounds having been played at Bootle Golf Course since it re-opened on Wednesday 20 May, Sefton Council’s Green Sefton team is warning people not to use the course for exercise and dog walks or fishing.

Since Green Sefton announced it had re-opened Bootle Golf Course and Southport Golf Links, with fees held at 2019/20 levels, business has been brisk. Players have now also been able to play in fours, rather than just in pairs or on their own and from this week (June 15) snacks and drinks are available. Other restrictions to ensure players’ and employees’ safety remain in place.

But, the re-introduction of so many golfers means people who have got used to using the course at Bootle for their daily exercise and for walking the dog, are now facing the hazard of being hit by a stray ball.

Mark Shaw, Green Sefton Service Manager, said: “We knew golfers were itching to get out on our popular courses at Bootle and Southport and we are delighted to welcome so many of them back and to be loosening the restrictions they face when they come.

“However, we want to remind those people who quite legitimately used Bootle Golf Course as a place to take their daily exercise sessions under lockdown, that they now risk putting themselves in harm’s way with the danger of being struck by golf balls.  This also applies to those people who have taken the suspension of play as an opportunity to fish, unofficially, in our water hazards.”

The Green Sefton team is putting up signs at Bootle Golf Course to remind and warn non-golfers of the hazards, including where a public footpath that crosses the 8^th and 11^th fairways.

People wanting to play need to book a tee slot, by telephoning Bootle Golf Course on 0151 928 1371 or Southport Links on 01704 535286. Slots are available every 10 minutes from 9am to 7pm.

Find out more including details of the current restrictions.

Sefton Council’s £0.5million-plus plans to improve golf in the borough through the development of driving ranges at Bootle Golf Course and Southport Golf Links, remain in the pipeline although they have been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.

Featuring dedicated coaching bays, plans for the new, floodlit facilities were developed after a consultation with local residents and golfers who highlighted the importance of new practice facilities and investment in course infrastructure.

Plans to boost Sefton’s golfing offer approved by Sefton Council.