In full swing: Golfers return to Hawke's Bay fairways under alert level 3

Hawke's Bay golfers are returning to fairways under strict rules and guidelines. Photo / Paul Taylor

Hawke's Bay golfers have well and truly returned to the fairways.

While professional sport, for both contact and non-contact activities, is still prohibited under alert level 3, New Zealand Golf confirmed that the sport can resume "under strict rules and guidelines".

The organisation said: "The most important principle is to stay safe and to stay physically distant from people outside of your bubble.

"Golf can therefore be played at alert level 3 so long as it does not involve interacting with other people outside of your bubble."

Whether a golf course opens for play is entirely up to its owners – but any courses that chose to open will need their own Covid-19 safety plan in place.

Golflands Golf Course and No.5 Cafe and Larder, based on State Highway 51 near Mangateretere, reopened on Tuesday but with strict guidelines in place.

Owner Johnny Duncan said all players will need to check-in and pay fees through their new drive-thru window, with only nine holes available.

"Tuesday was fairly normal, but Wednesday seems to be getting busier," he said.

"We're really lucky to be able to use our café drive-thru window to help register our golfers safely for contact tracing too.

"Our golfers seem quite happy, however, I reckon they're hoping normal will return soon.

"Golf is usually a social game, but under level 3 players are restricted to play within their own bubble."

Golflands is also encouraging players to "touch nothing", with flag poles removed, toilets unavailable and sinking putt prohibited, as the holes on the greens are covered.

The site's mini putt, bowling green, tennis and petanque facilities will remain closed, while no driving range balls will be available for hire.

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers golf club has also implemented a number of measures to prevent player contact for its reopening on July 1. Photo / Supplied

While not expected to open until July 1 due to refurbishments, the Farm at Cape Kidnappers golf club has also implemented a number of measures to prevent player contact.

According to director of golf Jonathan McCord, these include the removal of bunker rakes, banning the removal of the flagsticks from holes and utilising 15-minute intervals for tee times.

However, not all Hawke's Bay golf clubs will be taking the opportunity to reopen under alert level 3, with Hastings Golf Club choosing to remain closed until May 2.

General manager Michelle Campbell said the course will be open to members only.

"Due to level 3 restrictions, play is limited to members and their bubbles, which reduces the number on the course at any one time," she said.

"The tee times bookings have filled up quickly though and we look forward to welcoming members back albeit under conditions."

Campbell added: "This is not normal golf, but a step in the right direction and a chance to reopen the course and get members back playing in safe conditions."