DESPITE the Government guidelines stating categorically that golf courses have to be part of the lockdown process people have been breaking rank and playing on the local courses.

Lochore Meadows Golf Club officials have been dismayed to see people on the Meedies course while the story is the same at both Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly GCs.

The members of the clubs have been observing the course closed notices, but casual users have been using the recent lovely weather to have adhoc games, or practice, at the the Meadows, Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly courses.

The Meadows club captain, Robin Gordon, said on their Facebook page: "The greenkeepers have been keeping the place in great order but we have had reports of people playing the course.

"I would like to think that it is none of our members, but only some people who should just not be there, we will be checking the CCTV to identify them."

And the club's Terry Ironside added: "We are experiencing instances where people are going out on golf on courses, not only Lochore Meadows, with both Lochgelly, and Cowdenbeath causing exactly the same problems.

"People are ignoring guidelines and contravening the guidance issued on social distancing and approved exercise types.

"The message is that this is not acceptable, under lockdown guidelines, and it is clear that this should not be happening".

People at Cowdenbeath have been going out on the Dora Course and undertaking practice chipping and bunker shots, among other activities, which is simply not allowed either.

Again CCTV has been operational at the course, behind Seco Place, and if club officials spot who is responsible they will be reported to the police.

As Terry pointed out the excellent weather has been something which has given these people the inclination to go out on the courses and hit balls, but it is simply something that should not be happening.

For breaking lockdown rules fines are, First time offenders - £60, or £30 if paid within 30 days; Second time offenders - £120; Third time offenders - £240; Fourth time offenders - £480; and Fifth time offenders- £960. It could be an expensive game of golf!