Northern Ireland golf courses could be set to reopen this month.
It follows Leo Varadkar's announcement that some outdoor sporting activities in the Republic of Ireland will be allowed to return from May 18.
The UIster branch of the Golfing Union of Ireland shut golf clubs in Northern Ireland in March due to the coronavirus outbreak.
It is now hoped that golf clubs here will reopen by May 18, initially for members only with strict social distancing rules in place.
Other measures will see flag sticks and bunker rakes removed while groups will be limited to two players teeing off in 15-minute intervals, reports the BBC.
Any proposals will have to be agreed by the Northern Ireland Executive.
"To that end, golf's governing bodies have prepared a comprehensive draft protocol on the safe resumption of play on which we have been engaging with the Government over recent weeks," said a statement from golf's governing bodies on Friday evening.
"We now intend to finalise this protocol in the coming week, in consultation with the government, and issue clear advice to our member clubs well in advance of the reopening of courses on 18 May.
"That advice will emphasise the absolute necessity of golf clubs adhering to the terms of the protocol for safe play."
