Following the Chief Minister’s announcement on Tuesday that the island is going into a three-week lockdown, nearly all organised sport is to cease as of today (Thursday).

The one exception to this - at the time of going to press - appears to be golf which is allowed to continue in a reduced capacity as an indidivual player or household only.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Isle of Man Golf said: ’Following on from the Isle of Man Government announcement last night, we have received confirmation from DESC [Department of Education Sport and Culture] that you can continue to play golf as long as you play on your own or with a member of the same household.

’Each club will issue guidelines applicable to their own club in connection with booking tee times and the rules of play. We are very pleased that you are able to continue to play on a restricted basis.

’Please stick to the guidelines issued by your clubs and remain safe, and hopefully we can return to normal in three weeks’ time.’

All other sports will be suspended until Wednesday, January 27 at the earliest as the island attempts to stop the spread of coronavirus after several new cases were confirmed in recent days.

Isle of Man Sport stressed to its members: ’As a governing body of sport, you must adhere to the IoM Government guidelines (see the website https://covid19.gov.im).

’We appreciate that the announced three-week lockdown will create uncertainty for your sport and members, and we will be providing updates and guidance should the situation change.

’During the 2020 lockdown, the sporting community were patient and worked with the government (and Isle of Man Sport) through what was one of the toughest periods in recent history and we’re sure that this will be the case once again.

’The Isle of Man Sport team will be working remotely from home and therefore contact via email will be the most efficient form of communication to get in touch with us.’