Photos | Golfers return to the fairways across the Goulburn Valley

Rakes were removed from sand bunkers and flags were off limits as players adjusted to the new guidelines.

More than 50 players contested the women's competition at Shepparton Golf Club and by early afternoon, a total of 95 players had hit the fairways.

Looking ahead to the weekend more than 200 people have booked in for a round at the course for Saturday, showcasing the eagerness of the public to get back out on local greens.

News photographer Rodney Braithwaite attended the women's competition at Shepparton as participants dusted off their clubs and got back in the swing of things.