There was a warm reception when I arrived at Pontypool from the secretary Mr. Les Dodd, and the Captains Mr. Arthur Price and Mrs. Teresa Watkins.

It is not an easy course to find, but having found it, one worth playing. Just located on the north side of the town Pontypool, up on the hill, it has great views overlooking the Bristol Channel, with Devon on the distant horizon. The clubhouse with its terraced balcony has wonderful views too over the Blackwood Mountains and on a good day you can see the bunkers at Celtic Manor.

With some dog legged fairways, well manicured semi rough, elevated greens, water hazards, all to catch you out, plus, as an added bonus, some difficult par 3’s makes for a satisfying and rewarding day’s golf.

Every hole is different with its own unique style, so you have to think your way round, and when the wind is up, you will know you have a challenge on your hands. The fairways and greens are in excellent condition and very consistent.

Starting with a par 5 some 523 yards dog leg to the right doesn’t allow you to see the green from the tee, which means an accurate drive is essential to give you a good position for an approach shot to the green.

With two par 3’s on the front nine, 162 and 206 yards respectfully meant with the prevailing wind; getting par wouldn’t be easy, even on the par 4’s too. Eleven over at the turn meant the course had beaten me. The high point of the day came on the 15^th par 3; a 30 foot putt brought a long awaited smile. With plenty of trees, and undulating fairways accuracy was the key to playing to ones handicap. A course that tests your abilities to the core, and one that makes you want to come back.

Captain Arthur Price and Lady Captain Teresa Watkins

Conditions: Sunny periods, overcast at times, variable winds.

Result: Lost against the course

Out: 47
In: 41
Gross: 88
H/cap: 13
Nett: 75
Par: 69
Putts: 18 / 17= 35
Stableford Points: 13 / 17 = 30

5 Pars; 7 Bogeys; 3 D/Bogeys and 3 others.

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Having the pleasure to play with the Captain, Mr. Kevin Thomas, and the weather being bright and sunny; one could sense that it was going to be a nice sociable round of golf.

It is not an easy course to play; and not long, playing 6101 yards off the white tees, and 5789 off the yellows, but you have to think your way round as there are some blind holes.

It seemed today was going to be another day when the putts were not going to drop, dropping shots on the front nine, being 11 over, meant it was all to do coming back. Although, birdying the 11^th did give me some solace, albeit briefly, which was soon dispelled with only one par all day. This I put down too pulling a muscle the day before which did hamper my game a little.

It’s a course you have to play and know to get a good score. However, there are some great scenic views when you are on the 16^th tee overlooking Pontadawe and the valleys beyond.

Tele-photo of the 16th green

From the tee, 16th green along way away.

Results: Lost to the course

Out: 46
In: 41
Gross: 87
H/cap: 13
Nett: 74
Par: 70
Putts: 19 / 14 = 33
Win / Lost: Lost
Stableford Points :14 / 18 = 32

1 Par; 1 Birdie; 13 Bogeys; 3 D/Bogeys

Conditions: Windy with sunny periods, overcast at times.

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Driving down through the middle of Wales on a warm sunny morning, seeing the contours of the mountains and valleys in their natural colours, made me think what a beautiful country Wales is. Something that is on our doorstep, and taken for granted. Passing golf courses I have yet to play made me focus on the challenges ahead this week.

Coming off on Jct.46 of the M4 the golf club is about 1 mile on the A48.

Arriving at the club I was given a warm greeting by the secretary David Fellowes and the Captain Richard White.

They apologized that the course was not looking its best as some vandals had done a lot of damage to several greens the previous winter, which were still being nursed back to health, unfortunately, it will be some months yet for them to recover and be back to their original condition, in the short term the club has extended the front part of the greens to give the members some solace.

Again, the weather was warm and sunny as we taxied up to the 1^st tee in a buggy, this being due to the Captain having an injured knee. What brought a smile to my face was when someone by the first tee said to the Captain “Have you played here before” for which the reply came back “Yes, I’m the Captain of the club”, seeing the look on that gentleman’s face was a picture, we all were falling about laughing. It did help when I said I was a visiting Captain and that I hadn’t played it before, which made him feel a little less embarrassed.

More over, I was the one that was embarrassed coming off the first with a 9, not a good start.

With the pin positions on the majority of the front nine being temporary meant club selection was crucial. Truly a challenging course, one which can be enjoyed by all.

After, in the clubhouse, I was asked to explain the challenge to some seniors who had been out earlier, and was presented with a donation from Peter Dempster of £5 and a cheque from the golf club of £50.

The Captain welcomed the challenge and is supporting it through his year in office. His chosen charity this year is The Joshua Foundation for terminally ill children.
For more information go to: www.thejoshuafoundation.co.uk or www.theozexperience.co.uk

Conditions: Sunny periods, overcast at times with slight wind.

Result: Lost to the course.

Out: 44
In: 48
Gross: 92
H/Cap: 13
Nett: 79
Par: 68
Putts: 21 / 17 = 38
Stableford Points: 14 / 16 = 30

4 Pars; 9 Bogeys; 3 D/Bogeys and 2 Others!

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A course that is only 20 minutes away from my home town, and one I have played on a number of occasions.

My partner for the day, and marker was Jason Jones, who is a member of the club, so some good advice could be sort. The weather was breezy, overcast, and some sunny periods.

The course was in excellent condition and the greens where fast in comparison to others that have been played in the challenge.

Result:

Out: 47
In: 42
Gross: 89
H/cap: 13
Nett: 76
Par: 70
Putts: 17/15 = 32
Won/Lost: Lost
Stableford Points: 13/17 = 30

5 Pars; 8 Bogeys and 5 D/Bogeys

Conditions: Windy with sunny periods, overcast at times.

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Approaching Northop Golf and Country Club from Chester on the A55 expressway, takes you into a grand entrance leading up to the clubhouse. The club and course has recently been taken over, and the new owner has had architects in to re design some of the holes to make way for proposed future planned development. Although only a young club, it is well established in mature parkland, with Michael Owen, one of Newcastle’s favourite footballing sons living right next to the course.

It was a cold and overcast morning when greeted by the Captain, Mr. Mel White, who introduced me to John Creer who would be joining us to play the course.

The new layout of the course has improved the playability on some holes with added water features that create a greater degree of difficulty. Ongoing improvements and facilities aimed at the corporate sector, and societies, plus a healthy membership will ensure that it will be around for years to come.

With not getting a great deal of run, from the previous day’s wet weather, the course was playing its full length.

The highlight of my day was on the 5^th a par 3, 171 yards, where a great tee shot left a 6″ putt for an easy birdie.

Result:

Out: 42
In: 42
Gross: 84
H/cap: 13
Nett: 71
Par: 72
Putts: 17/16 = 33
Win/ Lost: Win
Stableford Points: 19/18 = 37

7 Pars; 1 Birdie; 7 Bogeys and 3 D/Bogeys

Conditions:  Breezy, sunny periods, overcast at times.

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This has got to be one of the most featured courses in Wales, with its undulating fairways, and croppy outcrops and rugged coastline, visually an impressive course, which certainly will test your golfing ability.

The only unsettling feature was the amount of walkers on the old course which gave rise to safety issues, as they seem to be oblivious to the golfers.  Not a course for the faint hearted, especially with the added wind factor.

Result:

Out: 42
In: 42
Gross: 84
H/cap: 13
Nett: 71
Par: 72
Putts: 17/16 = 33
Win/ Lost: Win
Stableford Points: 19 / 18 = 37

7 Pars; 1 Birdie; 7Bogeys and 3 D/Bogeys

Conditions:  Breezy, sunny periods, overcast at times.

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Approaching the course from the valleys on the A465 to Monmouth another fine day was forecast. Looking at the sign to the course it says “Arguably the most beautiful course in Wales”…..and one could not be disappointed.

On arrival I was greeted by the Captain Mr. David Evans, his wife and one of the Ladies, I was then introduced to Mr. Jim Rees, the Seniors Captain who stood in at short notice for the Vice Captain who had been taken ill with the flu.

I must admit I was given good advice from my playing partners as to what direction and line I should be choosing, unfortunately it was difficult to concentrate, as I was being seduced by the beauty of the surroundings which adorned the course. The only sounds that one could hear where the sound of birds singing, it was so tranquil and serene, it was if one was in a time warp, nature was showing her true colours, and it was a privilege to be there, memories and images that will stay with me forever.

Coming back to reality, ah! Yes golf; well as Tiger would say occasionally “not a good day in the office” could some up my golfing day. A few errant putts on the front nine left too much to do on the back nine. A comment made by the Captain was I should come down and play more often as I seem to improve his game?

A little hilly in parts, but well thought out, makes for an interesting and enjoyable day. The course was in very good condition, well presented, and leaving one with a lasting impression of wanting to come back.

The hospitality shown by the Captain, members, and staff is a credit to the club, a warm and hearty welcome in the hillside was truly given. Not only did it put a smile on my face, but it brought a smile to those children’s faces by coming on board with the challenge, may I say a BIG “thank you” from them.

Result:

Out: 45
In: 42
Gross: 87
H/cap: 13
Nett: 74
Par: 69
Putts: 20/18 = 38
Win/ Lost: Lost
Stableford Points: 14 / 17 = 31

3 Pars; 1 Birdie; 9 Bogeys and 5 D/Bogeys

Conditions: Breezy with sunny periods, overcast at times.

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Just outside of Port Talbot and half a mile away from Margam Park, this nice flat little course is ideal to hone your short game.

With 10 par 3’s averaging 146 yards, one can be led into a false sense of security thinking it’s too easy. Don’t be fooled by the yardages, it’s a thinking course, club selection is paramount and there are plenty of hazards to catch you out.

The course is in good condition with well defined fairways, and greens.

Result:

Out: 38
In: 39
Gross: 77
H/cap: 13
Nett: 64
Par: 62
Putts: 16/18 = 34
Win/ Lost: Lost
Stableford Points: 16 / 19 = 35

7 Pars; 9 Bogeys and 2 D/Bogeys

Conditions: Slight winds, sunny periods, overcast at times.

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After a good 4.5 hour journey across Wales to reach Milford Haven, it was nice to see the sun shining.

I introduced myself to the President of the club, Mr. Pemberton who enquired about the challenge. My marker for the day was Ty Hafan’s fundraiser Rob Taylor, who gallantly stepped in at the last minute. With not having a member available to give advice, and directions as to the best line to take etc. it was proving difficult. With some difficult par 3’s, like the 4^th 134 yards, the “valley”, where club selection can prove the difference between a par and a double bogey.

There are some long walks between greens to tees because of the location of the oil terminus cutting through the course. Looking back with nostalgia, the fortress that was there, one could imagine it in its prime defending our land from the German bombers in the war.

What made the day, on the 13^th an errant tee shot into a plantation of fir trees, meant a provisional off the tee, pulling it left for a second time, again with no shot to the green, so a chip out on the fairway was the only option, which left it short by 20 feet off the green. Redeeming me a little was a delicate 45 foot chip in for a bogey 5 which brought a smile to my face. The smile however was soon eradicated on the next hole. A 90 degree dogleg right, requiring a good accurate tee shot to the corner. Having a good position to the green my second was pulled left slightly into a small cluster of trees on the left and some rough. Unfortunately, we could not find the ball, so back to the point last played, under penalty meant the only double bogey of the round.

The 18^th “the road” can be a daunting finish with 10 bunkers between you and the green, five of which are placed diagonally across the fairway on the approach to the green, which gave me thought as to whether I should have brought a bucket and spade with me.

A nice course to play, with easy walking and liberal fairways makes it a good day out, bearing in mind, if the wind is up….look out.

Donations where received from Sally £20, who helps out behind the bar, and club members, Steve and John £15. I big hearty “Thank you” from the children

Result: Win against the course

Out: 42
In: 41
Gross: 83
H/cap: 13
Nett: 70
Par: 71
Putts: 17/15= 32
Stableford Points: 37

7 Pars; 10 Bogeys and 1 D/Bogey

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This is a nine hole course on the upland side of Old Colwyn, with views overlooking Penrhyn bay and Rhos-on-sea, which gives a nice scenic backdrop.

I had the pleasure of playing with the Denbighshire Golfing Union Past Captains Society who play all the clubs in the county, giving support to each and every club.

Not an easy course to play, a powered trolley is recommended for those who find it difficult to pull or carry their bags.

The first, a short par 5 in the summer months, giving one a chance to get a birdie can lead you into a false sense of security, as the next hole, a par 4, is uphill into a prevailing wind, which could very well snatch that previous birdie hole back, bringing you back to reality.

A hilly course with some elevated tees into prevailing winds can ruin many a card, but having said that, on a calm day could give rise to the possibility of birdies.

The clubhouse is well stocked with a good selection of liquid refreshments, and bar snacks. You need to book in advance as it is manned part time.

Result: Lost against the course

Out: 40
In: 46
Gross: 86
H/Cap: 13
Nett: 73
Par: 68
Putts: 17/22 Total: 39
Stableford Points: 19/13 Total: 32

5 Pars; 10 Bogeys; 2 D/Bogeys and 1 T/Bogey

Conditions: Warm and sunny.

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