Making my way to Abergavenny along the M4 was the shortest route from Swansea, however, with the road works taking place for a few miles on the motorway proved the longest. Getting to Wernddu G.C. from the A40 was just a short hop of a couple of minutes.

On arrival, I was greeted by Sarah, and, the President and owner, Graham Watkins.

A family run business, the facilities on offer include a driving range, 18 hole golf course and Professional golf lessons from Tina Tetley, bookable in advance. If you’re caravanning, there are short stay pitches available too.

Wernddu Golf Club is a well known supporter of Ty Hafan, as they have donated thousands of pounds to the charity over the years. This year will be no exception; they will be embracing the challenge yet again.

My playing partner for the day was Martin Powell, head green-keeper of 5 years at Wernddu and who plays off 0.8 (1). A self taught golfer, and ex rugby player would prove a competent adversary.

When you look at the card, don’t be fooled by 7 par 3 holes, averaging out at 161 yards, thinking it could be an easy course to play and can come away with a few birdies? You will be surprised!

The highlight of the day came on the 8^th 270 yard par 4. A large two tier McKenzie green with water front right. The pin was placed on the front lower part of the green. Martin was 35 feet beyond on the upper level putting for his first birdie of the day. Jokingly, I said I would rather my putt than his, seeing where he was. However, never under estimate a category 1 player as the putt wasn’t going anywhere except the hole in true Tiger fashion. I did get my own back on the 14^th with a 12 foot birdie 2.

A very enjoyable course, not a tiring course or long, but club selection is a big factor in playing to your handicap.

Catering and bar facilities are available to wet your appetite after a satisfactory day’s golf. My thanks go to Graham and his staff for their kind hospitality, and a big “thank you” from the children of Ty Hafan, Ty Gobaith, and Hope House.

Results:

Out: 43
In: 40
Gross: 83
H/Cap: 13
Nett: 70
Par: 69
Putts: 18/16 Total: 34
Stableford Points: 34

6 Pars; 1 Birdie; 7 Bogeys; 4 D/Bogeys

Lost to the Course

Conditions: Gusting winds 15 mph + sunny periods, cold and overcast.

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Only 26 miles from my base in Swansea meant that a leisurely drive to the club would be a welcome change from dashing up and down the principality.

Arriving at the club Rob Taylor, one of the fundraisers for Ty Hafan was there to greet me, as was Peter Ward, the secretary of Carmarthen Golf Club.

Making our way to the clubhouse for a welcome cup of coffee, Peter introduced us to the Captain Iwan Parry. Ironically, Iwan and I were born in the same town, Wrexham.

Playing off a handicap of 4, Iwan showed the way to the first green. The wind was picking up which made the course more difficult and playing longer. So beating ones handicap would be very difficult.

The course was well laid out, giving challenges on every hole, with having a very wet winter; the greens were about a month behind their schedule for the time of the year. Hollow tinned and top dressed, they give rise to some poor putting (well that’s my excuse; I needed one, seeing my card!!). Seriously though, the course was a pleasure to play and the privilege of playing with the Captain made it even more so. A local photographer was on hand to promote the challenge and raise awareness for the charities.

The hospitality shown by the club and its members stood them in good stead, as I had the pleasure of being introduced to Vickie Thomas, Welsh Ladies Junior and Senior Champion, and European County team player from 1973 to 1997, and many other accolades.

My thanks go to the Captain, as he agreed to have Ty Hafan as his charity for the year, which will be well received and supported by the members.

As a footnote, the Captain played 4 over his handicap which made me feel a little better seeing mine.

Results:

Out: 49
In: 43
Gross: 92
H/Cap: 13
Nett: 79
Par: 71
Putts: 19/15 Tota: 34
Stableford Points: 13/16 Total: 29

7 Pars; 0 Birdies; 5 Bogeys; 3 D/Bogeys; 3 T/Bogeys

Lost to the Course

Conditions: Very Windy 20 mph + cold and overcast.

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Traveling to Preskelly Forest from North Wales is about 179 miles and takes about 4 hours. A blue sky with small fluffy white clouds and the sun high in the sky made the trip a joy to do.

The shortest route, going via Aberystwyth, along the A487 coast road with views of the coastline of Cardigan Bay on one side and the Cambrian mountains on the other made you think of what beauty we have on our doorstep, even more so when you get to Newport and Fishguard, with its rugged coastal features and golden sands.

Heading out towards Letterston on the A40 look out for a sign for Castle Morris, turn right and follow it for about 2 miles and Preskelly Golf club is on to your left.

Entering along a tree lined drive filled with rhododendron bushes this brings you into a courtyard of the Country house.

The clubhouse is round the side, small, but homely. On entering the clubhouse I was greeted with a warm smile from Rebecca, and a nice cup of coffee whilst waiting to meet the owner Phil Evans. Phil and Joy have been running the country house b/b successfully for a number of years then added the golf course in 1992. Phil’s plans for the future are to add a further nine holes, which, if anything like the nine they have at present, will certainly put it high on the agenda for visitors to want to play. With easy walking and liberal fairways makes it for all categories of players an enjoyable day no matter what the score.

Phil who is chairman of the Dyfydd Golf Union explained that clubs are getting together to offer the golfing visitors the opportunity to play 3 or 4 courses in a localized area as a discount package, this would give good incentives to both golfers and clubs.

Walking up towards the first tee through some of the ancient woods of Preskelly Forest, the sun on your face, and birds singing in the trees and the course laid out in front of you …another hidden jewel in our principality.

The fairways and greens were in excellent condition, very well maintained and all credit must go to Phil and his team for the hard work they put in to produce this gem of a course. One of which, no one will be disappointed with.

The front nine sealed my fate as whether I could beat the course being 15 over par, and all to play again. The second nine we were joined by a member who showed a genuine interest in the challenge.

Knowing the course layout, the second nine proved better, coming in with a 43, and 7 shots up on the front nine.

Just before departing from the club, the member who I played with, who wished to remain anonymous approached me, and handed a generous donation to the challenge for which I am very grateful.

This is a course that I highly recommend and will be back to play. A challenge for all.

Results:

Out: 50
In: 43
Gross: 93
H/Cap: 13
Nett: 80
Par: 70
Putts: 19/18 Total: 37
Stableford Pionts: 11/17 Total: 28
3 Pars; 0 Birdies; 8 Bogeys; 5 D/Bogeys; 1 T/Bogey

Lost to the course
Conditions: Slight Winds 5mph + sunny periods, overcast at times.

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A two hour drive to Ynys Môn or the Isle of Anglesey on a bright beautiful Tuesday morning put ones mind into summer mode.

A nice little par 3 course with some degree of difficulty, allows those that aren’t members of golf clubs to go out and enjoy an hour or so of relaxation. If you haven’t got your clubs with you, no problem, there are sets available for hire. There is a discount scheme available on fees, running in conjunction with Oriel theatre adjacent to the golf shop.

A very friendly welcome was given to me by Brian on my arrival, and in the pro shop an excellent stock of golfing equipment was to be had to entice you to take the game more seriously.

Brian and Paul’s hospitality made one feel at ease, giving good advice on the equipment, and the course.

A new driving range was under construction which will give an added incentive to those wanting to take up the game, and those already playing, plenty of practice to improve their driving and short game skills.

I had the privilege of meeting an ex Captain of one of the islands clubs, who made a generous donation to the “Penny challenge” and played 9 holes with an ex county player who was recuperating from major surgery.

My thanks go to Brian and Paul for allowing me the courtesy of playing, and for participating in the “penny challenge.”

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Driving along the A55 towards Bangor brought back many memories, seeing how things had changed over the years, a lot of farmland had been converted into small industrial units, new housing estates. From being small rural communities it is now growing with small enterprise businesses opening up adding strength to the local economy.

But when I got near Bangor looking over the mountains, it was as if time had stood still, it was just how I remembered it some 50 years previously. As you come into Bangor keep left heading towards the town centre, then immediately left, one has to be careful not to miss the access to the club as you can easily miss the turning.

Driving up to the clubhouse a wonderful view opens up before you of the Snowdonia ranges.

Waiting to greet me in the clubhouse was the secretary, Bob Thomas M.B.E. who gave me an overview of the clubs history over a cup of coffee. I was presented with a copy of the bi-lingual centenary book 1906-2006 of the club as a memento of my visit. It is a very comprehensive 165 page historical review of the club, and its members.
A bright sunny day, with a cool breeze on your back leaves you feeling confident that a good day’s golf would ensue. Standing on the 1^st tee which was still under re-construction, adding extra yards to its length, an uphill drive with draw could leave you with a difficult second shot into the green as the fairway falls off to the left.

As you walk up the first fairway, the course starts to unfold before your eyes, undulating fairways on the majority of the holes, leaves one a little out of breath, even more so when you see the panoramic scenes all around, that itself was breath taking.
With many undulations over the course, local knowledge is essential. With plenty of gorse to trap you if you are off the fairways and some prevailing winds can quickly wreck your card. Of the fourteen medal competitions played in 2003, the average score was 1.078 over par per hole, which I think sums up the difficulty of the course, it also makes me feel a little better as my score was 1.1 over par per hole, and not played it before.

In the summer months one could not wish for a nicer course to play, with views to languish on for many years to come.

Results:

Out: 43
In: 43
Gross: 86
H/Cap: 13
Nett: 73
Putts: 16/18 Total: 34
Stableford Points: 15/16 Total: 31

Lost to the Course

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The start of a new season with the first inter club match of the Denbighshire Golf Union upon us would be a test for all. With heavy clouds forming and the wind picking up meant the day was not going to be easy for playing golf. Meeting the vice Captain Mr. Ted Walters in the clubhouse and talking about the “penny” challenge, the club had not committed itself to the challenge as yet; however he would speak to the secretary in the forthcoming week.

My playing partner for the day, my young caddy, Fred, 86, who gives me advice on courses that I haven’t played before even though he might not have played them for 50 years was fit and fighting to go.

Having played Abergele on a few occasions it was a privilege to play with the Captain, Mr. Bill Whitaker, and the President of the Abergele Rotarians, Mr. Kevin Brown, who both showed interest in the challenge. The inter club competition was match play and our opponents were definitely on song, beating us 6 and 4.

The course was in very good condition for the time of the year, with the weather being so wet over the last few months, hollow tinned and dressed greens were a little behind schedule.

Playing the challenge at the same time as stroke play did detract a little, but as Tiger would say “a bad day at the office,” was had and the course won on the day. The majority of the holes are flat, which makes easy walking, and not too time consuming, having said that, the 17^th par 3, 18^th par 5 certainly gets the blood flowing faster, two great finishing holes. If you don’t make the green on the 17^th, a bogey could be a good score to walk off with. The 18^th however is my favourite, a par 5, plenty to go at, but OOB on the right with the fairway falling right to left. Long hitters can make the green in two, but we mere mortals need to place the ball for a short iron chip up. A good birdie possibility would make the round a memorable one.

The clubhouse is well laid out for members and visitors, with a good catering facility, one could not wish for a better day out.


Results:

Out: 46
In: 49
Gross: 95
H/Cap: 13
Nett: 82
Par: 72
Putts: 18/17 Total: 35
Stableford Points: 26

Lost to the Course

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The 75 mile trip to Machynlleth over some of the nicest scenery one could wish see was so changeable from bright sunshine to snow and hailstones and even thunder and lightning.

But as we arrived at the club house the clouds disappeared and sun was the order of the day. The wind however picked up to 25 mph plus, so a challenging day ahead, right enough?

Being a small club, the steward and secretary are only part time posts in the winter months; therefore, there was an honesty box and a signing in book for members and visitors.

The course being a nine hole meant that tees and greens were always in heavy use and would be high maintenance.

Over the last 12 months they have been plagued with hundreds of crows, who have removed vast areas of fairways leaving bare patches, which will take many more weeks to get it back too its original condition. The greens however, were in very good order with the recent adverse weather that we have had.

The wind would be a major factor, as 10 of the holes would be into a strong prevailing wind, making some par 4’s more like par 5’s.

Standing on the first elevated tee, the green tucked away 276 yards out of sight dog legging to the right, although drivable, a sign on the tee stated you had to play it as a par 4 dog leg for safety reasons.

The first of  back to back par 3’s were a true test, 227 yards over the brow, one had to judge where best to line up to reach the green. The next par 3 was even tougher, as you had 163 yard uphill tee shot into a strong headwind, making it more like 200 yards.

The hole that leaves a memorable impression with all that play it must be the par 3, 8^th. Leaving the 7^th green, one had to climb up a steep incline, which reminded me of my younger days climbing Cader Idris in Snowdonia. But, when you got on the tee the view was breath taking, as all the course was laid out before you. Looking down on the 8^th green some 150 feet below left you in a dilemma. With a strong prevailing wind club selection was all important. Choosing a 3 wood, a good strike was had; the ball seemed to be in the air for an eternity before descending 6 foot short of the green. Needing a good chip over a grass bunker would give me a good chance of beating the course under par. Through lack of concentration and quitting on the ball gave raise to a duff shot, well, all us amateurs do have them, don’t we?

Playing the last into the wind would need two good shots to get on the green. Leaving myself 8 foot short, a texas wedge seemed to be the right club. A little faster, this green can catch you out but coming off with a bogie felt like a par.

This definitely is course that one will want to come back too.

My thanks go to Peter, the steward, and John Lewis, secretary who made us very welcome, and has offered their support to the “Penny challenge” and will be asking their members to “chip” in. Although a small club, it has a big heart.

Results:

Out: 40
In: 41
Gross: 81
Handicap:  13
Nett: 68
Par: 68
Stableford Points: 18/18 = 36
Putts: 17/15 Total: 32

6 Pars, 11 Bogeys and 1 D/Bogey

Beat the course – Conditions: Very windy, 20 mph plus, sunny periods and overcast at times.

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Introducing myself to the professional John Lewis, and explaining the challenge to him, he accepted a collecting tin on behalf of the charity. Yesterday having played the highest club in Wales, today it was Borth & Ynyslas, the oldest club in Wales, but, some might dispute that and say Tenby is!

The weather again was very windy with strong winds 25 mph plus, making 10 of the holes playing into wind. Sunny periods helped make the cold winds more tolerable. The greens had been hollow tined and dressed giving rise to the ball bobbling over the surface. All visitors have to pay a compulsory fee of 50 pence to cover insurance against damage to property or personal injury.

The front nine was mostly into wind, the second being Stroke index one 413 yards is definitely not for the faint hearted as there is out of bounds on both sides of a narrow fairway, the sea on the left, and a main road on the right. With getting off to a bad start with a triple bogey on the first, and two double bogeys on the outward nine left me with a big task to beat the course on the return leg.

Three straight pars from the turn gave me confidence; a par on the last would give me a win against the course, but failed to convert it. Given the windy conditions I had a memorable round, as I didn’t go in any bunkers, and finished with the same ball as I started with.

The Captain, Dylan Rees, was unavailable to play with me, but I did have the privilege of meeting him later in the clubhouse, for which he promised the proceeds that will be collected over the year will come to the charity although the course beat me by one shot.

The clubhouse was being refurbished ready for the summer onslaught of visitors. A true links course with easy walking makes it a nice day out.

Results:

Out: 46
In: 38
Gross: 84
Handicap: 13
Nett: 71
Par: 70
Putts: 21/14 Total: 35
Stableford Points: 15/20 Total: 35

6 Pars, 1 Birdie, 8 Bogeys, 2 D/Bogeys & 1 T/Bogey

Conditions: Very windy – 20mph plus, sunny periods and overcast at times.

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Driving up from the Victorian town of Llandrindod Wells passing by the lake with its water feature of a serpent and fishes, the club house stands proud on the hillside overlooking the town, with fantastic views of the surrounding hillsides. This being the highest golf club in Wales, on the top of the course one has a 360 degree panoramic view with outstanding geographical features all around.

Standing on the first tee, with the wind coming at you slightly from the left to right, the driving range being out of bounds to your left, and the 18^th green on your right with an up uphill tee shot certainly makes you think what is to come? The green is about 100 feet above you, so a good tee shot is needed.

The wind meant the course would be playing long, as 10 of the holes would be into wind.

The high point of the round was the 17^th. A 188 yard par 3 into a headwind of 20 mph + aiming over the marker meant a good 3 wood could make the green. It did, and a 12 foot put would give me the first birdie of the day. Just lipping out gave an easy par.

The signature hole must be the 18^th, looking from the tee there is this big valley rising up to a road that crosses in front of the green, a carry of 271 yards into the strong wind meant that reaching the green was not an option. Playing short of the road meant the green was above you and out of sight, so judging the shot was more luck than judgment. Being just off at the back of the green meant a chip and two putts finished the round with a bogey.

This is a course not to be missed if you are in mid Wales. You can get a 3 course passport for £66, which allows you to play Llandrindod Wells, Cradoc, and Builth Wells. I have yet to play the latter two, but if they are anything like Llandrindod Wells, then I can’t wait to play them.

Not forgetting the caterers, Helen and Gary, they serve a good platter at very affordable prices.

Results:

Out: 42
In: 43
Gross: 85
Handicap: 13
Nett: 72
Par: 69
Putts: 21/18 Total: 39
Stableford Points: 16/17 Total: 33
6 pars, 8 Bogeys and 4 D/Bogeys

Conditions: Very windy, 20 mph + sunny periods, overcast at times

Lost to the course

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It was an hour’s drive from Swansea, taking you up the heads of the valleys road towards Merthyr Tydfil, seeing all the different colours of green rolling across the valley was so tranquil. One couldn’t imagine some 50 years ago it was all slack tips from all the coal mines and quarries in the area. Coming into the village of Pant one could envisage that the entire village would be employed in the pits in those years gone by. Approaching the golf course entrance one could see in the distance a converted shed now housing the Railway museum. Proposals are in place to open a section of railway taking you down the valley to Tal y bont some 10 miles away.

Turning into the entrance of the club, on the left was some double iron gates leading into the cemetery, I had this thought flashing through ones mind “Blimey, am I going to get out alive?” That was soon dispelled however when I saw a car coming the other way.

In the pro shop I met the head green keeper, David Roberts, who gave me a tour of the club house and showed me the new proposals and plans that were in place to redevelop part of the course.

Then my senior playing partners arrived Elfed Walters or “Harry” as he was affectionately known to all his friends and Peter Hagarty. Harry, who is disabled, having lost a hand some years earlier made me feel very much at home. They were both playing in the vet’s competition, but at the same time I had the privilege of playing with them. Temporary tees were the order of the day. So off to the first tee we trotted.

Standing on the first tee Harry showed me the way by sending a drive down the middle of the fairway. It was an awesome shot some 220 yards or so. I was then informed by Peter that Harry plays off 8. As the round progressed things were going well and on form to be there or there about to beat my handicap, that was until we came to the 13^th. I pulled the drive into the trees on the left and the ball was resting at the base of the tree. With hindsight, I should have taken a penalty drop, but didn’t and tried to play it out onto the fairway, bad call, as it took 4 shots to get it onto the fairway, a triple bogey, although, a chip and a putt salvaged some face.

The clubhouse was very comfortable, and does well catering for many social functions other than golf societies and visitors. A well stocked pro shop and friendly staff with indoor practice facilities available certainly make it an inviting club.

The redevelopment of part of the course will be completed before the end of the year which will give the members and visitors alike a greater challenge to want to come back again for more.

My thanks go to all those who showed their support towards me, and the challenge. Thank you.

Results:

Out: 40
In: 47
Gross: 87
Handicap: 13
Nett: 74
Putts: 14/16 Total: 30
Stableford Points: 20/13 Total: 33

Lost to the course

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