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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