The journey from Swansea was straight forward A40 all the way, and the weather was kind as well, white fluffy clouds, and sunshine, although it was still cold for the time of the year.

On arriving I was welcomed by Rhian Walters, the secretary, after being given a brief history of the club I was then introduced to the Captain, Lee Lewis.

Whilst talking about the club and his intentions as being Captain for the year a photographer from the Carmarthen Journal arrived to shoot some photos for insertion into the local press to promote the charities.

The course was converted from farmland in 1992 by the present owners. It started as a 9 hole course, and was extended to 18 several years later. The original 9 was then changed to holes 10 through 18.

The first nine is completely different to the original nine, as there is a great deal of difficulty on the greens with many undulations and contours to make you think, there isn’t a flat one amongst them, a true test indeed. With the pin positions in precarious places made it seem impossible to hit a low score. With stroke index 1(hole 9) and SI 2 (hole 4) on the front 9, that was my downfall giving me an 8 and 9 respectfully. If not for those two holes, I would have beaten the course. The weather was kind until we got to the 18^th when the heavens decided to water the greens

The back nine was much easier, as it is well established and the greens are not as severe. The layout of both nines makes it an interesting and enjoyable 18 holes of golf. The hospitality was second to none from the Captain and the staff; as the song goes “keep a welcome in the hillside” is very apt, you were made very welcome, which made the day. With surrounding views and nice weather, there’s no better place to be, than on a course like this.

Result:

Out: 49
in: 43
Gross: 92
Handicap: 13
Nett: 79
Putts: 20/15 Total: 35
Stableford Points: 13/17 Total: 30

Lost to the Course

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Leaving Swansea the weather was sunny with some clouds dotted about. As the journey progressed the sun disappeared and dark clouds filled the sky. Heavy showers and hail stones came down in abundance. But as look would have it as I got to St Davids the clouds cleared and the sun came out.

On arrival at the club car park, the views overlooking Whitesands bay were breath taking. Sandy beaches, rocky outcrops with surf gently rolling in.

The 9 hole course was established in 1903 and its features still remain today. Gently rolling fairways taking you towards the bay making it a difficult shot into the wind, and helping when playing back up towards the clubhouse. I was greeted by the head green keeper John Phillips who has been there some 28 years, credit must go to him and his assistant Peter Foster as the course was well manicured and the greens are the best I have played this year.

The original corrugated clubhouse seemed quaint as it resembled a 1930’s style with a sink, worktop counter and some occasional seating, were one could have a cuppa after a round of golf.

With being such a small club, any visitors wishing to play would be requested to use the honesty box and sign the visitors book if there was no one available.

My caddy for the day John suggested that I play the white tees, as it would give me a true reflection of the course, playing 6117 yards. With the breeze coming in from the bay and not much run on the ball, a challenge right enough.

Par 3 13th

The front 9 returned only 4 pars, and only 1 on the return plus 1 birdie. Putting was difficult as the greens were fast compared to the previous week. However, when I went into a bunker, a chip out to within 12inch was the order of the day, as it happened three times.

Whilst waiting on the 16^th tee, there was a 3 ball in front, a parent and 2 juniors. They stood aside whilst allowing me to play through. With the wind coming from left to right, and out of bounds on the right, I proceeded to play a conservative shot, however, the wind decided otherwise, and out of bounds here I come. Later, whilst in the clubhouse, Grifney, the youngest junior of the two came up to me and said he had retrieved my ball for me, and would I accept a donation of £5 for my charity. In return, the ball was given to him as a memento. Truly, a wonderful gesture, which will stay with me and give me the strength to fulfill this challenge

For such a small club, the hospitality was first class; I would certainly recommend that if you are near St.Davids and you have your clubs in the car, don’t leave without playing it.

Result:

Out: 44
In: 44
Gross: 88
Handicap: 13
Nett: 75
Putts: 20/18
Stableford Points: 15/15 = 30

Lost to the course

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I arrived at the club at 10:45 hrs and went to see the professional in the shop. I was greeted and was granted a tee time of 11:28 hrs and courtesy of the course, again there was no one there to play a round of golf with which was promised, so my caddie, Fred was on hand again to do the honour of marking my card. The weather was overcast with a slight breeze, much improved over the day before.

Standing on the first tee seeing a 140 yard par 3 well guarded by conifers to protect you from the sea breeze was a nice starting hole. The tee shot was pulled left and pin high, which left a chip of 30 feet to the hole. A wedge soon put paid to that, so my first birdie of the day was recorded, what a good start.

The only 2 bad shots on the outward nine through lack of concentration was on the 7^th stroke index 1, and managed to come away with a double bogey.

The back nine proved long as there was no run on the fairways due to the wet conditions over the last few days. Putting was much better than the previous two days as I only had one 3 putt.

During the course of the round a member came up and asked how things were going for which I gave a Tiger reply “a good day at the office”.

When we were departing the same gentleman asked a little more about the challenge as he was a council member and was not made aware of the challenge.

Result of the day

Gross: Out 41 In 43 Total 84

H/cap: 13

Nett: 71

Par: 72

Stableford Points: 20 / 17 Total: 37

Total putts: 15/18 33

Outcome: -1

Wind factor: Slight

The outcome was a WIN to the course on the day. I can say it is definitely a course that would give you a challenge, and play very hard on a windy day. It’s not a tiring course, so enjoyment can be had by all.

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On arriving at the club 1100 hrs I was met by Carol in the pro shop. Having introduced myself and explained the challenge to her.

Matt Parsley, the professional was out on the practice course teaching a number of juniors. I requested if there was anyone available to play the course with me, Carol asked me to go into the clubhouse whilst she made some phone calls and arrange for someone to be available. I was then introduced to the Junior Captain, Liam Reed, who plays off 3 who kindly offered to play the round with me.

The weather was very windy, 30 mph gusting, overcast with some blue sky in the distance. As the round progressed the conditions became a little more difficult with the prevailing wind into your face on the majority of holes. The highlight of the round was when the juniors surrounded the 12^th green to watch us play it into a strong headwind, normally 163 yards but playing more like 190 yards. Liam was on the front edge of the green, and I was 3 feet short, leaving myself a 30 foot uphill putt. It was pin high and off to the right. This left a difficult 6 foot putt across the green which was sloping back to front with a following wind. If I missed the hole, then I could see it rolling off the front on the green. Now I know what pressure is like for the professionals, the wind, the slope, and the children watching with baited breath. Aiming 3 foot to the right of the pin, my knees knocking and heart pumping this had to go in. Then there was a big cheer and clapping from the children as it dropped into the hole. A photo was taken with the children on the green to mark the occasion.

On arriving back in the club house I was greeted by the Captain Mr. Ian Smith. Refreshments were laid on for myself, Liam and his vice captain Luke Pilkington-Smith.

The Captain presented me with a donation for the charity, as he was unaware of the challenge, and also said he would be offering the charities his Captain’s bottle on the bar for the duration of the challenge.

An invitation was extended to the Junior Capt. Liam Reed and his V/Capt Luke Pilkinton-Smith and club Captain Mr Ian Smith to play at my club for their courtesy they have shown me and the “Penny challenge”

Result:

Out: 51 In: 51* Total:102

Handicap 13

Nett 89

Stableford points: Out:9 In: 11 Total: 20

Par 70 – 13 over handicap – LOST to course.

Wind factor: Servere

* NDB net double bogey to count on Stableford points

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