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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Having driven many times over the years past Penmaenmawr not realising that there was a hidden gem in the hillside. Being a warm sunny day, and wonderful views of the coastline one can easily go past the clubhouse, as it is tucked away on the outskirts of the village.

On arrival we were greeted by the Honourable Secretary Anne Greenward and the Captain Mr. Tony Coombs.

Established in 1910, this nine hole course will be a test of your true abilities as a golfer, the front nine playing longer than the back nine, but equally difficult.

Although there isn’t a par 5 on the course, after playing the uphill 5^th, you’ll wonder why? Well laid out and well established, it’s a thinking course; club selection can make the difference between beating the course, or, having a nightmare of a day.

I have yet to play a course in Wales that doesn’t have wonderful views of scenic beauty, and Penmaenmawr is no exception, as well as its dry stone walling which bisects the course, giving its character. The course is well presented, fairways and greens in very good condition, wayward drives will be punished in the semi rough, which could prove difficult to make par. But then, that’s why we come out to play the game time and time again.

The warm and friendly hospitality shown by the Captain and staff and members made it a day to remember.

Result: Lost to the course

Out: 47
In: 39
Gross: 86
H/Cap: 13
Nett: 73
Par: 67
Putts: 17/17 Total: 34
Stableford Points: 16/18 Total: 34

9 Pars; 5 Bogeys; 2D/Bogeys and 2 Q/Bogeys

Conditions: Warm and Sunny

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WOW!!!!!!…..was the first impression one gets as you drive up to the clubhouse. Part of the HPB scheme the layout of the course was a secondary consideration as to he planning of the complex in 1992.

For a golfer who might be considering a holiday home in the U.K., then this has got to be the first port of call. A £2 million club house, overlooking the course and views of Snowdonia, and the Menai Straits certainly leaves you with an impression that will have you talking to friends for many months to come.

A parkland course this has got to be one of the nicest courses I’ve played, the layout, the condition, everything about it is right. What ever category of player you are, this course has something that will leave you with fond memories, and wanting to come back for more.

On arrival I was greeted by Peter Maton, the director of Golf and David Gadsby, club professional, and the Honourable secretary David Morrison.

With a good mixed membership of 350 plus, it is a young club that has all the ingredients to become one of North Wales premier clubs.

A parkland course, with liberal and well manicured fairways, strategically placed ponds and bunkers makes it a true test. Not a long course, 5821 yards off the whites. From the tees you get a good visual of each hole. Suitable for all categories of player, whether you are 8 or 28, you will come away with the satisfaction of having a good round, no matter what the score.

Standing on the first tee, club selection is crucial, as the fairway and green runs away from you, with a tree blocking you on the left and a ditch running across the fairway makes for an interesting start. Pulling my second shot left of the green, left a 20 foot chip to the hole, which was converted, a birdie on the first hole certainly puts you in a positive frame of mind.

The third tee reminded one of the 18^th at Augusta, driving through an avenue of trees, the tee elevated so you had a good visual of the hole.

With the backdrop of the Snowdonia range, Puffin Island and the Menai Straits, there would be no better place to be than standing on the tee.

This is a club that I will certainly be back to play.

Results: Won against the course

Out: 40
In: 42
Gross: 82
H/Cap: 13
Nett: 69
Par: 71
Putts: 16/18 Total: 34
Stableford Points: 19/19 Total: 38

6 Pars; 2 Birdies; 8 Bogeys and 1 T/Bogey

Conditions: Warm and Sunny.

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It was a nice sunny day with a tee off time at 11.15hrs. The course was in very good condition, unfortunately there was no one available to play with me, so my faithful caddie marked my card.

This is the only club that has two Ryder Cup winning Captains, Mr. Harry Wheatman and Mr. Ian Woosnam.

Result: Lost to the course

Out: 43
In: 41
Gross: 84
H/Cap: 13
Nett: 71
Par: 70
Putts: 18/18 Total: 36
Stableford Pionts: 18/17 Total: 35

6 Pars, 10 Bogeys, 2 D/Bogeys

Conditions: Warm sunny periods.

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