A difficult par 3, 12 hole course and 8 holes over 200 yards in length meant that playing to par would be very difficult, especially if one hadn’t played it before. It is an ideal course to hone your short game up on, or if you have a couple of hours to spare for some relaxation, well maintained and good greens.

Conditions:       Overcast and windy

Results: Lost against the course

Out:      37
In:        35
Gross:  72
H/Cap: 13
Net:     59
Par       54
Putts     15 / 16 = 31
Stableford:        15 /18 = 33

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An inter club match as well as the “Penny” challenge meant I would need to be on top form to come away with a winning formula. Playing a four-ball stroke play on full handicap allowance, and giving four shots to the opposing players would be a difficult task to hand.

A nine hole course measuring 5143 yards off the white competition tees and some strong winds and the odd shower would test one skill against the elements. With 6 par 3’s and no par 5’s meant scoring would be close. Out in 36, 3 over par, and two up against the home team at the turn, things were looking good. However, the home team drew level on the 15^th, won the 16^th to go one up. With me getting a birdie on the last drew meant the match was a draw. A fair result on the day.

Conditions: Bright intervals, slightly overcast and gusting winds

Personal Results: Win against the course

Out: 36
In: 38
Gross: 72
H/Cap: 13
Net: 59
Par: 66
Putts: 13 / 14 = 27
Stableford Points: 22 /20 = 42

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A 90 minute drive from Swansea took me into the Usk valley and Kemeys Commander where you come to Alice Springs Golf Club.

Sporting two 18 hole courses, these parkland courses were designed and built by Mr. K. R. Morgan in 1988.

Although only 5967 yards off the competition tees don’t be fooled by the distance as the course is well laid out with strategically placed bunkers, streams, ponds, and the hilly terrain makes for a days golf to remember.

The assistant pro James was very helpful and interested in the challenge giving me some helpful tips to navigate the course and suggested I play the Usk course.

On the first tee were two gentlemen Roger Hughes and Robert White who allowed me to join them to play my challenge as they were members and hoping they would give me good advice too.

There are two courses, the Usk and the Monnow, both very picturesque, with some elevated tees giving you beautiful views of the holes.

View from 4^th tee.

The first elevated tee being the 4^th, a par 5 dogleg left with ponds and streams on the left and out of bounds. An accurate tee shot to the corner is essential otherwise you could be punished severely, and then an accurate second can get you to the green for a possible birdie.

View from the 14^th tee

The 12^th and 14^th both par 3’s, both downhill, and not long. These can get your feet wet as there is water on all four sides of the 12^th and on three sides on the 14^th. The other added problem is the prevailing wind, so club selection is vital, holes not for the faint hearted.

A challenging finish to the round is the par 3 18^th 231 yards with water on the left and out of bounds on the right.

It is a course that will seduce you into wanting to come back for more. With a well stocked pro shop and excellent food and accommodation, what more could a discerning golfer want.

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

Result: Lost against the course

Out: 47
In: 41
Gross: 88
H/cap: 13
Nett: 75
Par: 70
Putts: 15 / 19 = 34
Stableford Points: 14 / 17 = 31

5 Pars; 0 Birdies; 9 Bogeys; 3 D/Bogeys; 1 other

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Another great welcome was to be had on arriving at Neath GC. After introducing myself to the secretaries old and new, and giving them an update as to the challenge and results so far.

Arriving on the first tee, there was about 20 plus seniors ready to do battle for the honours of the day. Being introduced by one of the past Captains, I explained what the challenge was about, which was well received. With plenty of banter and rivalry before the first tee off, meant a good days sport was to be had.

…ready for the challenge Neath G.C. Seniors.

A 6490 yards par 72 parkland course established in 1934 designed by the 5 times winner of the Open, James Braid. He has been quoted to say ” the views from every part of the course are magnificent and extensive” much can be said of the course today, overlooking the town of Neath and the valleys.

My playing partners for the day were Nigel Flowers off 18, John Stone off 7, and Welsh International bowls player David Wilkins playing off 16. (photo above).

Seeing 3 birdies from John Stone on the first 4 holes was great to see, and I knew this would be a winning card if it could be kept up.

With 4 bogeys and 3 double bogeys on the front nine give little chance of beating the course on the day; coming back on the second nine seven shots better redeemed some composure.

Later in the clubhouse, John Stone was the eventual winner, and well deserved too.

To my unexpected surprise I was then presented with a donation on the day of £26 from the players to go to the “penny challenge.”

A golfing hero and Past President of the club and previous Ryder cup Captain is Mr. Brian Huggett M.B.E. was a junior member of the club in 1947 before turning pro in 1951.

For and on behalf of the children a well deserved “Thank you” go to all those who participated on the day. Well done guys and thank you for making me so welcome.

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A good 4 hours traveling to get to Trefloyne Golf Club near Tenby was made easier with the weather being warm and sunny, however, that brings out the fair share of tractors and hay wagons which causes tail backs, as was the case today.

First impression one gets is the tranquility of a converted farmhouse and out buildings with a flagged patio area decked out with seating to start your day off. On arrival I went straight to the pro shop and introduced myself to the pro Christine Burton, who hails from Australia. Making me welcome, she offered me advice as to how I should play the course.

Over the first five holes getting to read the greens and getting the pace right cost me too many shots to recover from. Out in 49 was too much to redeem on the back nine, however, coming in with a credible 38, 3 over, meant I just missed out beating the course.

An interesting layout, with some open fairways, and difficult greens, especially the 7^th, a par 5, reachable in 2, however the green slopes off to the left, be careful not to run off as it is built up with sleepers on that side, and going off the green you might not have a shot back.

The Quarry hole being stroke index 1 leaves you with a choice of trying to carry 220 yards over the quarry, laying up short or bailing out to the right, but with out of bounds on the right as well can be costly. Some interesting and exciting holes to be had make it a challenging course to play. And after, food and drink to savour your palette.

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

Result: Lost against the course

Out: 49
In: 38
Gross: 87
H/cap: 13
Nett : 74
Par: 72
Putts: 20 / 16 = 36
Stableford Points: 12 / 21 = 33

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

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Today is the first day of rain on the challenge, not only did it rain, but blew a gale as well. With winds up to 40 mph on a part-links and part parkland course was an uphill challenge before it started.

Introducing myself and my caddy Fred Roberts to the secretary Dennis Moore and the Captain Joe Molley, and were given a brief talk about the course.

Standing on the 1^st tee and looking straight down the fairway didn’t look too formidable, and coming off with a par set me up for the challenge.

However, 3 double bogeys on the trot soon took the smile off my face. As the wind took its toll losing 2 balls at the turn, and the rain starting to cause all your clothing to cling to your skin meant a change of wet gear was needed.

The only consolation on the day was I started with a par, and finished with one.

….second par of the day. 8^th par 3.

Conditions: Heavy rain, overcast, 40 mph + winds.

Result: Lost against the course

Out: 52
In 46
Gross 98
H/cap 13
Nett 85
Par 69
Putts 17 / 19 = 36
Stableford Points 10 / 14 = 25

4 Pars; 5 Bogeys; 6 D/Bogeys; 3 others

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It is always a pleasure to come to Llangollen and play this course with it being local and one of the premier courses in the county.

Having just had the clubhouse refurbished and a veranda decked out and installed in front of the clubhouse lounge giving a more congenial viewing area of the course, and in the summer months somewhere to sit and relax after having a nice round of golf and take in the scenic views.

The Centenary Captain, Mr. Ken Williams, was on hand to welcome myself and my young caddy Fred Roberts, who has been playing golf this last 78 years, and still plays off 12.

Looking across the course, seeing it in immaculate condition, the greens, the tees, well manicured fairways, everything looked so perfect, even the sun came out to show it in its true splendor.

Standing on the elevated 1^st tee one wonders if one should go over the corner to get a good position for a possible birdie, or play conservatively to the corner, and play up to the ditch/pond for a possible par. This is the beauty of this game, every day is different from the last, maybe that’s why we practice week in week out, and well that’s my excuse?

At the turn I was 6 over gross, 13 putts on the front nine, the best I’d played this year and that is due to the excellent state of the course. Even better was to come, with a back nine of 38 gross, giving a net 68, four under for the day.

The Captain, Ken Williams, with “Penny” the dragon, who is the mascot for the challenge. The Captain very kindly agreed to have his charity day for and on behalf of the children’s hospices this year. A big “thank-you” goes to him and the members from the children for their support.

This year is special to the club as it is their centenary year, and Ken Williams, the Centenary Captain has been involved in collating all historical documents and photos to produce this centenary year book. Credit must go to all those that were involved in its production. I was presented with a card wallet, a souvenir centenary book and a club calendar, which I might add, has some superb photos of the course.

This is a course not to be missed, as you will gain enjoyment and memories to stay in your mind forever.

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

Result: Win against the course

Out: 43
In 38
Gross 81
H/cap 13
Nett 68
Par 72
Putts 13 / 15= 28
Stableford Points 19 / 21 = 40

9 Pars; 1 Birdies; 6 Bogeys; 2 D/Bogeys

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On arrival at Rhyl Golf Club, we were greeted by the Lady Captain Mrs. Val Wickerson and the Captain Mr. Peter Noonan. The Vice Captain of Rhyl Golf club, Mrs. Jeanette J. Jones was present to endorse the “Penny” challenge in her capacity as Mayor of Rhyl.

Left to Right: Captain Peter Doohan, Self, Mayor of Rhyl Mrs. Jeanette Jones, Lady Captain Mrs. Val Wickerson, Fred Roberts, President Bryn Morfydd GC, and the mascot “Penny, the dragon”

The weather was cloudy and a fresh breeze was coming in off the sea, made for some interesting play. Originally this was an 18 hole course, and boasted a par 6 hole some years ago, but due to the ravages of time and the weather it was lost to the elements.

This is not an easy links course, albeit flat, but even so quite difficult. A par 70 off 5924 yards in the wind will prove a test for all golfers.

Going out in 45 meant that the course would be the winner on the day, 3 putting on 5 holes was the problem, which cost me to lose to the course.

The Captain supports the challenge and will endeavour to encourage the members donate those pennies over the year.

Conditions: Sunny periods, overcast at times variable winds.

Result: Lost against the course

Out: 45
In 42
Gross 87
H/cap 13
Nett 74
Par 70
Putts 17 / 18 = 35
Stableford Points 15 / 18 = 33

6 Pars; 1 Birdies; 5 Bogeys; 4 D/Bogeys; 2 other.

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Although overcast and windy traveling to Aberystwyth, once we arrived there things started to look brighter.

Greeted by Rob Taylor and Phil Thomas from Ty Hafan hospice and then introduced to the secretary and professional Jim McCloud set the mood for the day.

Prizes galore for the participants, a good day was assured. A shot gun start at 1pm and 20 teams giving a full compliment meant there was going to be some fierce competition.

An open parkland course, but with the added feature of being right on the coast line meant wind was a major factor and one that could wreck your card. An interesting layout, with some blind holes, so knowing where to place your shots is a distinct advantage. Plenty of undulating fairways and narrow entry into some greens can prove costly. The greens and pin positions were difficult, but made for a good days golf.

I, like all those that played enjoyed the course, and will be looking forward for next year’s charity day

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 other

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Another overcast day, but the rain stayed away, I’m beginning to wonder if there could be some divine intervention going on as it is all around the course?

Introducing myself to the resident professional Mr. Alex Pyle, who welcomed me to Haverfordwest.

I was intrigued to see him use one of these new fangled computerized club selector, which gave you all the information about your clubs, and the best type of club that suits the person playing. I opted to have a go, as I was not happy with my present driver. After a few shots, the computer analyzed my swing path, speed, height, spin, shape of shot etc.; I must say I was well impressed, so much so, I bought it, a new King Cobra Speed LD.

Armed with my new driver, it was off to the first tee and put it to the test. I was delighted with it; it gave me an extra 35 yards on my drive, and was consistent with distance and shape, which meant a shorter iron would give me a greater degree of accuracy to approach the green. Maybe I would beat more courses?

With only one par 5, and three par 3’s and seven holes into prevailing wind meant the course would be playing long. And it was the par 3 on the 14^th that caused me to fail to beat the course. 136 yards directly into a prevailing wind and a pond directly in front of the green left no room for error, just catching the top of the wall of the pond meant 3 off the tee, which ended up as a triple bogey.

A well presented mature course, with difficult pin placements making it even harder, but well worth playing, and leaves you wanting to come back.

Conditions: Overcast, with variable winds.

Result: Lost against the course

Out: 40
In 44
Gross 84
H/cap 13
Nett 71
Par 70
Putts 17 / 15= 32
Stableford Points 19 / 16 = 35

7 Pars; 9 Bogeys; 1 D/Bogeys and 1 other

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