A nice warm welcome given to me by the manager Mr. Vince Mossen who had already prepped the challenge by making a big box with the “Penny ” challenge written all over it in the pro shop.

Introducing me to the Past Captain Mr. Peter Mayes, and Seniors Capt. Graham Davies, who would be my playing partners for the day? I was given a brief history of the club which was founded in 1997 under a re-generation scheme. The course was re developed from an open quarry by the council for the local community. Much of the natural contours have been used, and many trees planted, which over time will mature, and in years to come will make it an even greater challenge.

On one occasion on the 6th when my ball went into a ditch which was overgrown, after trying to find it, I was informed that there were snakes, adders in fact on the course, to which I promptly vacated the area and deemed the ball lost. This did allow me to focus more on staying on the fairways for the rest of the round might I add.

The wind was very much a factor on the day, as the course is pretty well open to the elements, by all means not an easy course or long, but a true test of ones handicap.

After the round, it was good to see juniors practicing with the pro Gethin Collins.

In the nicely furnished club house I was introduced to the President of the club, Mr. Bryn Davies.

Left to right: Past Captain Peter Mayes, Stan Humphreys, President Bryn Davies.

Juniors practice with Gethen Collins.

View from the 18th tee.

Conditions : Sunny periods, overcast at times variable winds.

Result: Lost against the course

Out: 49
In 43
Gross 92
H/cap 13
Nett 79
Par 72
Putts 16 / 18= 34
Stableford Points 13 / 17 = 30

5 Pars; 7 Bogeys; 5 D/Bogeys and 1 other

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On arrival I was greeted by the professional Wade Walters who made me very welcome and gave me a guided tour of the club house. After some light refreshments, I was introduced to my playing partner for the day the Seniors Captain and Past Captain of the club Mr. Alan Richards.

Going into the clubhouse one sees a very impressive foyer entrance, with a display of silverware and photos of Phillip Price, PGA tour professional and Welsh international golfer and honourary member of the club. Also attached to the club is the Phillip Price Golf academy, were lessons for the novice or experienced golfer can be had.

Another hidden gem, this parkland course with many trees to negotiate, and well manicured fairways gives one a challenge right enough. With magical views across the valleys, especially the 15^th tee which gives you a panoramic view of the head of the valleys, Brecon Beacons, and the Bristol channel.

Left to right. Past Captain Alan Richards, Stan Humphreys, Captain Edward Geisheimer.

17^th tee Pontypridd.

Conditions : Sunny periods, overcast at times slight winds.

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There was a warm reception when I arrived at Pontypool from the secretary Mr. Les Dodd, and the Captains Mr. Arthur Price and Mrs. Teresa Watkins.

It is not an easy course to find, but having found it, one worth playing. Just located on the north side of the town Pontypool, up on the hill, it has great views overlooking the Bristol Channel, with Devon on the distant horizon. The clubhouse with its terraced balcony has wonderful views too over the Blackwood Mountains and on a good day you can see the bunkers at Celtic Manor.

With some dog legged fairways, well manicured semi rough, elevated greens, water hazards, all to catch you out, plus, as an added bonus, some difficult par 3’s makes for a satisfying and rewarding day’s golf.

Every hole is different with its own unique style, so you have to think your way round, and when the wind is up, you will know you have a challenge on your hands. The fairways and greens are in excellent condition and very consistent.

Starting with a par 5 some 523 yards dog leg to the right doesn’t allow you to see the green from the tee, which means an accurate drive is essential to give you a good position for an approach shot to the green.

With two par 3’s on the front nine, 162 and 206 yards respectfully meant with the prevailing wind; getting par wouldn’t be easy, even on the par 4’s too. Eleven over at the turn meant the course had beaten me. The high point of the day came on the 15^th par 3; a 30 foot putt brought a long awaited smile. With plenty of trees, and undulating fairways accuracy was the key to playing to ones handicap. A course that tests your abilities to the core, and one that makes you want to come back.

Captain Arthur Price and Lady Captain Teresa Watkins

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 others.

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Having the pleasure to play with the Captain, Mr. Kevin Thomas, and the weather being bright and sunny; one could sense that it was going to be a nice sociable round of golf.

It is not an easy course to play; and not long, playing 6101 yards off the white tees, and 5789 off the yellows, but you have to think your way round as there are some blind holes.

It seemed today was going to be another day when the putts were not going to drop, dropping shots on the front nine, being 11 over, meant it was all to do coming back. Although, birdying the 11^th did give me some solace, albeit briefly, which was soon dispelled with only one par all day. This I put down too pulling a muscle the day before which did hamper my game a little.

It’s a course you have to play and know to get a good score. However, there are some great scenic views when you are on the 16^th tee overlooking Pontadawe and the valleys beyond.

Tele-photo of the 16th green

From the tee, 16th green along way away.

Results: Lost to the course

Out: 46
In: 41
Gross: 87
H/cap: 13
Nett: 74
Par: 70
Putts: 19 / 14 = 33
Win / Lost: Lost
Stableford Points :14 / 18 = 32

1 Par; 1 Birdie; 13 Bogeys; 3 D/Bogeys

Conditions: Windy with sunny periods, overcast at times.

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Driving down through the middle of Wales on a warm sunny morning, seeing the contours of the mountains and valleys in their natural colours, made me think what a beautiful country Wales is. Something that is on our doorstep, and taken for granted. Passing golf courses I have yet to play made me focus on the challenges ahead this week.

Coming off on Jct.46 of the M4 the golf club is about 1 mile on the A48.

Arriving at the club I was given a warm greeting by the secretary David Fellowes and the Captain Richard White.

They apologized that the course was not looking its best as some vandals had done a lot of damage to several greens the previous winter, which were still being nursed back to health, unfortunately, it will be some months yet for them to recover and be back to their original condition, in the short term the club has extended the front part of the greens to give the members some solace.

Again, the weather was warm and sunny as we taxied up to the 1^st tee in a buggy, this being due to the Captain having an injured knee. What brought a smile to my face was when someone by the first tee said to the Captain “Have you played here before” for which the reply came back “Yes, I’m the Captain of the club”, seeing the look on that gentleman’s face was a picture, we all were falling about laughing. It did help when I said I was a visiting Captain and that I hadn’t played it before, which made him feel a little less embarrassed.

More over, I was the one that was embarrassed coming off the first with a 9, not a good start.

With the pin positions on the majority of the front nine being temporary meant club selection was crucial. Truly a challenging course, one which can be enjoyed by all.

After, in the clubhouse, I was asked to explain the challenge to some seniors who had been out earlier, and was presented with a donation from Peter Dempster of £5 and a cheque from the golf club of £50.

The Captain welcomed the challenge and is supporting it through his year in office. His chosen charity this year is The Joshua Foundation for terminally ill children.
For more information go to: www.thejoshuafoundation.co.uk or www.theozexperience.co.uk

Conditions: Sunny periods, overcast at times with slight wind.

Result: Lost to the course.

Out: 44
In: 48
Gross: 92
H/Cap: 13
Nett: 79
Par: 68
Putts: 21 / 17 = 38
Stableford Points: 14 / 16 = 30

4 Pars; 9 Bogeys; 3 D/Bogeys and 2 Others!

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