I have passed through this tranquil tourist area on numerous occasions over the years and never made an effort to check out this nine hole course, and what a mistake that was. This is of one of those hidden gems.Established in 1977, this mature parkland course has all the delights surrounding it. Set in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park and the upper end of the Vale of Conwy with forests surrounding you, one could feel as if time had stood still. The only sound of modern times was the shrill whistle of the steam train ready to depart on its short journey up the valley taking tourists on a scenic outing.The river Conwy meanders round the course on two sides giving it a picturesque look as well as the nineteen bunkers surrounding the greens, remember this is a nine hole course, and a number of mature trees dotted around, giving a need to think your way round.

Only 4998 yards off the white tees, par 64, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security that is an easy course because of its length. With three par 3′s over 200 yards (six over 18) it can test even the best.

A flat course, makes for easy walking, and a warm welcome at the club house when you have played your round, especially when you see those freshly home made chocolate and cream sponges sitting on the bar (it’s worth a visit back just for those).

Conditions:       Warm and overcast with some sunny periods.

Results: Lost against the course

Out:      39
In         42
Gross   80
H/cap   13
Nett     67
Par       64
Putts     16 / 19= 35
Stableford Points          17 / 16 = 33

6 Pars; 0 Birdies; 9 Bogeys; 2 D/Bogeys; 1 other

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One cannot be unimpressed when you arrive at Pennant Park. As you go through the gates one sees a number of timber log style holiday lodges which plants a good impression as to what is in store. On arrival at the club house you are greeted by friendly staff. A modern architectural clubhouse with a lakeside pond feature puts your mind into a happy mood and wanting to get out there and play the course.And what a course too, the layout and design was the brainchild of owner Roger Jones, who over the last two years has made this course one to be reckoned with, truly a contender for championship status.It is said that when you play on a good course it can bring the best out in your game, and this was the case today. Out in 41, and back in 42 meant I played to my handicap and beat the course.

During the round I was approached by Dewi Hughes from Tranmere who kindly donated £10 to the challenge, also in the clubhouse kind donations were received from Steve Jones, Derek Fairweather, Denise Roberts, and Beryl Scholes. A big “Thank you” to you all.

Good food and a well stocked bar catering for societies and the individual completes the day. This is a course not to be missed; views across the Mersey and on a clear day one can see Blackpool Tower just adds to the enjoyment of a day out at Pennant Park.

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A two hour drive on a nice sunny day, sandy beaches and fresh sea breezes, what more could one ask for, one might even think one could be in Spain, instead we are in Abersoch on the Llyn Peninsula.This course is right on the beach in St Tudwal’s Road bay, established in 1902, it is a true links course open to the elements most of the year. With 13 holes following the undulating dunes along the coastline one has to use a different approach to the greens as the five inland holes play more semi parkland. Not a long course, only 5847 yards off the white tees, but plays longer than its yardage suggests.Out in 40, and back in 42 give rise to some good putting which allowed me to play to par. Some wayward shots on the inland part of the course reflected a poorer score than what should have been, but none the less it was played to par.

7^th tee Tai Morfa links hole.

16^th hole 161 yds Cae Twr.  Semi Parkland.
Conditions:       Sunny and warm, slight breezes
Results:
Out:      40
In:        42
Gross:  82
H/Cap: 13
Net:     69
Par       69
Putts     15 / 18 = 33
Stableford:        21 /15 = 36

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This club is another little gem hidden away in the mountains. This little hamlet town nestles right on the border between Powys and Shropshire; one can imagine the battles that were played out in years gone by on Offa’s Dyke between the Welsh and English.The course was designed by Harry Vardon, although only 5,362 yards it’s not an easy course. The first three holes get your legs working hard as it is quite hilly; however, it does level out to give you some beautiful views. With sheep grazing, the greens are again fenced off to protect them from damage. Another feature, which I have only seem once before at Dolgellau, and that is the majority of greens are square, very practical too, with the contours of the land being on a slope.Excellent greens yet again, the best so far on the challenge, and here too the staff hold honourary positions.On the first tee I had the pleasure of playing with a young man Dewi Allen, he is only 12 and plays off 20, having someone who knows the course is always an advantage, and receiving good advice is always welcome. I was more than surprised to see him drive along side me on the first hole, and on a couple of holes out drive me, especially the 8^th the signature hole for the course, the only par 5, some 500 yards, one has to clear a grassy outcrop running across the fairway about 200 yards from the tee to have a shot for a possible eagle to the green. The first time round we were both on the green for two, and have putts for eagles. It wasn’t to be, two easy birdies did bring a smile to our faces though.Out in 39, and back in 38. Good putting on the day brought the desired result, and that was down to the green staff that had done an excellent job, congratulations must go to them.My thanks go to Dewi, who was an excellent ambassador, Doug Williams the honourary secretary and the President Lillian Bright, who at 84 still enjoys her outings on the course. Lastly, I would like to thank the ladies section of the club who made donations to the “penny” challenge totaling £18.60. You brought a big smile to those children’s faces.”Thank you”

Junior Dewi Allen and Lady President Lillian Bright.

8th Hole 500 yards par 5 (photo taken 260 yards from the tee)

12 years old junior Dewi Allen who is currently playing off a handicap of 20.

Conditions:       Warm with sunny periods.

Results: Won against the course

Out:      38
In         39
Gross   77
H/cap   13
Nett     64
Par       68
Putts     16 / 12= 28
Stableford Points          20 / 20 = 40

8 Pars; 2 Birdies; 5 Bogeys; 3 D/Bogeys

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Traveling some 65 miles to get too Ffestiniog meant one had to go through the Snowdonia National Park. Even on a dull overcast day the raw beauty still has its splendour to show with mist combing through the firs like fingers going through your hair, and small little water falls cascading down the mountain sides to reach the tiny lakes below.Arriving at the club house we were greeted by Dave Reid, who is the honourary handicap secretary, part time steward, and odd job man. The club was established in 1893 on a mountain side that has views across to Moel Penamnen to the north, and Craig Wen to the south. Looking down towards the vale of Ffestiniog one can see in the shadows the now redundant Trawsfynydd Nuclear Power station.Making our way to the first tee, the clouds started to lift and the sun peeked through, thinking to myself it seemed that some divine intervention was upon us, after all we were on week 17 and only had two days of rain so far.

Playing off yellow tees which are winter mats boxes, being a National trust area where walkers and sheep can stroll across the course at leisure requires low maintenance, and as all staff are unpaid honourary positions a priority is given to the greens. Although they are fenced, to keep animals off them, they are in excellent condition, and all credit must go to the green keepers.

Looking from the 5^th fairway over the lake to the tee.

1^st green overlooking the vale of Ffestiniog

A par 3 to start into wind, 163 yards looked easy, but don’t be fooled a good 6 iron was half a club short, a chip just through the green left a downhill right to left, lipping out and rolling 5 foot passed caused a double bogey to start. Plenty of undulations and slopes on the greens meant one had to be cautious. The only other 3 putter was on the 8^th, again a par 3 and only 135 yards.

A mountain course means six of the holes you play over marker posts, so club selection is critical knowing where to land your ball. Not a long course, but you need to be accurate, and if the weather is harsh, then a true test of golf can be had.

Conditions:       Strong prevailing winds on 5 holes, and some sunny periods.

Results: Won against the course

Out:      41
In         40
Gross   81
H/cap   13
Nett     68
Par       68
Putts     16 / 16= 32
Stableford Points          18 / 18 = 36

7 Pars  0 Birdies  9 Bogeys  2 D/Bogeys  0 other

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Arriving in good time and introducing myself to the professional Robert Evans. After explaining the challenge he found it intriguing what I had set myself. I then proceeded to see the secretary Beverley Cronin who introduced me too the Captain, he too was unaware of the challenge. This was partly due to the changeover of secretaries.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Trudy Carradice, editor of the Welsh golf magazine who played for Wales during the 2006/7 season, and is a member of the club. The advice given was to stay on the fairways, otherwise high scores would be the order of the day, for which I was yet to find out.

A true links course with gusting winds blowing across many of the holes would mean finding the fairways would be no mean task. As there was a senior’s competition on I started on the 10^th . Playing my first shot on a stroke index 1 hole into a prevailing wind and missing the fairway from the tee left an echo in my mind as to what advice Trudy had given me. A lost ball making a triple bogey 7 was not a good start. Missing the fairway on the next two holes meant dropped shots were building up to quickly. By the time I got to the 15^th I realised that I had left a sleeve of balls in my car and with just the one ball to play with, being very conscious that if I put this one off the green then it would mean along walk back to the car to get replenishments. Pulling my shot left and short of the green I couldn’t see where it landed due to a hillock in my line of vision. So off I trundled to try and find it, to no avail. So it was off to the pro shop to buy some balls. So as not to hold up play, I was told to play the front nine and finish the last three at the end, which made sense, and saved some time too.

With it being very open to the elements and close to the sea this links course will always play difficult in the wind, and today would be no exception.

Conditions:       Sunny spells, overcast and windy

Results: Lost against the course

Out:      44
In:        47
Gross:  91
H/Cap: 13
Net:     78
Par       71
Putts     17 / 15 = 32
Stableford:        16 /13 = 29

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With a number of courses very close together one can be led up the garden path, so to speak. And this is no exception; my faithful satellite navigation again pointed me in the opposite direction when I was within half a mile on my destination.

Heading from Cardiff along the head of the valleys road, turn off and head for Castle Coch golf club. Go past the club for about a mile, up through woods and you will come to Castle Heights and Mountain Lakes golf club.

You will be intrigued to find a stone built 1320 AD Long house, and a 650 year old Yew tree outside the front door. This is definitely an original, and one not to be found anywhere in the U.K. Extensions have been made in recent times but in keeping with the originality of the existing buildings.

Greeted by the owner, James Murray who gave me an overview of the two courses, the 18 hole Castle Heights, and the 9 hole Mountain Lakes. Planning the layout with James in its infancy was Dai Davies, Walker Cup Captain, and Welsh Open Champion.

The weather being overcast with very little wind gave hope that a good score could be ensued. Going out in 38, two over par, with 1 birdie and 5 pars meant everything was going my way all I had to do was keep up the momentum. Pushing one out of bounds on the 10^th leaving me a double bogie I thought my lucky streak had come to an end. This was not the case; coming in with 40 on the back nine gave me a net 65, seven under par, the best card so far on the challenge.

This course not only has a Longhouse but long greens to go with it. An interesting and enjoyable course to play.

The 7^th, one of the long narrow greens

One green measures 60′ x 20′.

The Old Longhouse Bar circa 1320

Conditions: Overcast and slight winds.

Results: Won against the course

Out: 38
In: 40
Gross: 78
H/Cap: 13
Net: 65
Par: 72
Putts: 17 / 14 = 31
Stableford: 23 /20 = 43

7 Pars; 3 Birdies; 7 Bogeys; 1 D/Bogie

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A special day was to be had at Ruthin Pwll Glas , Mr. John Hughes, a past Captain of the club, held his County Captains day at his home club with being the current County Captain of the Denbighshire Golf Union.

County Captain John Hughes (front centre) with D.G.U. committee members

With the weather looking good and the turnout was well supported by the clubs in the union, a good day was to be had.

My playing partners for the day were the Captain and Vice Captain of Rhos on Sea Golf club, a club I have yet to play on the challenge.

This nine hole course is on the crest of a mountain slope with views along the Clwyd vale. A good starting hole par 4, 349 yards allows you open your shoulders off the tee playing uphill to the green. The first of the par 3′s will test all as it was straight into wind, 225 yards uphill. Ten holes are played over markers, so accurate drives are essential. The greens and tees were excellent with good presentation all round the course.

County Captain sets the ball rolling; one could say “well teed off” sir.

Finishing off the day the County Captain thanked all who supported him and all prize winners went home with some good wine and spirits.

I would like to thank all the members of Ruthin Pwll Glas who are supporting the “Penny” challenge especially the chairman Mr. Gwyn Lewis for his sponsorship towards the challenge.

Conditions: Sunny spells, overcast and windy

Results: Lost against the course

Out: 40
In: 44
Gross: 84
H/Cap: 13
Net: 71
Par: 66
Putts: 16 / 16 = 32
Stableford: 18 /14 = 32

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The schedule for playing this was re-located to the Junior Captain’s day 26^th July 2008.

This club is off the beaten track and difficult to find, even with satellite navigation. Just outside Newtown heading towards Caerwys on the A489, you pass the Maesmawr Hotel on your right, proceed to the level crossing, immediately on your left there is Moat lane with a sign Camping site on the corner. Follow the sign and go past the camp site you will come to the driving range and golf club on your right.

Now under new ownership of Steve & Penny Derwinton-Davies great strides are being made to make this nice little par 3 course into something that will give all that play it a sense of achievement. A floodlit 14 bay driving range to hone your skills before playing, or just to practice those wayward shots, even professional lessons can be pre- booked. And to finish off light refreshments can be had in the small and friendly clubhouse.

The Junior Captain Vanessa Watkins thanked all that supported her day and presented the best net score to Junior Rhys Jones playing off 30 with a 76 net 46 and best gross to Junior Mitch Davies playing off 12 with gross 63 net 51. Finishing off the day with a bar B Que, all credit goes to Steve and Penny who hosted the day. Thanks go to my playing partners Ashley and Leslie, and not forgetting my caddy, ye old Fred.

Junior Captain Vanessa Watkins with the best net score, Junior Rhys Jones.

Junior Captain Vanessa Watkins with the best gross score, Junior Mitch Davies.

Left to Right: Ladies Capt. Elaine Willetts, President Ken Short, Junior Capt. Vanessa Watkins, Captain D. McKay

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Arriving early and greeted by the secretary Howard Jones, Fred, my young caddy and I were introduced to my two playing partners for the day, Mr. Neville Kynaston, a trustee of the club and Sid Pugh, both being Past Presidents and Past Captains of the club.

Neville has collated a history of the clubs achievements to produce a booklet commemorating its 75 year history. One of Wales’s most famous golfers, Ian Woosnam, took up the game as a junior here in 1967 and held the course record for a number of years, and to this day still has links with the club.

It is unique to be able to say you can drive off in Wales and putt out in England as there are 3 holes that stray over the border.

The 5th Tee in England

The border…

…Now what are the odds of getting 3 balls in a line off the second shot into the green on the 5^th? (One’s on the green)

This is a gem of a course that gives you great satisfaction not only for the golf, but the scenic views that surround it. The “Hill” as it is affectionately known by the members has some notoriety to it. A local by the name of Ned Pugh made a wager that he could walk to the Lion Hotel in Llanymynech from the Ogaf (Ogaf is Welsh for cave). So one Sunday morning he set off into the cave with his harp and the congregation in the chapel, which was next to the hotel listened intently and sure enough they heard the sound of the harp coming through the ground. This was their queue to start singing so that Ned would know. When they finished singing, the music had stopped, and Ned was never seen again.

Result: Win against the course

Weather: Sunny periods, overcast with variable winds.

Out: 42
In: 41
Gross: 83
H/Cap: 13
Nett: 70
Par: 70
Putts: 16/16= 32
Stableford Pts: 18 / 18 =36

5 Pars; 2 Birdies; 7 Bogies; 4 D/Bogies

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