The golf club is about 2 miles to the north west of the market town of Welshpool a busy tightly knitted community town.

Arriving at the club we were greeted by the steward Clive, who gave a brief history of the club which celebrated its centenary last year.

Making our way to the first tee one could see that this layout is one of James Braid’s designs, utilizing the natural contours of this moorland course. Being national trust land there has been little change over the years to the course.

A 5716 yards, par 71, SSS 68 open moorland course, with natural hillside contours, small greens and seven holes playing into a strong wind meant a true test of golf would be had.

The biggest problem playing a course for the first time is where to aim for as some holes are blind and playing over the marker posts can sometimes be the wrong line, depending on the shape of shot whether it be a fade, or a draw that you play .

Like a lot of courses in Wales the scenic views are quite stunning when you get up on the top of the course and look across you can see Cader Idris and the Snowdonian ranges.

With only two pars on the front nine and two on the back resulted in losing to the course. This was partly due to a heavy cloudburst which lasted about 20 minutes. Having driven off the 13^th tee, the heavens opened, so shelter was sort in a little tin shed on the right of the fairway where waterproofs could be donned. It wasn’t until a little time after that we realised that the shed was used as a toilet.

The high light for me was the 18^th hole par 5, where you are standing on the tee looking across a great big chasm thinking WOW what an awesome hole. With over 200 yards carry to clear the road running across the fairway, a good shot must be had, especially with the prevailing wind. It’s a hole that will stay with you as one of the challenges of Welshpool golf club.

I was given a generous donation of £22.90 from a member and two visitors who wished me luck with the challenge.

18th Tee looking along the fairway to the green top left.

18th Fairway

…18^th green. It was stated that Ian Woosnam nearly drove the green in his younger days. Standing on the tee and looking across the valley one could stand in ore at that achievement.

Conditions: Light showers with heavy rain and gusting winds

Results: Lost to the course

Out 43
In 43
Gross 86
H/Cap 13
Nett 73
Par 71
Putts 20 / 15 = 35
Stableford
Points 16 / 18 = 34

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Just 15 minutes drive makes a refreshing change to get to Chirk Golf club. Established in 1990 on the Chirk estate owned by the Myddleton family this parkland course was one of the new generation type courses. Boasting a 660 yard par 5 at the time reckoned to be the longest in the U.K. even today the 17^th is 632 yards off the white tees.

A course that is long, 6541 yards off the yellow tees, and 7045 yards off the whites with seven holes into the prevailing wind. Some wide and liberal fairways and not too many trees give all a chance to open ones shoulders and go for it.

Playing with the Captain John Capper I was made very welcome, and a good sociable round of golf was had. Out in 43, and back in 44 meant I was two over handicap on the day, with the conditions being windy, a good day was had.

To my surprise I was presented with a cheque for £134 raised on the day from the senior section of the club with a further cheque to follow from the members, totaling £184 in all.

The kindness that was showed to me was most gratifying, and I can say that from the children of the hospices a great big “Thank you” to all of the seniors and members. Well done.

Chirk Golf Club Seniors Section with “Penny” the dragon mascot

Conditions: Sunny spells, overcast and windy

Results: Lost against the course

Out: 43
In: 44
Gross: 87
H/Cap: 13
Net: 74
Par: 72
Putts: 18 / 16 = 33
Stableford: 17 /17 = 34

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Having passed by this course on a number of occasions and never really gave it much thought thinking it was a small 9 hole course. How wrong can one be! It’s a little gem.

Tees, fairways and greens were faultless; in fact the presentation was excellent.

The Captain, David Evans was there to greet us and gave us a brief history of the club, Fred (my caddy) stated he was born the same year as the club was formed way back in 1922. Plans are in the making for a new clubhouse, which still has to be approved, if completed will give the club new status for special functions. Well supported by its members it has a strong social gathering within the community. The only down side is that it only has nine holes, and the tee boxes are very close together yardage wise, so there is not much variation in distances, but having said that, it played beautifully.

With eight holes into wind, meant the par fours would be long and the two par 5′s would be reachable in two. This is a course that is not tiring and with only one hole that you play over a marker post, makes it all the more pleasant as you can see the whole layout of each hole.

A course not to be missed, and after your round, a well stocked bar and restaurant to make the day complete.

I would also like to say that the members have supported Ty Gobaith over the years, and this year will be presenting them with a cheque for £14,000 as well. Well done St. Melyd for the dedication and loyalty you have shown to the children of the hospice.

Conditions: Overcast and windy

Results: Win against the course

Out: 38
In: 41
Gross: 79
H/Cap: 13
Net: 66
Par: 68
Putts: 16 / 17 = 33
Stableford: 20 /18 = 38

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A privately owned course with a small membership and a 14 bay driving range offers the visitor a challenging 9 hole course with good yardage on some of the holes to test the big hitters, and greens to test your putting ability.

A par 71 off the whites and 69 off the yellows makes it no easy pushover. Nice views over the Mersey and Mostyn docks and the wind farm in the distance.

Buggies are available as the walk to the first tee from the clubhouse can sap your energy levels before you start. A good and well laid out course makes you think, but having played it gives you satisfaction.

Conditions: Overcast and windy

Results: Win against the course

Out: 41
In: 41
Gross: 82
H/Cap: 13
Net: 69
Par 69
Putts 16 / 15 = 31
Stableford: 20 /18 = 38

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