Just off the A449, south of Raglan is Raglan G.C., this parkland course was converted from farmland in 1975. The existing outbuildings were re-developed and adapted to form a clubhouse, professional shop and changing rooms but in keeping with the character of this historic town.

A 6,615 yard par 72 course is a true test for all comers, whether you are a scratch golfer or a 28 handicapper, all will come away with the satisfaction of having an enjoyable round. Out in 43, seven over, and back in 40, gave a net 70, beating the course. A course that is well laid out, giving opportunities for birdies and bogeys on the day.

A converted barn now houses the clubhouse with original brickwork and beams giving a nostalgic look back in time. A separate dining area can accommodate large functions with excellent catering facilities.

Having had the privilege to meet the Lady Captain, Mrs Hefine Thomas, who showed great interest in the challenge and stated that it would be brought up at the next ladies committee meeting.

Update:  A donation from the Ladies section, and Gents section of £25 each was received on the 11^th Sept. from the club for the Penny challenge.
A big hearty “Thank you” from the children for your loyal support.

Also, during this year, the Captains have supported Ty Hafan independently of the challenge and have made a fantastic collection of £2,032 to them. Congratulations and well done to all those members. Without this type of support these hospices would not be able to survive.

Conditions:       Overcast with light variable winds.

Result:              Win against the course

Out:      43
In:        40
Gross:  83
H/Cap: 13
Net:      70
Par       72
Putts     18 /17 = 35
Stableford Points   17 / 21 = 38pts.

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A couple of miles south of Haverfordwest is a little village of Rosemarket where you will find a nine hole course with a difference.

In front of the clubhouse, to my surprise, where a couple of small planes. Yes, this club has a parking area for light aircraft, and a runway strip between the 1st fairway and the 5^th. According to the owner Bill Young, they have quite a few members, and visitors, who literally drop in for a game

The course was established in 1993 when it was converted from farmland. With few obstructions such as trees, bunkers etc. means its openness leaves the element of wind as a big factor. Small greens also add to the difficulty. The course is very much for a sociable golfer, more suited to category 2/3/4 type players as opposed to scratch players.

Still very much in its infancy, over time it can become a greater test for the more serious golfer. The clubhouse gives a nice sociable atmosphere and a varied menu to savour ones palette.

The only plane park in Wales

Conditions:       Overcast with variable winds

Result|: Won against the course

Out:      43
In         42
Gross   85
H/cap   13
Nett     72
Par       73
Putts     13 / 15 = 28
Stableford Points          19 / 18 = 37

8 Pars; 0 Birdies;  8 Bogeys;  2 D/Bogeys;  0 other

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A leisurely two hour drive brings us into the heart of the Isle of Mon, or Anglesey as it is more commonly known. An 18 hole links course surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, being in a conservation area, with heathland and dunes to contend with too makes for an interesting challenge of ones golfing abilities. This 6,330 yard County Championship course has a highly regarded reputation for it’s fairness to all golfers.
Today would be no exception, as there was a strong westerly wind blowing, which gave rise to a more critical club selection. Hitting 13 fairways off the tee was a good day in the office, as Tiger would say, unfortunately, my putting didn’t take advantage of this. It was one of those days where the ball lipped out on 7 occasions.
On the 16^th 158 yards par 3, playing directly into a strong wind, a good solid 4 iron gave me the only chance of a birdie on the day 3 feet from the pin, which was converted. Losing to the course by one shot was a good result under the conditions. The course was in excellent condition, one which invites you back to want to play again.
Later in the clubhouse, looking over the course, just to ones left there is the practice area, and beyond that, what looked like road with a zebra crossing at its edge. Looking in the distance, I saw what seemed to be a shimmering light, and something resembling a mirage was appearing, then suddenly, it lifted off with a sudden thrust and was gone. It was a Hawker jet from R.A.F. Valley on exercise. A fitting climax to a nice day.
Conditions:       Strong winds, cloudy, with intermittent sunshine.

Result: Lost against the course

Out:      41
In         41
Gross   82
H/cap   13
Nett     69
Par       68
Putts     18 / 16 = 34
Stableford Points          18 / 18 = 36

5 Pars  1 Birdies  11 Bogeys  1 D/Bogeys

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It makes a change to pop down the road to a course that is only 20 minutes away. This is a nice parkland course that has all the ingredients to test your abilities. Not a long course, but one that you have to think your way round. Like most courses, just a couple of bad holes can wreck your card, as I found out to my demise, two lost balls on the 9^th  and one on the 12^th did just that.

Overcast with slight drizzle and some variable winds kept you guessing on club selection. A well supported pro shop and clubhouse with catering facilities left you feeling happier at the end of the day.

Well laid out and maintained the course was in excellent condition except for signage directions on the 4^th which had you going in both directions.

18th signature hole, Par 3 165 yards.

Result:              Lost to course

Out:      45
In:        39
Gross:  84
H/cap:  13
Net:      71
Par:      69
Putts:    17 / 15= 32
Stableford Points:  17 / 19 = 36pts.

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

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Situated on the Aisle of Anglesey just outside Benllech, this little nine hole course can treat or trick you depending on which way the wind blows, so to speak.Only 5589 yards off the white tees, par 70 you are open to the elements with the island being so flat, so windy conditions are par for the course most of the time. The course was well presented with good fairways and greens. Some fairways were sodden due to the wet weather the previous week.

The clubhouse has been re-furbished with a restaurant/ bar upstairs as well as the normal bar and games facilities downstairs.

6th green on left, photo taken from the 7th tee. In the distance 7th fairway and green.

The 8th green

Result:              Win against the course.

Out:      42
In:        40
Gross:  82
H/cap:  13
Net:      69
Par:      70
Putts:    17 / 14= 31
Stableford Points:  18 / 19 = 37pts.

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One gets a very nice impression as you approach the club and clubhouse. This mature parkland course has all the ingredients of a Victorian country estate and mansion house of bygone times known as Penoyre park.
The mansion house has been completely re-developed and restored to its former glory externally, and internally re-designed into apartments with the backdrop of the golf course laid out before it.
The course is relatively young, opened in 1967 and boosts 6,188 yards par / sss. 71. With a variety of well established trees, this coupled with, the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, only adds to the delight of the day.
Slightly overcast and moderate winds coming from the southwest would give rise to some good golf.
With six bogeys on the front nine meant it was all to do on the back nine. Some good accurate drives and on the greens in regulation returned the back nine in 37, two over.
The course was in excellent condition, one not to miss if you are in Mid Wales, one that I will be coming back to play.
With a driving range available and excellent clubhouse facilities to round off your day, what more could be better?
Conditions: Overcast with moderate winds.

Results: Win against the course
Out: 43
In: 37
Gross: 80
H/cap: 13
Net: 67
Putts: 16 / 17 = 33
Stableford Points: 17 / 23 = 40

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Celtic Haven has been re-scheduled for March 2009

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The last time I came to the Rolls was back in 1986 not long after it had been established in 1982 as a golf course even then, the mansion still looked as if time had stood still as it is today. The clubhouse is still in the garage building that once kept the famous Rolls Royce cars of Charles Stewart Royce, aviator and entrepreneur and co founder of the Rolls Royce Motor Company with pictures of his achievements adorning the walls.

This parkland course is truly a wonderful setting for a golf course. Being 6,773 yards off the white tees it has a character of its own with scenic backdrops that can cause you to lose concentration of your game.

With excellent greens and some liberal fairways, it is a course that no matter what your score is, you will have enjoyed it.

Going out in 39, 3 over, including a dropped ball on the 5^th gave one a great satisfaction. However, that was short lived as the back nine proved a disaster with 2 triple bogeys and a double including a lost ball brought in a return nine of 47. On the day it meant I lost to the course by one shot.

This is a course you must not miss, with accommodation available in two Lodges for those that want to savour the nostalgia of the “Rolls of Monmouth”.

The Rolls of Monmouth

18th hole par 3 224yds off the white tees

9th tee, par 4, 343yds off the white tees

L/R myself, “Penny” and Simon Ashton, Professional at the Rolls.

Conditions:       Sunny with slight breezes

Result:              Lost to course
Out      39
In         47
Gross   86
H/Cap  13
Net      73
Par       72
Putts     15/18= 33
Stableford Points  21/15= 36

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This will be re-scheduled to week 25 on 15/09/08 due to fog and very wet conditions.

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Today is not in the “Penny” challenge, but one that is just as important. It’s in support of a ten year old little boy named Joseph, who lives with his parents in Wellington.Joseph has DMD , Duchene Muscular Dystrophy. It’s a progressive illness that causes all the muscles to waste away as he grows. At present there is no cure and life expectancy is short lived. During the last 12 months Joseph has had to rely on his electric wheelchair which I must say has improved his mobility of getting around and being more independent.Telford was again the choice of venue for this the second charity day of the Joseph Franks charity day, and loyal support from those that came last year where here again to raise funds for Joseph and Hope House.

A close friend of the family and professional golfer Simon Wakefield again was present to set the standard for the day, and also to take time out to offer his support for the “Penny” challenge.  He kindly signed two Asbri Welsh caps which will be auctioned off at the end of the challenge in March next year.

Simon with “Penny” the dragon and Joseph.

The weather was bright and sunny, as was the golf. And as an added bonus, one of my team managed to win the individual prize and nearest the pin, twice! The gents winning score of 33 points, playing off 7 handicap was won by Jason Jones, and the Ladies on 36 points playing off 28 was Mrs. Miranda Heal
If you want a challenge then this is a course to visit. The day went well with nearly a full compliment of teams and over £2,000 would go to the two causes.

Everyone who played commented that it was an excellent day, and compliments most go to the green staff who really excelled themselves.
A comment was made to me by one of the players who smiled when he said “12 greens were difficult today, and 6 were impossible”
Life can be difficult, some might say impossible sometimes, but we have to believe that we will overcome the problems that face us with courage and sincerity knowing it will be for the betterment of mankind in the future.

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