On arriving at Llandudno (North Wales) G.C. I was greeted by the secretary Nick Kitchen and then introduced to the past Captain Mr. Alec Harvey, who kindly escorted me to the first tee and gave me courtesy after explaining to visitors on the tee the challenge I had set myself.

The weather was overcast and breezy, as one would expect on a seaside links course, very open, so having an accurate drive off many of the tees is essential, otherwise you pay the price.

The course was well presented visually with good greens and fairways, a course that has a good reputation with societies and visitors, as they come back year after year.

Very open to the element of wind as all links courses are, this can be a true test as it only takes a couple of bad holes to wreck your card.

Result:    Win against the course

Out:      43
In:        39
Gross:  82
H/Cap: 13
Net:      69
Par:      70
Putts:    16/17=33
Stableford Pts:  18/19= 37

0 Birdies; 9 Pars; 7 Bogeys; 2 D/Bogeys; 0 Other

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Another links course on the Isle of Anglesey, with winds and some sunny periods, a challenging day for golf was to be had. With some wide fairways and nice scenic views of Snowdonia over on the main land this course invites you want to come back.

Out in 43 with four three putts making 8 over at the turn meant there was all to do on the back nine. As the saying goes “good fortune favours the brave” well all was to play for if the course was to be beaten, and paring 4 and only bogeying 4 meant equaling par beats the course.

With wide fairways and excellent greens left one feeling a good day was achieved.

Conditions:       sunny periods, overcast and windy.

Results: Win to the course

Out:      43
In:        40
Gross:  83
H/cap:  13
Net:      70
Par:      70
Putts:    20/19= 39
Stableford Pts: 17/19=36

1Birdie; 6 Pars; 9 Bogeys; 1 D/Bogeys;  1 other

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This is not part of the challenge, but one of meeting some old friends and to receive a donation to the challenge.

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This is a lovely little course nestling nicely within the boundaries of Llantristant and Pontyclun sheltered from adverse weather that was all around on the day, but with the recent wet weather the course would be heavy under foot and playing long.

Given the pleasure of playing with John Richards (secretary of the Rabbits) and Alwyn Pugh and Byron Ferris meant an enjoyable round would be had.

This parkland course opened in 1927 is well established with well matured trees and fauna that are pleasing to the eye and with some undulating fairways makes for an interesting challenge of golf.

Conditions:       Overcast and heavy under foot.

Result:              Lost to the course

Out:      45
In:        41
Gross:  86
H/cap:  13
Net:      73
Par:      68
Putts:    19/13= 32
Stableford Pts: 13/18= 31pts.

1 Birdies; 3 Pars; 10 Bogeys; 3 D/Bogeys; 1 Other

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Re-scheduled from Week 19, this mountain course will test the best especially when the weather is overcast and windy. Open to strong winds most of the time due to it’s location this 6,063 yard par 70 was today very kind, as there was no wind so to speak. Out in 39 including a birdie 2, on the 5^th 178 yards and back in 42. Some classic holes like the 14^th National, 308 yards dogleg right over water. A good drive needs to be centre of the fairway to give you a shot into the green, with water directly in front, club selection needs to be accurate.

Conditions:       Overcast

Result:              Win against the course

Out:      39
In:        42
Gross:  81
H/cap:  13
Net:      68
Putts:    15/15= 30
Stableford Pts: 19/19= 38pts

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Travelling up the valleys to Maesteg from Swansea one could not envisage what it was like when coal tips and slag heaps where there in abundance in years gone by to what it is now, where re landscaping and new plantations have taken place. And yet there are still places that haven’t changed since the turn of the 20^th century, one of them being the course at Maesteg.

A moor land course nestled in the valleys this 5,889 yard course will test your ability of your golfing prowess.

Introducing myself to the professional Thomas Davies, who listened with great interest of my quest in the Penny challenge and wished me well. He then introduced me to my playing partner and past Captain Mr. Roger Evans, who has been with the club for quite a number of years, and gave me some good advice on a number of holes. Due to heavy rainfall over the previous 3 days the course was playing very long and little or no run on the fairways. The greens had been top dressed the previous day so they were playing slow, hence 31 putts on the day.

Conditions:       Overcast and very wet fairways due to heavy rainfall.

Result:              Win against the course

Out:      36
In:        45
Gross:  81
H/cap:  13
Net:      68
Par:      70
Putts:    14/17= 31
Stableford Pts: 22/16=38pts

1 Birdies; 7 Pars; 8 Bogeys; 2 D/Bogeys; 0 Other

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This nice little 9 hole course hidden away just outside Llanidloes is undergoing improvements by building a 4 bay driving range, with a chipping and putting area alongside.Only 5,512 yards par 66 with plenty of trees to negotiate and some narrow fairways and undulating greens this can only add to the difficulty. Starting with a 190 yard par 3 on the first tee into a prevailing wind would test ones ability right from the start, coming off with a bogey would feel like a par. A course that one needs to be accurate rather than a big hitter. With pleasant scenic views and a cosy club house to finish the day off enjoyment can be had by all.

Conditions:     Overcast with strong gusting winds.

Result: Win against the course           

Out:     42
In:        36
Gross:  78
H/Cap: 13
Net:     65
Putts:   18/13= 31
Stb.Pts: 16/21= 37 pts

o Birdies; 7 Pars; 10 Bogeys; 1 D/Bogey

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With three major courses within 5 miles of Rhos on sea, Llandudno. This course has always suffered from the sea, as the flood defenses have been breached on a few occasions. However since Mr. Robyn Jones, the new proprietor has taken over 3 years ago plans are afoot to transform the course.

The planting of over 3,000 trees, improved drainage on the fairways and greens, and plans for a new club house, pro shop and accommodation will transform the course and bring it in line with those clubs around it.

A commitment and big investment by the owner will prove to be an asset to the community as well as the visitors that will come to play it.

With only one par 5 off the yellow tees, a predominantly flat and easy walking course, not long at 6,064 yards off the white tees, par 69, but none the less not an easy course to play will give all satisfaction of a good day out coupled with a well stocked bar and catering facilities when you come in.

I was presented with donations from the senior section by the Chairman of the seniors for £21.07 and from Mr. Ian Taylor, treasurer £9.50, who has been diligently saving those pennies for the children, THANK YOU

At this point I would like to say a big “Thank you” to Mr. Robyn Jones, who has kindly offered to allow a “Penny challenge day” to be played at Rhos on Sea and all monies going to the charity. An update will be posted as soon as arrangements have been completed. Watch this space.

Conditions:       warm and sunny periods with slight breezes.

Result:              Win against the course

Out:      40
In:        40
Gross:  80
H/cap:  13
Net:      67
Par       68
Putts:    19/15=34
Stableford Pts: 18/20=38pts

0 Birdies; 9 Pars; 6 Bogeys; 3 D/Bogeys.

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Established in 1890, this championship course is well renowned for its high profile championships that have been held there over the years, one which will test the likes of one and all.

A par 72 and playing 6,647 yards off the white tees is a true test of ones ability, especially as all links courses have the added difficulty of the wind factor, and today was no exception.

A nice gesture was made, on arriving on the first tee; the starter announced me and what the challenge was about to a group behind waiting for their tee off time slot.

Starting with a par 4 and with out of bounds on the right, a good drive was essential; it helped with the wind behind and not across the fairway to not put one out of bounds. A par was a good result, only to be short lived as the only other pars came on the 12^th  and  13^th. This was mainly due to the weather deteriorating into a heavy squalls and near gale force winds.

As to be expected the course was in excellent condition, even with the recent bad weather.

Conditions:       Some heavy squalls and strong gusting winds

Result:    Lost to course

Out:      47
In:        46
Gross:  93
H/Cap: 13
Net:      80
Par:      72
Putts:    18 / 14= 32
Stableford Pts: 13 / 15= 28pts.

0 Birdies;  3 Pars;  7 Bogeys;  5 D/Bogeys;  3 other.

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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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