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!