A 90 minute drive from Swansea took me into the Usk valley and Kemeys Commander where you come to Alice Springs Golf Club.

Sporting two 18 hole courses, these parkland courses were designed and built by Mr. K. R. Morgan in 1988.

Although only 5967 yards off the competition tees don’t be fooled by the distance as the course is well laid out with strategically placed bunkers, streams, ponds, and the hilly terrain makes for a days golf to remember.

The assistant pro James was very helpful and interested in the challenge giving me some helpful tips to navigate the course and suggested I play the Usk course.

On the first tee were two gentlemen Roger Hughes and Robert White who allowed me to join them to play my challenge as they were members and hoping they would give me good advice too.

There are two courses, the Usk and the Monnow, both very picturesque, with some elevated tees giving you beautiful views of the holes.

View from 4^th tee.

The first elevated tee being the 4^th, a par 5 dogleg left with ponds and streams on the left and out of bounds. An accurate tee shot to the corner is essential otherwise you could be punished severely, and then an accurate second can get you to the green for a possible birdie.

View from the 14^th tee

The 12^th and 14^th both par 3’s, both downhill, and not long. These can get your feet wet as there is water on all four sides of the 12^th and on three sides on the 14^th. The other added problem is the prevailing wind, so club selection is vital, holes not for the faint hearted.

A challenging finish to the round is the par 3 18^th 231 yards with water on the left and out of bounds on the right.

It is a course that will seduce you into wanting to come back for more. With a well stocked pro shop and excellent food and accommodation, what more could a discerning golfer want.

Conditions: Sunny periods, overcast at times with light variable winds.

Result: Lost against the course

Out: 47
In: 41
Gross: 88
H/cap: 13
Nett: 75
Par: 70
Putts: 15 / 19 = 34
Stableford Points: 14 / 17 = 31

5 Pars; 0 Birdies; 9 Bogeys; 3 D/Bogeys; 1 other

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