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