With a number of courses very close together one can be led up the garden path, so to speak. And this is no exception; my faithful satellite navigation again pointed me in the opposite direction when I was within half a mile on my destination.

Heading from Cardiff along the head of the valleys road, turn off and head for Castle Coch golf club. Go past the club for about a mile, up through woods and you will come to Castle Heights and Mountain Lakes golf club.

You will be intrigued to find a stone built 1320 AD Long house, and a 650 year old Yew tree outside the front door. This is definitely an original, and one not to be found anywhere in the U.K. Extensions have been made in recent times but in keeping with the originality of the existing buildings.

Greeted by the owner, James Murray who gave me an overview of the two courses, the 18 hole Castle Heights, and the 9 hole Mountain Lakes. Planning the layout with James in its infancy was Dai Davies, Walker Cup Captain, and Welsh Open Champion.

The weather being overcast with very little wind gave hope that a good score could be ensued. Going out in 38, two over par, with 1 birdie and 5 pars meant everything was going my way all I had to do was keep up the momentum. Pushing one out of bounds on the 10^th leaving me a double bogie I thought my lucky streak had come to an end. This was not the case; coming in with 40 on the back nine gave me a net 65, seven under par, the best card so far on the challenge.

This course not only has a Longhouse but long greens to go with it. An interesting and enjoyable course to play.

The 7^th, one of the long narrow greens

One green measures 60′ x 20′.

The Old Longhouse Bar circa 1320

Conditions: Overcast and slight winds.

Results: Won against the course

Out: 38
In: 40
Gross: 78
H/Cap: 13
Net: 65
Par: 72
Putts: 17 / 14 = 31
Stableford: 23 /20 = 43

7 Pars; 3 Birdies; 7 Bogeys; 1 D/Bogie