Leaving Swansea the weather was sunny with some clouds dotted about. As the journey progressed the sun disappeared and dark clouds filled the sky. Heavy showers and hail stones came down in abundance. But as look would have it as I got to St Davids the clouds cleared and the sun came out.

On arrival at the club car park, the views overlooking Whitesands bay were breath taking. Sandy beaches, rocky outcrops with surf gently rolling in.

The 9 hole course was established in 1903 and its features still remain today. Gently rolling fairways taking you towards the bay making it a difficult shot into the wind, and helping when playing back up towards the clubhouse. I was greeted by the head green keeper John Phillips who has been there some 28 years, credit must go to him and his assistant Peter Foster as the course was well manicured and the greens are the best I have played this year.

The original corrugated clubhouse seemed quaint as it resembled a 1930′s style with a sink, worktop counter and some occasional seating, were one could have a cuppa after a round of golf.

With being such a small club, any visitors wishing to play would be requested to use the honesty box and sign the visitors book if there was no one available.

My caddy for the day John suggested that I play the white tees, as it would give me a true reflection of the course, playing 6117 yards. With the breeze coming in from the bay and not much run on the ball, a challenge right enough.

Par 3 13th

The front 9 returned only 4 pars, and only 1 on the return plus 1 birdie. Putting was difficult as the greens were fast compared to the previous week. However, when I went into a bunker, a chip out to within 12inch was the order of the day, as it happened three times.

Whilst waiting on the 16^th tee, there was a 3 ball in front, a parent and 2 juniors. They stood aside whilst allowing me to play through. With the wind coming from left to right, and out of bounds on the right, I proceeded to play a conservative shot, however, the wind decided otherwise, and out of bounds here I come. Later, whilst in the clubhouse, Grifney, the youngest junior of the two came up to me and said he had retrieved my ball for me, and would I accept a donation of £5 for my charity. In return, the ball was given to him as a memento. Truly, a wonderful gesture, which will stay with me and give me the strength to fulfill this challenge

For such a small club, the hospitality was first class; I would certainly recommend that if you are near St.Davids and you have your clubs in the car, don’t leave without playing it.

Result:

Out: 44
In: 44
Gross: 88
Handicap: 13
Nett: 75
Putts: 20/18
Stableford Points: 15/15 = 30

Lost to the course

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