The 75 mile trip to Machynlleth over some of the nicest scenery one could wish see was so changeable from bright sunshine to snow and hailstones and even thunder and lightning.

But as we arrived at the club house the clouds disappeared and sun was the order of the day. The wind however picked up to 25 mph plus, so a challenging day ahead, right enough?

Being a small club, the steward and secretary are only part time posts in the winter months; therefore, there was an honesty box and a signing in book for members and visitors.

The course being a nine hole meant that tees and greens were always in heavy use and would be high maintenance.

Over the last 12 months they have been plagued with hundreds of crows, who have removed vast areas of fairways leaving bare patches, which will take many more weeks to get it back too its original condition. The greens however, were in very good order with the recent adverse weather that we have had.

The wind would be a major factor, as 10 of the holes would be into a strong prevailing wind, making some par 4′s more like par 5′s.

Standing on the first elevated tee, the green tucked away 276 yards out of sight dog legging to the right, although drivable, a sign on the tee stated you had to play it as a par 4 dog leg for safety reasons.

The first of  back to back par 3′s were a true test, 227 yards over the brow, one had to judge where best to line up to reach the green. The next par 3 was even tougher, as you had 163 yard uphill tee shot into a strong headwind, making it more like 200 yards.

The hole that leaves a memorable impression with all that play it must be the par 3, 8^th. Leaving the 7^th green, one had to climb up a steep incline, which reminded me of my younger days climbing Cader Idris in Snowdonia. But, when you got on the tee the view was breath taking, as all the course was laid out before you. Looking down on the 8^th green some 150 feet below left you in a dilemma. With a strong prevailing wind club selection was all important. Choosing a 3 wood, a good strike was had; the ball seemed to be in the air for an eternity before descending 6 foot short of the green. Needing a good chip over a grass bunker would give me a good chance of beating the course under par. Through lack of concentration and quitting on the ball gave raise to a duff shot, well, all us amateurs do have them, don’t we?

Playing the last into the wind would need two good shots to get on the green. Leaving myself 8 foot short, a texas wedge seemed to be the right club. A little faster, this green can catch you out but coming off with a bogie felt like a par.

This definitely is course that one will want to come back too.

My thanks go to Peter, the steward, and John Lewis, secretary who made us very welcome, and has offered their support to the “Penny challenge” and will be asking their members to “chip” in. Although a small club, it has a big heart.

Results:

Out: 40
In: 41
Gross: 81
Handicap:  13
Nett: 68
Par: 68
Stableford Points: 18/18 = 36
Putts: 17/15 Total: 32

6 Pars, 11 Bogeys and 1 D/Bogey

Beat the course – Conditions: Very windy, 20 mph plus, sunny periods and overcast at times.

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