Posted under Stan's Blog
What better way to start the week than having a nice leisurely drive through some of the most beautiful countryside we have on our doorstep.
The sun was shining as we set off on one of those rare summer days that we used to get years ago. As we approached Bala Lake seeing the Berwyn mountains to our left and the Cambrian mountains and the Snowdonia National Park on our right, a view that leaves images in the mind to savour for those cold and dark winter nights.
It was only a 30 minute drive from Bala to reach our destination for the day, Dolgellau, a closely knit predominately welsh speaking community.
The golf club is only a short distance from the town on the north side, and well sign posted. Nestled in woodland the new clubhouse is of timber construction chalet style built alongside the old stone cottage clubhouse. This little 9 hole course is inviting to all, with panoramic views of the Mawddach estuary and Cadair Idris and the Snowdonia National Park.
The new owner of the golf club is Richard Stockdale, who took over the club some 4 years ago. With his vast experience as a professional golfer he set about re kindling the course to a standard of days gone by, as well as planting new trees that will be a feature in years to come. The original design was done by a local professional in 1910, using the contours of the terrain to its best advantage similar to that of James Braid.
A feature that I have not seen before on any golf course was that a number of greens were cut square into the natural slope of the fairways, measuring approximately 10 yards by 10 yards. This adds to the degree of difficulty if one misses the green as the slope would carry the ball away in some cases, second time round however, is much easier, knowing the lie of the land. The 8th and 17th tee gives you a magical view of the surrounding areas, although only a 125 yard par 3 with the green way down below, local knowledge as to club selection is vital, as prevailing winds can lead you into a false choice of club.
Olivia, who looks after the social side of club functions, catering, refreshments etc., offering a selective range of food to savour ones palette at very reasonable prices. The clubhouse has a large open plan function room that could cater for a diverse range of other uses.
The club has a healthy membership in Men’s, Ladies, Senior’s, and Junior sections which says a lot of how Richard and Olivia have raised “a phoenix out of the ashes”.
Progressively, Richard and his team have plans for further improvements to the course, which will give an even greater standard that will make all comers not want to miss it. It is not a tiring course to walk, it caters for all ages, and certainly a warm welcome is guaranteed. What more could one ask for? It is one that I will definitely come back and play.
Results: WIN against the course.
Out: 37
In: 37
Gross: 74
H/Cap: 13
Nett: 61
Par: 66
Putts: 15/15 Total: 30
Stableford Points: 21/20 Total: 41
9 Pars, 1 Birdie, 7 Bogeys, 1D/Bogey
Conditions: Moderate winds 15 mph + sunny periods