Llanymynech Golf Club ****

Pant, Oswestry, SY10 8LB

Nearest main town: Oswestry

 

Llanymynech, 6 miles north of Oswestry, is famed for its association with Ian Woosnam, who fashioned his skills here as a youngster. It is a spec­tacular layout, riding high on limestone outcrops and offering views extending for 50 miles. Famously, on the 4th you tee off in Wales, but putt out in England, and it is not until the 9th that you return.

The course is something of a throwback to the days when courses were built on high land so that the farmers could use the pastureland at lower levels. For years, the condition of the course was maintained by the sheep that roamed the site, but they left in 1973 and since then more traditional methods of greenkeeping have been used.

No one would ever claim that Llanymynech is in outstanding condition, and some would argue that there are better courses in the area, but the diversity of the holes creates much excitement for the player. The front nine is cut through a forest and requires clever placement of tee shots to maximize the scoring opportunities. On the back nine, the course is at its most scenic with views overlooking Shropshire and out to the Welsh Hills. It is also a more open and satisfying part of the course, where you really feel the uniqueness of the golf experience.

As you would expect from a course located in a fairly barren golfing region, green fees are very good value. You can pay more for, say, Hawkstone Park Hotel, a very popular stop-off for golfers, but Llanymynech offers a more varied experience.

 

Secretary: Mr D. Thomas            

Tel: 01691 830983

Professional: Mr A. Griffiths        

Tel: 01691 830879

Playing: Midweek: round £20.00; day £25.00 (reductions for parties). Weekend: round £25.00 (subject to availabil­ity); day n/a.

Facilities: Bar: 11 am-11 pm. Food: Lunch and dinner from 11 am-11 pm. Bar snacks.

Comments: Idiosyncratic mountain golf with fabulous views - a must for a clear spring or autumn day. . . Most unusual course ... Scenic and invigorating. . .A pilgrimage to this weird and wonderful course is highly recommended.

 

Arscott Golf Club *

Arscott, Pomtesbury, SY5 0XP

Nearest main town: Shrewsbury

 

Secretary: Maj B. Harper

Tel: 01743 860114 Fax: 01743 860114

Professional: None

Playing: Midweek: round prices on application; day n/a. Weekend: round n/a; day n/a.

Facilities: Bar: 11 am-11 pm. Food: Lunch from 12pm-3pm. Dinner from 6pm-9pm at weekends only. Bar snacks.

Comments: Modern course with fine views over Wales...Fairly hilly . . . Can only get better. . . Plenty of water hazards. . . You can learn the game here.