Aberdovey Golf Club ****

Aberdovey, LL35 ORT

Nearest main town: Aberdovey

 

It took over a hundred years for the Welsh to start boasting about their golf courses - so long, in fact, that not even the Welsh themselves were aware of the fairway treasures hidden around the country's rugged coastline and amid its mountains and valleys. At the north of the Dovey Estuary, you will find two such cracking courses. Borth & Ynyslas is excellent value for money, while Aberdovey is a fabulous course, which the esteemed Bernard Darwin famously eulogized as the course 'that my soul loves best in the world'.

This is an historic course, and the railway that runs alongside it harks back to an era where gentlemen would travel to play golf by train. The train would also deliver the caddies to the course to carry the bags of the affluent golfers, who would choose to play the favored form of the game in that day, matchplay, on this lovely links.

Aberdovey, like the Victorian seafront terraces of the town, can seem utterly forlorn in the winter. But in the summer, when the crowds make the town come alive, so does the course, as holidaying golfers enjoy the delights of this very individual test.

While the course runs straight out and straight back in the manner of a traditional links, there is a marvelous diversity to the two nines, and indeed the holes themselves. On the front nine, the drive between the dunes at the 2nd is particularly memorable, as is the blind drive of the 3rd. After posing such stern questions early on, there is a brief rest until the marsh-ridden 10th, and the problems intensify at the 12th, where the second shot is played to a green set high amid the dunes.

Various designers have amended Aberdovey, like many famous courses, with Colt, Fowler and Braid adding their expertise to the original design; it remains a spiritually uplifting and varied experience.

 

Secretary: Mr J. Griffiths                         

Tel: 01654 767493 Fax: 01654767027

Professional: Mr J. Davies

Tel: 01654 767602 Fax: 01654 767027

Playing: Midweek: round £36.00; day n/a. Weekend: round £41.50; day n/a.

Facilities: Bar: 11 am-11 pm. Food: Lunch and dinner from 11 am-9pm. Bar snacks.

Comments: A well-run links with new clubhouse of high standard. . . Railway runs alongside the course...Straight out, straight back... The classic design. .. Brilliant course in every way. . . Company, course and welcome all in place ... Superb day out in scenic surroundings.

 

Aberystwyth Golf Club **

Brynymor Road, Ceredigion, Aberystwylh, SY23 2HY

Nearest main town: Aberystwylh

 

Secretary: Mr J. McLeod

Tel: 01970615104 Fax: 01970 626622

Professional: Mr J. McLeod

Tel: 01970 625301 Fox: 01970 626622

Playing: Midweek: round £20.00; day £25.00. Weekend: round £25.00; day £30.00 (restricted times).

Facilities: Bar: 11 am-11 pm. Food: Lunch and dinner from 11 am-9pm. Bar snacks.

Comments: Cracking finish...On a clear day the views over Cardigan Bay are fabulous... Great drive along the coastal road to the course... Course matches the quality of views.