Nefyn 13th green, photo by Scott W. Clemens
While the 2010 Course at Celtic Manor Resort near Newport, in South Wales, was built expressly to handle the crowds of enthusiasts and media for the 2010 Ryder Cup, it is just one of many to choose from. With over 200 courses in Wales, you can find a course to meet your level of expertise and expectations.
We took a golf lesson at Nefyn & District Golf Club on the Lleyn Peninsula where the resident pro, John Froom, corrected my wicked slice in just twenty minutes. Golf has been played at Nefyn since 1807, and the golf club was established a century later, beginning with a 9-hole course. In the ensuing century the course has been expanded to include 26 holes. Nefyn has been compared to Pebble Beach, and there is a similarity on a few holes where an errant shot will land in the ocean. But the Pebble Beach course is nearly at sea level and winds through a forest. Nefyn most closely resembles either Torrey Pines or Half Moon Bay, as all are laid out on treeless, windswept bluffs overlooking the ocean. The view from Nefyn takes in rocky coves and mountains that plunge into the sea.
On the Old Course, eight holes are played on a narrow peninsula, where accuracy is paramount. Playing out the peninsula you’ll have the wind at your back. Reversing course you’ll be playing into the teeth of the wind. For the 13th tee you can choose the “safe” route, threading your shots across a narrow spit of land, or you can intrepidly launch your shot over the water and hope to make it to the far side. Who knows? — the wind may help. Either choice is a challenge. Overshoot the 14th green and you’ll end up in the drink. Hook your tee shot on the 15th and you’ll see your ball curve gracefully away to the beach below.
Ty Coch Inn on Neyfn Beach, Wales, photo by Scott W. Clemens
However, Nefyn has a secret weapon whereby you can boost your courage as you approach these challenges, sooth your aching ego after falling short, or perhaps (who knows?) celebrate your success: After playing the 12th or 15th holes you can point your cart down the path to Porthdinllaen beach on the lee side of the peninsula, away from the wind and frustration, where you can hoist a pint or two at Ty Coch Inn & Pub. Not even Pebble Beach can match that!
Golfer, Nefyn, Wales, photo by Scott W. Clemens
Nefyn & District Golf Club
Tel: 01758 720 966
Fax: 01758 720 476
secretary @nefyn-golf-club.co.uk
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