Red tees 71, slope 125
Lying on the Llyn peninsula in north-west Wales on the north side of Ceredigion Bay, Pwllheli golf club was founded as a nine hole course in 1900. The original holes were designed by Jack Morris, the professional at Hoylake and the nephew of Tom Morris. The course was extended to 18 holes in 1909 with the addition of nine holes running along the sand dunes designed by James Braid. The extended course was opened by David Lloyd George who became British Prime Minister in 1916.
We played Pwllheli with Lynn and David Lawson on a sunny day with a gentle breeze. The original nine holes, now the 1st to 7th and the 17th and 18th, are flat, parkland holes with soft fairways and greens and lots of trees. They are not true links holes. Unusually this course has no par 5s for men (two for women) and only three par 3s. The fairways were not in good condition although the greens were good but very variable because of the differing terrain.
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| Nine of the holes are on parkland terrain |
There are not many memorable holes in the first 7 holes, although the 5th has a pond in front in front of the green which differentiates it from the other holes. The ground becomes linksland when the course returns to the clubhouse at the 7th green and turns to run along the coast. This section starts with two par 4s and then the 10th is a pretty par 3 with dunes on the left and a green guarded by two bunkers at the front. The fabulous views over the bay from the 11th tee could be a distraction but concentration is required for the tee shot which is a big carry over gorse and rough. The final par 3 is the 12th which has water awaiting any long shot to the left and back of the green. The course then turns back in the direction of the clubhouse with some good holes including the par 4 14th which is a dogleg to right. It may be a short par 4 but water on the right side of the fairway and a pond in front of the green increases the risk. The 16th is a blind drive where a drive which is too straight can run out of fairway. It finishes with a sloping green guarded by a big front bunker. Disappointingly the 17th and 18th return to rather soggy terrain.
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| The 14th green is guarded by a pond and a bunker |
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| A view of the 10th green |
Worth playing? Probably but only if you are here on holiday.
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