Maesteg
The short thirteenth has fabulous, far-reaching views
(Image credit: Rob Smith)
Just inland from imperious Royal Porthcawl and lovely Pennard, the Welsh Valleys are home to two of this feature’s recommended courses, beginning with Maesteg, 5 miles to the east of Port Talbot. The only thing at all unnatural about this expansive and testing layout are two or three enormous electricity pylons which oddly and interestingly, despite one towering over the 14th tee, almost add to the visual interest. James Braid redesigned the 9-holer around the end of WWII before it was expanded to a full 18 in the 1970s.
The view from behind the green at the par-4 fifteenth
(Image credit: Rob Smith)
Packed with variety, standout holes include the par-3 drop hole 6th over a pond, the switchback, wall-of-death 11th and the infinity green, short 13th. Ultimately, golf at Maesteg is about the magnificent setting and views, and a game here also represents exceptional value.
Halifax
Looking down from the tee on the thrilling drop hole, the par-3 seventeenth
(Image credit: Halifax Golf Club)
Founded in 1895, the club moved to Ogden in 1902, since when golf has been played on this elevated and undulating moorland to the north of Halifax. The design has benefited from the genius of three of the greats – Fowler, MacKenzie and Braid – and yet is a seamless and consistently captivating journey from start to finish.
Looking back from behind the third green
(Image credit: Rob Smith)
In the county with more courses than any other, Yorkshire’s big names often mean that other fine courses are overlooked. Halifax is far too interesting and enjoyable for this to be right, and its rugged and atmospheric course will amply reward any effort to visit.
Braemar
Braemar has a gorgeous riverside setting
(Image credit: Braemar Golf Club)
When the course at Braemar first opened for play in 1902, it included plenty of sand bunkers. All of these are long gone, though their origins are still visible and can provide a challenge where they used to be. Many were removed when it was extended to a full 18 in 1911, the rest more recently due to the expense and difficulty of maintenance.
The closing hole at Braemar is a short par 3
(Image credit: Rob Smith)
Blessed with a lovely setting in a fabulous Highland glen between heathery hills and not far from Balmoral, the short but very sweet course features no fewer than seven par 3s and straddles the Clunie Water.
Pontardawe
The…
..
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Latest from Golf Monthly…