Just back from four gloriously sunny days of foursomes in Wales which was the unquestioned highlight of the year so far. Harlech and Aberdovey were both, in their different ways, in tip-top condition (the bunker problem at RStD seems, finally, to have been resolved for which great credit is due to Rhys Butler, although the shells of the old hotel and college tower block still remain) and Aberdovey, in particular, was running truly fast on and around the greens. So was Borth, although the oldest club in Wales is clearly facing tough times, despite a splendidly 'can-do' membership: in contrast the general sense of prosperity in and around the town of Aberdovey (rather unusual on Cardigan Bay) comes across at the Aberdovey Golf Club itself. There is a new back tee at 16 at RStD with the most stunning views of the Bay (echoing that the ordinary tee enjoyed when I was a child, prior to the advent of the new dune line) which has got to be one of the more spectacular in Wales. Anyway, this trip was confirmation (again) of Bernard Darwin's view of Wales as the best (and certainly the best value) place for a golfing holiday.
Otherwise there has been a foray into Sussex, which I wrote up elsewhere on GCA, and some lovely, if wet days at Swinley, Porthcawl, Lindrick, Tadmarton and Huntercombe. Woking in the sunshine last month was a joy, although I remain unconvinced by the newish 16th green. The year to come brings a return to Wales, and (most excitingly) Askernish and TOC later in the summer, with the Lothians again in the autumn. So lots of anticipatory pleasures: as for the game itself, my driving and short game has been as consistently decent as my putting has been consistently execrable, making my mid-handicap status entirely appropriate. I would love to be even a couple of shots better and aspire to threaten twelve again...