A jagged point on the tip of the Lleyn Peninsula is the unlikely location for what was originally a nine hole course built in 1907. It wasn’t long before the pressure of convention hit the club and nine additional holes were built. JH Taylor added nine more holes not long before WWII and Hawtree had his say with three holes in the 80s. Somehow, this all added up to an unusual 26 hole configuration of 10 old holes and two sets of 8 new holes. Of the 26 holes 22 were affected by public footpaths!
I played the Old ten holes and what I was led to believe the best 8 hole set many years ago. Other than for the setting and a handful of extraordinary holes, some good and some not, I wasn’t entirely impressed.
In some cases the extra new holes tacked onto a remarkable original design are now looked upon as course spoilers. It may have taken 100 years, but the work Nefyn embarked upon all those years ago should be seen as successful. The beauty of the site not only attracts golfers, walkers stream across the Point in their thousands, necessitating the closure of the Old Course for significant periods of time. Hence the newer holes are essential to sustain the club. Taking steps further, the club recently touched up the property by creating a new Championship 18 and the Old Course 9. Although, it is still possible to combine a new 9 with the Old to play 18 holes.
To create the 27 hole property the Old Course lost one of the most outrageous holes in golf. Playing toward the end of the Point, the old par five 12th featured two blind shots, the second over a large pothole to a green on the far side some 80 yards distant. Replacing this extremely dangerous relic of the past is a wonderful short hole (#3/12) hard on the cliffs left of the old par 5. To make up 9 holes, another short hole (#2/11) playing from the old 12th tee was built. While mellowed somewhat, the new Old Course retains plenty of character which includes the All Wales 13th. I can't recollect what happened to the other hole of the Old 10. Somewhere along the way it has disappeared!
Even on a cold damp morning few courses say hello the way Nefyn does.
The plateau on which the green is located is far bigger than it looks. The green is set back about 40 yards via a neck thinner than Cleopatra's!
A pair of new short holes follows, the 3rd being a cracker. The walk to #2 reveals the 2nd on what is called the Front 9.
#2
#3
I imagine the club must struggle with sea salt attacking this green and likely the 5th as well.
The 3rd, and headland in the background.
A big issue with these holes are the long walks between greens and tees. At least the 4th rewards golfers with a visually stunning hole of very high quality.
The carry doesn't look that oppressive, but it must be 300 yards on the tiger line. The further right one plays for safety the worse the angle of approach.
A sneak peak of peril to come.
The infinity (from certain angles!) green is cradled in a den of rock.
The 5th is a charmer even if a played off a mat!
The uphill 6th is rather ordinary, as is much of the remainder of the nine with the exception of the three-shot 8th. What is extraordinary is the settlement of Porthdinllaen resting on the beach in the shadow of the cliffs. Probably the most famous pub in Wales, the Ty Coch, is the centre of attraction in these parts. This pub is a big reason why the Old nine is closed down for much of school holidays. If this nine is on the cards golfers must be making the turn by 12:30ish as hordes of folks swarm the point for a pint. Sometimes tee off times stop at 8:30...folks are so keen!
I won't say the other nines are worth much time or effort, especially as green fees have been steadily increasing in recent years. But, if one asks nicely, on the right day, at the right time of year, a 9 hole rate can be had and it is a steal. 2019
Previous Stops
Harlech
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,33937.0.htmlPlanned Stops
Beaconsfield
Woodhall Spa
Seacroft
Happy Hockey