I was taken on a long discussed, but rather last minute tour of mid-Wales by our own Welsh Wizard. I didn't know the itinerary and simply let myself be escorted about between Machynlleth and Knighton...which are two of the courses we played. The other course we played was St Idloes....all 9 holers.
A trusted and well worn club motto.
Knighton is first up. I suspected we might play this course because it is quite close to Kington and I knew of its existence. Its a shame the club doesn't know the existence of the original designers of Knighton, but it seems clear that Harry Vardon laid out a course for the club in 1913. Somehow the club convinced the great Vardon to play the opening match at what is still a backwater town over 100 years later.
Getting onto club grounds involved a serpentine lane which was blocked by a locked gate.
The farmer who owns the land is particular about keeping the gates closed. It took a phone call to obtain the lock code!
Of course, the house was empty. We rolled in as the only car in the lot quickly followed by another group out for a quick nine while holidaying in the area.
After dropping some cash into the wall, we get to the tee. After years of playing hilltop courses I knew what to expect...yep...straight up the hill. This isn't a good hole, but it leads to better things. The green from the 2nd tee. A few things are clear, this will be a rudimentary design in a splendid setting.
Heading back downhill, the 2nd whips sharply left as the terrain moves more right. The approach is uphill and blind. There is no real fairway, merely three heights of grass; short rough, greens and whatever. Once some of the slopes are spied, its obvious that we should be thankful the fairways are long enough to thrwart too much roll out.
The square green is essentially benched into the hill. The 3rd tee is the foreground.
More to follow.
Ciao