This could be a very long review.
Absolutely stunning golf course, from the setting, the Mansion, the course, the scenery, the 3 Lodges etc.... In fact when I arrived there, I met a Member in the Car Park and after talking about Renault Cars (Kadjar vs Capture) I asked him if he played anywhere else, the answer was NO, this course has everything and more.... and I totally agree, I also agree with the comment of the Greens from the previous review, I quote, as ever so funny & true:
" A sense of humour on greens with more undulations than a baby's bottom is a necessary and well placed hazards make it a thinkers course."..... Spot on.
The entrance to the golf is a promise of something grand and it is: a small Lodge on the righthand side and then one sees the course, the wonderful diverse & mature trees, a glimpse of the red brick built Mansion house, the Kitchen garden wall and the visitors car park, a practice putting green, some cottages on the left handside.
It all started as a small hunting lodge back in 1767 when the Rolls family (yes the famous car builders) purchased the property and extended it in several stages to make a grand Mansion house which can counts many important visitors such as King George V/Queen Mary ....
The golf course opened in 1982 in these 600 acres plus of stunning scenery with so many mature and varied trees, the Welsh Black Mountains in the distance, the rolls apply also to the course as it is up and down, an incredible well designed course, that flows and keepS you interested & thINking all the way to the 18th, Par 3, signature hole.
The 4 Par 3s are described as "fantastic" by Greg Norman..... that apply to every hole in fact.
I could describe every hole but I chose 3:
5th, Par 5, downhill, slight dogleg, trees on either side of the fairways and a semi circle of tall pines at the back, a big dip to an elevated very tricky tiered green sloping out towards the well placed bunkers bunkers. I enjoyed this one.
13th, Par 3, with a slight rise to the green sloping to a pond on the right.
17th, very testing Par 5, slightly blind dog leg to the right, slope to a blind sloping green, another gem.
The signature hole the 18th is certainly worth a mention too. Striking finish, a Par 3 over water towards the Mansion house with a large green at the bottom of the Rose Garden (abandoned, needing love & attention, the property is now in the hands of an American firm).
You will encounter streams and lakes, wildlife, tranquility, beauty, your heart, your soul and your mind will be on a high, even without the PIMMS before the 10th hole.
The course is in superb condition throughout despite the very warm weather, tees boxes, fairways, greens are a delight as so well kept and presented.
There are 3 Lodges available to rent as a B&B (breakfast in the Mansion) if you like sleeping & waking up on a stunning Welsh golf course in this magnificent property.
Easy to find, not far from Abergavenny & Monmouth, the Mansion is grand, listed but needs a little attention, it could make a superb golf hotel, I am sure the current new owners have something for the future of this Estate that was the holiday home of the Rolls family, large benefactors to this region of Wales. The original Wall Garden and Rose Garden need total attention, but I am sure that will be done.
I have never seen such an impressive building on a golf course before, that tops Moor Park, Royal Blackheath, Burhill to name a few I have seen...
The Clubhouse & changing rooms are in what was the workshop where the 1st RR was conceived. there area lot of photographs of the cars etc, aeroplanes....
There is a pleasant outside seating area by the Wall Garden with a splendid view of the Mansion of your right. In fact you see the striking red brick building from many holes when playing the course, that makes this place so, so stunning. A paradise for the keen and avid photographer too, in all seaons, as wildlife, fauna is abundant, varied species of trees etc.
This was part of my 2nd game with YONEX LPGH / Alex Nicholson, they certainly know what to pick as best, a last minute invite to fill in a gap. I am so glad I took the opportunity to play the course. There is plenty of accommodation in Abergavenny & around, the locals are friendly, the air is fresh and the scenery spectacular as you drive along the M, A or B roads. I expect the winters can be severe.
Easy access from London via M4.
My recommendation: play it as soon as you can you will want to return & play it again. There are special deals for accommodation & golf, for Societies, for day golf. A warm welcome will await you in the Proshop, in the Mansion and in the Clubhouse.
Absolutely STUNNING.......
Thanks Alex for inviting me & fixing my accommodation.
THE END.....
Date Friday, 13, July 2018
