GOLFF YN SIR GAERFYRDDIN

CARMARTHENSHIRE GOLF

(Most of this information and map has been taken from a free booklet produced jointly by the Carmarthenshire Tourist Association and Carmarthenshire County Council Tourism Department with funding from VisitNet.)

Carmarthenshire is still a relatively undiscovered golfing paradise. However, with a variety of courses to choose from, golfers can be assured of a memorable holiday.

Courses range from challenging parkland courses, championship courses to first class links courses, all with excellent facilities. All courses offer affordable golf, a warm welcome and stunning scenery to enhance the game.

< 1 >  Ashburnham Golf Club - One of the classic Welsh links courses. The first two and final two holes are inland near the clubhouse, holes three to eight strike out parallel to the sea and holes 9 to 15 run back with the wind directly behind. With out of bounds and assorted trouble on the right in both directions there is no peace for the slicer. The fact that the current course record is no lower than 70, bears witness to the credentials of the challenge. For more information see - www.ashburnhamgolfclub.co.uk

< 2 >  Carmarthen Golf Club - Amid some of the choicest Welsh coutryside is this parkland course that poses a much stiffer challenge than its length would suggest. The first, a long and difficult uphill par four, sets the tone for this parkland course that is rarely conquered by first time visitors. The dog-legged 17th with its two-tier green, ambushes many who think they have conquered the course. It is the fast and tricky greens in general that are the key to its defences. Few manage to break 70 here. For more information see - www.carmarthengolfclub.com

< 3 >  Derllys Court Golf Club - Easy accessibility to a golfing haven. The back and front halves provide an interesting contrast. The greens on the front 9 are extremely undulating as opposed to the relatively flat greens of the back 9. Water hazards and bunkers come to play an interesting challenge. The course presents breathtaking views of rolling hills and valleys. The course is best described as an undulating parkland set up. A warm welcome awaits the golfer in the well appointed clubhouse that serves food and drink throughout the day. For more information see - www.derllyscourtgolfclub.com

< 4 >  Glyn Abbey Golf Club - Glyn Abbey Golf Club is an 18 hole par 70 course set in over 200 acres of rolling parkland. It's unique, uncramped and imaginative layout sets it apart. Every hole offers it's own challenge and the course is suited to all levels of playing ability. No up and down play, no criss crossing holes and no noisy roads. Tees are elevated and sculpted, bunkers spectacularly contoured and superb USGA spec greens provide all year round play. There are mature woodland backdrops to many holes and superb views over the Gwendraeth Valley from all aspects of the course. For more information see - www.glynabbey.co.uk

< 5 >  Glynhir Golf Club - Glynhir is a mature parkland course surrounded by fine coutryside with beautiful views. The golf course has a covered practice area and showers and changing rooms are available to visitors. For more information see - http://Freespace.virgin.net/glynhir.golfclub

< 6 >  Machynys Peninsula Golf & Country Club - A world class golf course in a dramatic setting. On the edge of Carmarthen Bay overlooking the Gower Peninsula sits a true championship course: a challenging 7100 yard par 72 links style course. Machynys incorporates the first Nicklaus design golf course in Wales as well as spa and leisure facilities. A wide range of golf society, spa day packages are available. Machynys also boasts exceptional practice facilities including a Welsh Golfing Union centre of excellence. For more information see - www.machynys.com

< 7 >  Parc Garnant Golf Club - An idyllic picture postcard setting on 120 acres of rolling countryside overlooking the Brecon Beacons National Park. Parc Garnant is a parkland course playable all year round on USPG tees and greens with a par 71. An excellent venue for competitions, society days and group or corporate events. Holiday groups are welcome throughout the year. For more information see - www.parcgarnantgolf.co.uk