Garnant Golf

DISTANCE FROM HOLIDAY COTTAGES: 9 miles TYPE OF COURSE: Rolling Parkland HOLES: 18 LENGTH: 6575 yds WEBSITE: www.garnantgolfclub.co.uk “Gloriously elevated parkland welcomes big hitters” An ex-open cast coal mine is now home to one of Wales’ newest courses, which opened in 1996. Full of character, Garnant Park is a hillside championship course on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, with holes named after local mineral workings like Wernos, Gelli Ceidrim and Wheal Morgan. Anyone who visits South Wales on a golfing holiday should pay this course a visit – perched on the hillside above a valleys mining town, Garnant Golf Club boasts some of the most dramatic views of any golf club in the country – just take a look at their website if you need proof.   They claim a poor round is easy to forget when you have the atmospheric Black Mountains of Brecon Beacons National Park as a backdrop with buzzards and red kites soaring in the skies above.   The clubhouse decking is a great place to enjoy a post-round drink – the views of the historic Amman Valley are breathtaking, particularly when the sun sets on another day of golfing. Playable all year round on USPG tees and greens, Garnant golf course is excellent for big hitters, the 18 hole course is par 72 with total yardage from 5,677 off front tee to 6575 off back. Voted the best new club by the Welsh Golfing Union in 2003, new features for 2004 include a par 3 starter course.  A feature hole is the 5th hole names ‘Pontyclerc’ where a pond and two bunkers protect the green.  Designed for golfers of all standards from beginner to low handicap amateurs, Garnant calls itself a serious club for serious golfers. The ground is upland and parkland with a fairly even sloping terrain. Located 20 minutes from junction 48 of the M4, the club has a licensed clubhouse, golf shop, professional, restaurant and buggy paths.