CAERNARFON GOLF CLUB

Caernarfon would make a superb stop in any golf tour of this picturesque region. The course is situated close to the sea and there are sections that may lead you to believe you are playing a thoroughbred links, but Caernarfon is a pure parkland course, with lots of trees, true running greens and lush fairways.

Providing a challenge for all skill levels, at just under 6,000 yards, it requires accuracy and good course management rather than brute force in order to carve out a good score here. The 6th hole, a dog-leg of over 400 yards into the prevailing wind, is the stroke index 1 hole, and one hole where you will need a long as well as accurate drive. The dogleg 14^th, a 335-yard par-4, is also great fun. Big hitters may be tempted to drive for the green with the wind behind, but there is out of bounds on the right and the course boundary down the left, so any big slices or hooks will be severely punished.

The course, which is within walking distance of the medieval Caernarfon Castle - a World Heritage Site since 1986 - celebrated its centenary in 2009 and was only extended to 18 holes in 1981, but you wouldn't know it such is the skill with which the two nines have been stitched together.

The greens are some of the best around and Caernarfon hosted the Welsh Boys Championship in 2009. The club has also developed a fine reputation for serving up excellent home cooked food in the comfy clubhouse, along with a range of fine quality beers or wines.

Who could ask for more?