Rhyl

It’s not going to win any awards for being one of the best in the country but I really enjoyed my outing here in October 2014.

The course plays firm and fast like any good links course should and there is a nice feel about the place.

It’s simple, understated and honest links golf so if you are seeking rolling terrain and huge dunes then it’s probably not for you but the green complexes are of a good enough standard to provide both interest and challenge to your round.

The routing is classic links ‘out and back’ albeit for just nine holes. The first four take you to the farthest point, running close to and alongside the promenade, before turning back with just a lone par three playing at right angles to the rest of the holes.

There are two-tee boxes for each hole to make up 18 starting points, and there is a bit of a difference on some holes, but I can never really understand why nine-hole courses do this. Maybe from a wear and tear perspective it makes sense but from a playability stand point it would be better to just choose the best tee for that hole and use that one.

The course is no push over at 6,315 yards and as it is exposed to the wind I can imagine scoring is not always as easy. We found the course on a benign afternoon but I suspect that’s not always the case on this exposed parcel of land.

None of the holes are duds at Rhyl with the demanding 11th and dog-leg 6th/15th being the two I would pick out as my favourites.

The welcome was very warm with the food homely and excellent. Well worth a quick stop-off if passing by on the coastal road or seeking a quick evening round.