Llanymynech Golf Club Feature Review

Situated in Shropshire right on the Welsh/English border (more on that to follow), Llanymynech is just a short drive from Oswestry to the north and Welshpool to the south, meaning that it's easily accessible from the Midlands and the North West.

Llanymynech is an 18 hole, par 70 (6,036 yards - whites ), private, parkland golf course established in 1933. Home of 1991 Masters Champion Ian Woosnam and famous for playing two different countries on one hole!

On the 4th hole you tee it up in Wales and putt out in England.

Pre-Round Thoughts

Having heard many great things about Llanymynech from friends and other golfers, this has been on my list to play for a while now. The drive into the club sets you up for what lies ahead as you can see numerous holes and the clubhouse. A warm welcome awaited from Tom Farquharson, Head Professional, in his well stocked shop. Sian, Club Secretary, then met us and gave us an insight into the club and showed us round the clubhouse. We had a coffee overlooking the well sized putting green and also looking across to the first and 18th greens. 

Front 9 Overview

The round starts with the first of three par 3s on the front 9. A mid iron should get you to the green sat slightly above you, a lovely starting hole. The second hole is a great par 5 where position off the tee is paramount if you want to even attempt to get there in two. Another par 3 follows then two dogleg left par 4s - both of these show why you don’t need 400+ yard holes to be challenging yet at the same time offer up a chance to score well. Another par 3 of 189 yards is next up and the green is well guarded by bunkers short right. The final three holes (pars 4, 4, 5) are all fantastic driving holes and to score well on these you really need to find the cut and prepared.

Reflecting on the front 9, the only hole that could possibly stand out from the rest has to be the 4th. As the signs say - DRIVE IN WALES, PUTT IN ENGLAND! This is a truly unique yet at the same time very good hole. I’ve heard so much about this hole, so it was wonderful to finally see and play it for myself.

Back 9 Overview

The back 9 is definitely the tougher of the two halves. Another par 3 starts the back followed by a great drive-able par 4 that I nearly eagled but you can see how you could easily run up a number if your tee shot is offline. The longest par 4 follows at 432 (yellows) and as on all the holes here an accurate drive is needed to give you a chance of being on the green in regulation. You then get a great run of holes with a shortish par 4, the last and shortest par 5 and another great short par 4. The 16th is the last of the five par 3s with a green that big you could hit 2/3 clubs more from front to back. Then the round finishes with two really great but challenging par 4s both just under 400 yards that highlight why Llanymynech for me is a great course for all levels of golfer. 

The whole course in my eyes was an absolute joy to play on. Great layout, well manicured fairways, superb bunkers and pure greens.

Driving is the key part here I believe as any errant tee shots can cause even the best to run up a big number.

Post-Round Thoughts

Great layout with a great mix of holes. Five tough yet great par 3s, views to die for, fantastic bunkering and greens. And the most unique hole I’ve had the chance to play so far. The course was in as good a condition as I’ve played. Friendly atmosphere out on the course and afterwards whilst having a drink and snack.

Verdict

You will struggle to find a course in better condition even at this early stage of the season. Greens as quick and pure as I’ve ever putted on. I could see that it would be playable all year as the natural drainage there is very good. The bunkers were some of the best I've ever seen. 

Overall Rating - 9

Course (Conditions) - 10

Course (Hole Variety/Layout) - 10

Course (Green Condition) - 10

Course (Challenge/Difficulty) - 9

Club Facilities & Clubhouse - 8

Practice Facilities - 8

Friendliness/Hospitality - 10

Pace of Play - 10

Value For Money - 10