THE
WEEKENDER
WHITCHURCH GOLF CLUB
CARDIFF
hitchurch (Cardiff) Golf Club is one of
South Glamorgan’s most admired golf
courses and after your round you will tend
to agree. The golf club was founded in 1914 and has
developed into a fine parkland course which is rightly
noted for its testing Par 3 and Par 4 holes.
The course lies three and a half miles north of the City
and the clubhouse and golf course are situated on
elevated ground overlooking Cardiff, with Penarth Head
prominently visible and the Somerset Coast and Bristol
Channel completing a grand panorama.
The course is sheltered from the north by the Wenallt
Hills and guarding these hills stands Castell Coch, a
historical thirteenth century castle, reconstructed into
a fantastical folly. This forms a picturesque setting all
year round.
The opening par three allows you to fire at the flag with
water in play for a rousing start to your round although
it does get a little tougher after that.
The seventh may be a par three but it is uphill all the way
and only the most accurate of strikes will give you the
opportunity to make par. Whitchurch enjoys superb yearround conditions though is susceptible to strong northerly
winds - links players then, will feel right at home!
The 10th hole offers a picturesque start to the back nine
with views looking south towards the city of Cardiff.
Eight bunkers line the hole and should be navigated
at all costs. A good drive will leave a mid-iron which
should avoid the fairway bunkers just short of the green.
A short pitch onto a green sloping from front to back
will need to be executed expertly in order to provide a
birdie chance.
The 18th is probably one of the toughest finishing holes
in Wales! A solidly struck tee shot down the left is vital
to avoid the pond on the right hand side of the fairway.
Even after a long tee shot a wood or long iron is still
needed to a heavily sloping green with bunkers left and
right, many cards have been spoilt here.
Whitchurch is a great way to start a golfing break. It’s
well equipped with practice and putting areas to tune
up your game and the clubhouse offers high standard
food and a good beer. The members here are friendly
and if you’re party is big enough they’ll probably join you
for a drink!
47 | YOURCADDY MAG - ISSUE 04