In the pro-shop the telephone rings hot as members cancel their tee-off times. We buy sou’westers, put on our rain gear and empty our bags of everything except clubs and balls. Aberdovey is imbedded in a fantastic landscape of sand dunes, with one massive, final dune protecting it from the raging sea. A wonderful links course that gives great pleasure whatever the weather. Already on the first tee we are forced to aim 30-40 yards to the right because the wind is blowing towards the sea. The 4th – a pearl of a par 3 – with hidden green and only the top of the flag being a saviour in need. We emerge into a more open stretch and suddenly we have difficulty breathing when the off-shore wind forces air into our lungs. The wind increases in strength. The rain is now falling horizontally. Just like a 12-mile march to base camp. We tee off simultaneously and meet smiling by the green. In the meantime Links75 has been on the fairway, in semi-rough and rough. Fantastic bunkers, where the elephant grass creates huge, wet moustaches in the rain. The course turns after the 9th – yet again an incredible par 3.
12th green, Aberdovey
We reef the sails and motor towards the rocky shore. Every yards forward is a yards closer to a hot shower and a pint of ale. The 12th – an extremely challenging par 3 – elevated above the neighbouring sea. The climb towards the green is like reaching a peak 8000 yards high. We stop just long enough as a wind-blown putting stroke demands. We head back into strong headwinds. The course climax is of Open class. The 16th is a short par 4 that follows a railway line and has a narrow, moon-landscaped fairway. The green is elevated towards the 17th tee, which acts as a counterweight behind.
16th hole, Aberdovey
The 17th – a long par 4 – is a slight dogleg to the left, with deep, hungry bunkers to the right in front of the 2nd green. The 18th is a classic par 4 that tests length, courage and precision. A steaming hot shower. A cold ale. Hollywood pairing at Muirfield Village. Yet another real links course.
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