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Scotsman James Braid (1870-1950) was a famous golf course architect and five times winner of the Open Championship. Courses designed by James Braid had several features in common. Typically, James Braid courses take advantage of the lie of the land with its natural features and obstacles, and accurate play is rewarded. Often, holes are shaped into dog legs to encourage playing for position, though the holes vary in terms of length and character. There are ten golf clubs in North Wales boasting James Braid design features, and one of the most iconic of these is Nefyn and District Golf Club on the Llyn Peninsula. James Braid only played at Nefyn once, with JH Taylor, in July 1920. Braid shot 69 against the par of 74, beating Taylor by five shots. Nefyn and District Golf Club is a unique 26-hole golf course where from every tee you'll have a fantastic view of the sea. The famous 'Point' - a narrow peninsula bounded by coves, inlets and sandy beaches - is where eight of these holes are played. There's a fully equipped, covered 3-bay floodlit driving range at Nefyn and District Golf Club, and a further six open bays. What's more, there's a large practice putting green and chipping area, with bunkers. This means that golfers of all abilities can enjoy year-round practice, and these facilities are also ideal for coaching. It's not just the spectacular geographic layout underlying the course at Nefyn that makes it special. Nefyn Golf Club's layout is unique, with 26 holes and the choice of playing the 'old' or 'new' courses. Or both, if you're able to spare enough time to experience the challenge of playing two courses! Holes 1-10 (Old) and Holes 11-18 (Old) make up the Old Course, situated on the world-famous 'Point' with its dramatic geography and panoramic sea views. The Old Course begins with a series of four holes which are parallel to the coastline. Moving inland there are some challenging par fours and a stimulating par three. From there on, you're at the 'Point'. The New Course comprises Holes 1-10 (Old) and Holes 11-18 (New). Following the natural curves of the headland and coastal inlet, these eight holes present some interesting challenges which golfers take real delight in playing. How does one choose holes of note among 26 holes with such unique character and set among such dramatic geography? It's not an easy task, but two holes do stand out that little bit more than the others. Hole 13, a spectacular par four risk and reward, is notable for its 200 yard carry over the bay and its short pitch to a green set between two rocky outcrops. And Hole 16, a par three where tee shots that fall short will finish in a crater-like hole across the fairway, is especially noteworthy for the fact that you can take a break from your round and enjoy a spot of refreshment at the Ty Coch Inn on the beach at Porth Dinllaen. The founder members of Nefyn and District Golf Club sat in this very inn over a hundred years ago, discussing the formation of their new golf club, so you'll be in esteemed company! Deals and offers Check the Nefyn and District Golf Club website regularly for deals and offers. There's usually a number of play and stay deals available, pro shop and driving range offers and discounts, and special packages for larger groups and societies. Facts and figures Size: 26 holes 18 Holes – 6520 yards par 71 (New Course) 18 Holes – 6267 yards par 70 (Old Course) Address: Golf Road, Morfa Nefyn, Gwynedd, LL53 6DA Tel: +44 (0)1758 720966 Fax: +44 (0)1758 720476 In the area On the days when you're not playing - or for those in your party that don't play golf - there is plenty to see and do in the local area. Situated on the beautiful Llyn Peninsula, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Nefyn and District Golf Club is within easy travelling distance of a number of sites of interest and Snowdonia attractions. These include the market town of Pwllheli, Ynys Enlli (the isle of 20,000 saints), the popular seaside resort of Abersoch, Tre'r Ceiri Iron Age hill fort, and dozens of beautiful, secluded, sandy beaches like Porth Oer and Porth Dinllaen. Steven Jones is Senior Tourism Services Officer at Cyngor Gwynedd Council, whose Visit Snowdonia website is the official tourist information website for the Snowdonia region. Visit Snowdonia provides visitors with helpful information about the region, including golf in Snowdonia and the James Braid Golf Trail.
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Snowdonia, golf, Snowdonia golf, golf in Snowdonia, James Braid, North Wales James Braid Golf Trail, North Wales Golf,
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