Shropshire - Llanymynech Golf Club
This golf club famously crosses two countries
Home of pro golfer, Ian Woosnam, Llanymynech Golf Club is an 18 hole, par 70 (6036 yard), parkland golf course established in 1933.
The course has expanded over the years from its original 9 holes to its present 18-hole layout. The course also has a unique claim to fame - you can play one round of golf in two separate countries!
On the 4th hole you tee off in Wales and final putt in England. The 5th and 6th holes are also in England before you are welcomed back into Wales on the 7th tee.
Llanymynech is unique amongst golf clubs for so many reasons – not just its location straddling the border between England and Wales, its beauty and its historical significance but also its connections with Ian Woosnam who learnt his golf here and was featured so prominently in his biography. Golf has been played on the hill for 100 years and the members are very proud of it. They have toiled for generations to make it into the top club in the locality with continual improvements to the course and clubhouse. They share this place with nature and have ensured it remains a haven for wild birds and animals and when you see the rare cowslips and orchids in spring you can understand why it is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
To play only the first nine holes would be to miss what makes Llanymynech so special. You will start to appreciate this when you take your shot over the hill on the 11th hole. To your left is a pretty awe-inspiring elevated view up the Severn Valley towards Welshpool. You may even see an aeroplane fly beneath you at this point.
From the 12th, you can see the snow-capped Berwyns and look up the Tanat valley over Llanyblodwel church spire and watch the cows grazing in the fields below. The 13th has sensational views up the Vyrnwy valley towards Meifod.
Fairways are tight and tree lined in many places so even though the temptation is for a full-blooded tee shot, accuracy not power is the key to conquering this hilly course.
