Ashburnham, the demanding seaside venue where the great Welshman and winning Ryder Cup Captain, Dai Rees won the PGA title in 1959, has long been regarded as one of the best links courses in Britain. Indeed it won that rating from no less authority than the immortal Harry Vardon. He twice played the course, enjoying himself immensely and was compelled to record soon afterwards that

"The course I like best in Wales is Ashburnham"

The course that you tackle today is basically the layout, which the redoubtable J. H. Taylor designed in 1910 after paying a visit to suggest further alterations to a course then 14 years old. He returned three years later to inspect progress and suggest further alterations. The results pleased the great man, who commented with great pride: "It stands comparison with many of the best seaside courses in the country"

If this is your first visit to Ashburnham, it won't take you long to appreciate what Taylor meant all those years ago. Ahead of you stretches a pleasurable test of your shot making ability.