Wales 3 Day ARN Loop - 1st-3rd May 2024
Wales 3 Day ARN Loop - Day One
The 3 Day Wales Tour brought us to Aberdovey golf club, a hidden gem nestled gracefully between the beach and the railway, exuding charm with each stride. It's the kind of course that enchants you more with every return visit, despite its relatively snug layout, offering a sense of boundless space and tranquility. With its Dormy accommodation adding to the allure, it stands as an idyllic destination for both golfing and holiday escapades.
Players were drawn to Aberdovey for various reasons, from its championship-level playability to the enchanting par-3 twelfth hole boasting an elevated green, all wrapped in an irresistible package of excellent value for money.
As anticipation mounted, the moment arrived for the unveiling of the much-awaited prizes:
WHS Leaderboard: 1st Place: Steven Butt and Carl Nightingale - 51 Points 2nd Place: Justin Halfpenny and Arthur Bezuidenhout - 49 Points 3rd Place: Callum Lee and James Brown - 48 Points
Gross Leaderboard: 1st Place: Darren Douglas and Gary Preston - 40 Points 2nd Place: Daniel Clewer and Rob Soen - 39 Points 3rd Place: Lee Willson and Mark Boyd - 39 Points (Countback)
Par 3 Competition: 1st Place: Mike Bennell and Dave Boyle - 11 Points 2nd Place: Jamie Hurst and Daniel Parkes - 10 Points (Countback) 3rd Place: Stephen Swap and Matthew Hayes - 10 Points (Countback)
Nearest The Pin: Andy Smith - 3rd Hole Steve Butt - 5th Hole Dean Dudley - 9th Hole Darren Dunning - 12th Hole
Longest Drive: Andy Lumley
Best Dressed: Brendan Watt & Justin Halfpenny
Aberdovey proved to be not just a golfing sanctuary but a stage for camaraderie, competition, and sartorial flair. Until we meet again on the fairways, let the memories of Aberdovey linger like a sweet, fading melody.
Day Two
Day two of the Wales 3 Day Tour welcomed us to the prestigious Royal St Davids golf club, steeped in history since its establishment in 1894. The Harlech links, a testament to seaside golf at its finest, offers a challenging yet captivating experience, set against the backdrop of Harlech Castle and the majestic Snowdonia mountain range. Its clubhouse, rich with the names of Open and Amateur Champions, exudes warmth and heritage, welcoming thousands of golfers each year to bask in its special atmosphere.
Today, players were drawn to Royal St Davids for myriad reasons, from its championship-level playability to the allure of the picturesque par-3 18th hole, with its elevated green and surrounding bunkers, all set against the backdrop of breathtaking views.
The highlight of the day undoubtedly belonged to Mike Houghton, whose remarkable hole-in-one on the 18th marked his fourth ace—an extraordinary feat by any measure.
With bated breath, the moment arrived for the eagerly awaited prize announcements:
WHS Leaderboard: 1st Place: Brendan Watt and Allan Watson - 48 Points 2nd Place: Dan Evans and Chris Merriman - 48 Points 3rd Place: Justin Halfpenny and Arthur Bezuidenhout - 44 Points
Gross Leaderboard: 1st Place: Andy Blythe and Lee Molloy - 38 Points 2nd Place: Lee Willson and Mark Boyd - 37 Points 3rd Place: Mike Houghton and Ian Lindley - 35 Points (Countback)
Par 3 Competition: 1st Place: Jamie Hurst and Daniel Parkes - 13 Points 2nd Place: Dan Evans and Chris Merriman - 13 Points (Countback) 3rd Place: Mike Bennell and Dave Boyle - 12 Points (Countback)
Nearest The Pin: Arthur Bezuidenhout - 4th Hole John Bassett - 9th Hole Callum Lee - 11th Hole Jamie Shepard - 15th Hole Mike Houghton - 18th Hole
Longest Drive: Justin Halfpenny
Royal St Davids once again proved itself as a haven for golfers seeking challenge and camaraderie amidst unparalleled natural beauty. As we bid farewell to another memorable day on the links, may the echoes of triumph and camaraderie linger until we meet again on the fairways.
Day Three
Day three of the Wales 3 Day Tour unfolded amidst the breathtaking vistas of Nefyn golf club, promising a day of exhilarating golf and unparalleled hospitality. With its three distinct nines, we embraced the challenge of the main course while relishing the option of the old course for those seeking an extra thrill.
As the day progressed, the scenery morphed into a panorama of sheer magnificence, enhancing the golfing experience with each stroke. Despite the ever-changing weather—from cloudy and chilly to hazy sun and misty sea breeze—the players reveled in the unpredictable elements, adding an extra layer of excitement to the day.
Nefyn's main course, stretching over 3300 yards, offered a championship-level challenge, while the old course, though shorter at 2600 yards, boasted its own unique character, particularly when the wind came into play. Yet, regardless of the course chosen, the scenic and challenging par 3s remained a highlight, accentuated by the awe-inspiring views.
Players were drawn to Nefyn for a myriad of reasons, from its championship-level playability to the allure of the picturesque par-3 11th hole, with its elevated green and surrounding bunkers, all set against the backdrop of stunning vistas.
With bated breath, we awaited the announcement of the much-anticipated prizes:
WHS Leaderboard: 1st Place: James Hay and Jonny Walker - 39 Points 2nd Place: Simon Murphy and Ian McCann - 41 Points 3rd Place: Colin Parsons and Stephen Stoddart - 41 Points (Countback)
Gross Leaderboard: 1st Place: Samuel Kirby and Carl Kirby - 38 Points 2nd Place: Brendan Watt and Allan Watson - 37 Points 3rd Place: Lee Willson and Mark Boyd - 37 Points (Countback)
Par 3 Competition: 1st Place: Chris Hodge and John Murray - 7 Points 2nd Place: Chris Evans and Dom Bray - 7 Points (Countback) 3rd Place: Lee Willson and Mark Boyd - 7 Points (Countback)
Nearest The Pin: Mick Green - 5th Hole Rich Foster - 9th Hole Dan Evans - 11th Hole
Longest Drive: Sam Kirby
As we bid adieu to Nefyn, we carry with us the memories of a day filled with camaraderie, challenge, and the sheer beauty of golf amidst nature's grandeur. Until we meet again on the fairways, may the spirit of Nefyn linger as a beacon of golfing delight.
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