199 - Vale (National)

Location: Cardiff, Wales

Rating: 8.2

At over 6000 meters and teeing off on a cool summer’s morning we knew the National at the Vale Resort was going to be a tough challenge and it certainly proved to be so. The first tee is a gentle dog leg to the left with the opportunity to cut the corner and not much trouble but that lures you into a fall sense of security with the second. A downhill par 5 with a very narrow path through the trees down to a green guarded by a water hazard at the front and thick bush beyond. Only two holes later you’re faced with another par 5, this time across water off the tee and shaping to the left. Not an easy first few holes!

A few holes later the 6th offers an interesting proposition. A 220 meter downhill par 4, very driveable but also very much troublesome. Water sits to the front of the green and tall trees will swallow any wayward tee shots. A lay up any day long.

The 7th is another strategic hole, a dog leg to the left and cut the corner at your peril with thick rough lining the left side of the fairway. The 10th was another very memorable hole, a 470 meter par 5 with a nice wide landing area for the drive but it all narrows from there with water down the left and tree trouble on the right, pinpoint accuracy required.

The theme continues throughout with changes in elevation, twists and turns, humps and hollows throughout the remaining 9 holes. It’s very enjoyable course despite it’s length and challenge, it’s certainly not impossible to score well.

£110 for the two courses is very good value for money, this course could be towards that mark on it’s own. Would definitely recommend playing at the Vale Resort, it’s a very impressive campus with football and rugby pitches to accompany the golf courses.