Golf Nirvana

       I have been to golf heaven and its name is Royal Porthcawl! I am in the UK with the Bernhard Company this week. While making the trip over the pond a few of us decided to head over a few days early and get in some golf in Wales. After a 36 hour marathon that would make the men on the Deadliest Catch proud, we had 15 holes of golf at Celtic Manor and a few pints as a warm up and finally some sleep. Saturday was to be the something special. As we headed to the town of Newport, will full rain gear in tow, we were all looking forward to a chance to play the home of the 2014 Senior Open Championship (by the way  here it is not the British Open as we call it in the states!)

       As we arrived we were met by the PGA Professional, who could not have been more welcoming. He told us to make ourselves at home and head to the clubhouse for a pint before our round. This is where it got good. The members after a kindly reminder of hats indoors equals to you buying a round of drinks, we were welcomed into their club. The golf talk began and it was became clear that playing golf was not what makes this incredible place so special. From the questions about the US Open at Merion to some home course knowledge tips, you could not have asked for anything more! As the round went on, my golf may have been bad and the 20+MPH winds not helping but it was a day I will never forget! From the incredible views to having one of the members from inside come over as we were on adjoining holes to see how we were doing, just really an incredible experience.

       As we finished up and headed into the clubhouse there were still two members finishing up their drinks. As we talked some more golf in a room filled with photos of past club Presidents and Captains dating back to 1891, I truly believe I have been to golf heaven and its name is Royal Porthcawl!

 

WJC