Darland Golf Course

The last time I was in the area, I played a most enjoyable round at Darland Golf Course and was eagerly looking forward to visit again next month during a short break to Wales, but I am sad to report I have just spotted a notice on their home page which states: "It is with regret that we have to announce that with effect from Thursday, 31st July 2014 the golf course will close for business. We thank all our customers for their loyal and valued support over the past 12 years."

New Clubhouse is big improvement, although not much in there as yet I have played there over last 3 years and found greens and fairways all well kept For a cheapish local course its feels like a proper challenge to get round in an OK score, dog legs, water etc

Darland now has a small welcoming office with facilities ,the course is 9 holes and is good value for money,and contrary to a previous writer the course does not flood,and as a regular visitor i find the greens very well kept,but of course not if you are comparing with the likes of St Andrews etc.

I played here on a midweek afternoon last month and was pleasantly surprised. There is obviously a plan that the bottom of the flag should not be visible from the tee. This is mainly because almost all the holes are dog-legs but the short 8th has a green hidden by trees from the tee. The greens as with many pay and play courses are not of the highest standard and the whole course seems likely to become very wet after even a moderate amount of rain. The course is quite tricky and to make a good score on a first visit would be difficult. The pace of play was slow though that was more as a result of the standard of the golfers than the pointless aping of the professional tour that afflicts some courses. The facilities are basic but for the green fee one could not expect too much. In my opinion the most important factor on choosing a course to play should be the quality of the course and value for money and on those 2 elements this course does well.

A young course with some interesting holes, and set in lovely welsh border countryside. The greens seem well looked after, with good fairways. Would love to see it in 50 years when some of the new trees have matured. No facilities to speak of, only a pair of smal practice driving nets. Good value for money. With an "early bird" discount scheme. Friendly bloke in the porta-cabin, even let me use his phone :)