Llandrindod Wells Golf Club

Llandrindod Wells is one of the great high-moorland courses of Britain — laid out in 1905 by the six-time Open champion Harry Vardon on a plateau above the Victorian spa town, at around 1,100 feet, making it one of the highest courses in Wales. The elevation gives it huge skies, bracing air and panoramic views across the mid-Wales hills in every direction, and a springy, heathery, upland character quite different from parkland or links.

At par 69 over around 5,750 yards, it is not long, but the exposed setting, the wind and Vardon's clever use of the natural moorland contours make it a subtle and thoroughly enjoyable test, with a famous run of short holes. The turf drains well and plays firm, and the sense of space and sky is unforgettable.

Historic, scenic and unusual, "Llandod" is a hidden delight at the heart of Wales. The Victorian spa town below grew up around its healing waters in the 1800s, and the course shares that genteel, time-warp character; the drive up onto the common, the sheep-cropped turf and the huge skies make it feel gloriously remote, yet it sits right in the heart of the country.