Anglesey’s Finest – Bull Bay
A beautiful island only separated from mainland North Wales by the Menai straits. Travel to Bangor and cross either the Menai or Britannia bridges. Beaumaris, Holyhead, Trearddur Bay are the tourist hotspots but it’s an isle of discovery too, lots of hidden bays and coves to find. The golf is plentiful, six courses in a very modest surface area, we present the best known two here, the perfect contrast.
Bull Bay Golf Club – by Phil Nicholas
The northernmost point of North Wales golf, Bull Bay, a stunning coastal location and the only course in Wales designed by the legendary Herbert Fowler.
Mapped out on top of a hillside overlooking the bay complete with spectacular views, this is true upland links terrain. Prone to a few breezes and decorated with pretty yet punishing patches of gorse and heather this natural hump and hollow strewn landscape will inspire the adventurous and suit a creative minded golfer.
Bull Bay’s 18 holes are full of character and rugged coastline beauty, boredom will never be an issue. To plot your way successfully on a debut appearance up, over and around a heady succession of valleys, plateaus and rocky outcrops takes some doing. Course management has always been key, a couple of Bull Bay locals enjoyed showing me how when I visited for the first time in 2009, their expert use of long/mid irons from the tees coupled with nerveless chip and run skills were a joy to behold, and a lesson learned too.
Very few bunkers exist at Bull Bay, it’s a well protected course that doesn’t really need them, but the greens are fair and do offer rewards for good putting. Sheer enjoyment, a unique away from it all feeling and the chance to play the sort of shots that you don’t normally even consider back home are among the many delights of a trip here.
Plus you also finish with a true highlight, my favourite driving hole in North Wales, the view over the bay from the high 18th back tee is simply breathtaking, one for the photo album. It’s a straight ahead hole and runs gently downhill to a distant clubhouse, an accurate drive travels a long, long way and all of that beautiful coast beyond is there in full view on a clear day.
The clubhouse has a modern feel in a traditional setting, main bar, restaurant and sportsman’s lounge offer seating and scope for all occasions, all looking out onto the bay below. Members and club officials alike ensure everyone gets a warm welcome.
BODFAN – SELF-CATERING FARMHOUSE – TREFOR, ANGLESEY
Bodfan, a traditional detached self-catering farmhouse with modern comforts, which is situated on the wonderful Isle of Anglesey in rural surroundings, with distant views of Snowdonia.
Bodfan is situated only 11 miles from Bull Bay GC and 21 miles from Henllys GC. Being a large house sleeping eight in five bedrooms it is particularly suitable for couples and small groups on a golfing break.
Facilities include – Large lounge with TV/DVD – open plan kitchen – dining room – ground floor WIFI
Contact Gillian – Tel: 01407 720 474 – www.finereels.com