N – Newport
GB&I golf Course Reviews – Z to A
I am going to showcase one golf club a day in GB & I for the whole of the alphabet. It is my ode to some great golf. Full write up’s can be found on golfgurugroup blogspot or on golfgurugroup website under the Travelling Lady Golfer tab.
Look out for the daily influx of unique, quirky, amazing golf courses across the GB & I and subscribe to my social media channels @sarah_thetravellingladygolfer on Instagram @golfgurugroup on Twitter and Facebook.
Newport Golf Club
NEWPORT GOLF CLUB, GREAT OAK, ROGERSTONE, NEWPORT, WALES, NP10 9FX
Newport Golf Club stands 300 feet above sea level with a yardage from 5814 to 6500. Located in Llwyni Wood the golf holes circumnavigate the woodland. In the middle of the course whilst capitalising on the beautiful established trees and gently undulating terrain.
Founded in 1903 Newport Golf club started life, like so many, as a nine hole course situated at Ladyhill Farm. Interestingly, the ladies section was also founded that same year. A couple of years later the course was extended to 18 holes. But that wasn’t the end to the clubs evolution with a relocation to its current site in 1912.
Mature oak trees
Are the first thing you notice as you start to play Newport GC, it is no coincidence that the club logo is an Oak tree! Certainly this mature parkland course is one that screams history, with one pondering, if only the trees could talk.
Regarded as one of the finest parkland courses in South Wales the current site of the golf course has grown and matured nurturing this natural look. It also far reaching views across the landscape and over towards the Bristol Channel.
Parkland courses
Are often overlooked when visiting the UK in favour of links golf, but playing such a grown up course has its own considerations. The greens are not level y any stretch of the imagination, the course, whilst doest take on massive elevations. Does add interest with its gentle topography and then there’s the mature statement trees!
The first time I played Newport was in an Open and I was blown away by the golf course. Naturally I had to return again to see if it was a one off experience. I’m pleased to say, it wasn’t. Each time I’ve been back to Newport, it seems to get better. Driving off the first tee with the club house on your left really sets you up for the rest of the game. A good indication of what was to come was laid out for all to see right in front of you in unashamed openness.
It is true there are no major hills, no major doglegs but don’t be fooled. Some of the holes are long and require good placement from the tee and subsequent shots into the green. Playing with males, I noticed there were a lot of narrow exits off the tees from the back, which didn’t come into play so much from the forward tees. However, on occasions neatly trimmed hedges did come into play for the tee shot. Often the landing zone for the tee shot was reasonably wide, but as holes snaked around, placement was key. Whilst the greens were quite large, front to back, some had thought provoking slopes on them to catch even the best of putters!
Hole number 14
A relatively easy par 3 of 126/164 yards caused lots of hilarity if you weren’t straight onto the green with your tee shot. A pearl necklace of bunkers protecting the green from the front and both sides. The established trees ever present. The trees were not always thick forest lining the fairways, instead leaving gaps to enjoy those views and give you some reprieve for any wayward shots!
Whilst the mighty oak does dominate many a hole, the woodland is diverse and includes birch and beech too. Bearing in mind its maturity, the golf club also has a natural history group who monitor and report the flora and fauna of the golf course, working in harmony with the green keepers. It is a shapely course, with woodland, sloping greens and the odd ditch or hump across the fairway. There were also some very long holes which could suit the big hitters.
