Mountain Ash

Mountain Ash Golf Club began as Aberdare Valley back in 1908 when a professional golfer named J.H.S. Morris from Cirencester laid out a 9-hole course over land that was formerly used as a sheep farm by the local coal company! A further three holes were added in 1919, making Aberdare Valley – like Shiskine in Scotland – a 12-hole course.

Around this time, a number of members became disaffected with proceedings at the club and they broke away to form Aberdare Golf Club. Undeterred, the Aberdare Valley members added a further eight holes then abandoned two of the twenty to end up, in 1922, with an 18-hole course that is largely the same now as it was then.

Mountain Ash – as it became known after the Second World War – sits on top of Cefnpennar Mountain with sensational views of the surrounding Cynon Valley. The old fashioned design sees fairways crossing at the 1st and 2nd holes then again at the 8th and 9th holes. Throw in a few blind shots, stonewalls, gorse, side slopes and tricky greens and the course has all the necessary ingredients of a great moorland golfing experience.

Many feel the best is saved until last. The 18th is one of only two par fives on the card, and it plays 516 yards downhill, with a ditch crossing the fairway and trees running down one side of the hole. Despite these hazards, it is still a great birdie opportunity at the end of the round so go for it!