Unique, quirky, isolated, sometimes unfair, these are some of the adjectives that can be used to describe the Rolls of Monmouth, but after 2 rounds here over 2 days I can confidently state that this course which surrounds the Rolls mansion is superb fun to play.

Our fourball walked on day one, we are all reasonably fit but were exhausted well before the end, for the course is very hilly and the walk is a long one. A buggy on day two allowed us to enjoy the scenery more, and yes probably play better golf.

The golf course is well presented with perfect, slick greens and tough bunkering, and there is plenty of variety for the golfer to enjoy. Holes 1 to 3 form the perfect gentle warm-up, they are by the entrance to the estate and are open grassland with a sprinkling of stately trees.  A par three follows with two mounds protecting the putting area whereas 5 is a good straight par five that rises to a large but treacherous green.

A tough and unforgiving uphill challenge at 6 precedes a wonderful rambling downhill par five at 7 that starts with a massive tree in the middle of the fairway and ends with a demanding shot over water to a large green. After another exhilarating downhill drive at 9, the approach is up to a green by the mansion where the uphill slope is so severe that unless you club-up, a three putt is likely to follow.

The back nine rises and falls in similar style with the quirky short par four 11th a potential card-wrecker, and the final two par threes at 13 and 18 a formidably difficult pair to par. Both are long and over water, 13 with danger all around and a fierce uphill green where above the hole is bad news, while 18 requires a carry from the tee of some 200 yards to end in style, once more in front of the mansion.

A good score can be made at the Rolls of Monmouth particularly if your putter is ‘hot’ on the fast sloping greens, and the golfer is patient and philosophical about the odd bad bounce. Otherwise just teeing it up at this remote and beautiful spot is very humbling, and provides an unusual and rewarding golf experience.