The opening hole is arguably one of the most challenging in North Wales. If you are too far left off the tee, the trees may block your second shot but don’t go too far right or you’ll be out of bounds! The green slopes significantly from back to front and the burn has magnetic qualities for golf balls. So if you are hitting anything more than a short iron into the green, a lay up in front of the burn may be the sensible strategy with a hope to chip and putt, especially if there is a strong prevailing Westerly wind

The second also features the ball magnetic burn and out of bounds to a wayward hook or if you are too long. The tee is sheltered so may fool you with wind strength. Clubbing for the centre of the green, irrespective of pin position, is the safe play.

At last a chance to open the shoulders and stronger players will be hoping for a birdie opportunity. However, there are bunkers right and left to pick up wayward shots - easy enough to find in a prevailing Westerly wind. Bunkers also guard the green left and right so an extra club into the green will probably pay dividends.

A very tough Par 4, especially into the wind. The best line off the tee is just left of or over the lonesome pine. The elevated green slopes steeply upwards front to back with drop offs all round and bunkers protect the left and right entrance. Lying up in front and playing a short chip and run may well avoid you having to show Michelsonesque skills that you don’t have!

One of the course’s iconic holes and definitely the key to our Amen Corner. It is justifiably Index 1 for the ladies and many men will find it tougher than its rating of index 4. Water left and right and plenty of gorse waiting if you are too long! The conservative line is straight at the 150 yard marker (look at the top of Moel Y Gest – admire the view - and then scroll down!) Stronger players will want to play a draw over the middle of the right hand lake which could then leave a wedge to the split level green but any waywardness will find plenty of trouble. The green has water hazards at respectful distances in front right, on the left and behind.

A very picturesque par 3 that is surrounded by water. It’s a bigger green than it looks but again the tee box is protected and can disguise the strength of wind which can add or subtract one or two clubs to what you need. If you go in the water, please read the local rule on the card as regards dropping and the Captain’s Charity jar in the Clubhouse will gratefully receive your donation as further penance.

If you are still playing to your handicap after the opening 6 holes, you should be pleased. Unless the wind is coming from Siberia (as it does sometimes, especially in Winter) , then the 7th should be downwind and offer a great birdie opportunity for strong players. For all players, it gives a chance to “open the shoulders”. However, beware the OOB on the left with trees beyond and two bunkers on the right which often make their presence felt. Approaching the green, there is quite a big lake which will devour any ball which is pulled or hooked (by right hander’s that is) and it’s a water hazard so will require you to play over it again should you go in it! A couple of greenside bunkers on the other side will receive those being over cautious in avoiding the lake! The green is split level so pay attention to the flag position before playing your approach shot.

The 8th is actually shorter than the 7th but plays longer due to a highly elevated green. From the tee, there are four bunkers on the right waiting to trap slightly wayward drives of many lengths. Strong players will look to play a long right to left shot to follow the contours of the hole and set up a chance to reach the green in two. For most players, the safest second shot will be to lay up on the left half of the fairway between the road and the burn but beware of OOB and another small burn if you go too far left. The green is long and narrow, sloping significantly from front to back, and is guarded by three bunkers. The pin position could make two clubs difference so note it well when you see it from the road below. With its many subtle borrows, you’ll usually be happy to two putt here.

The 9th is rated index 18 for both men and ladies as it has a large green and can be benign on a calm day - plus it gives a great view of the surrounding scenery. However, a burn in front- boarded with railway sleepers- and 5 bunkers round the green ensure that it is no “gimme”. In classic coastal golf style, the wind can easily change the hole into one which inflicts quite some pain to an otherwise good score so play safe and club for the centre of the green irrespective of the pin position when the wind blows unless you feel fully on your “A” game .