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Penmyarth Golf Club, Glanusk Park, Crickhowell, Powys. (1897 - 1960s)

The original club was founded in 1897.

The 9-hole course was situated in Lord Glanusk’s deer park on the banks of the River Usk. In the early years there was a railway station at Gilwern 6 miles away. Later on, the nearest station was at Abergavenny which was 8 miles away and thence by Great Western Railway motor bus to the course. Local hotels were the Bear and the Beaufort Arms. Sunday play was not allowed prior to WW1 but was permitted following the war.

Below is the result of a match played at Penmyarth against Abergavenny Golf Club on Thursday 10 April 1902.

Entry from the Nisbet's 1905 Golf Yearbook; Penmyarth Golf Club; Instituted 1897; Membership of 45; Hon. Secretary - J Vaughan Richards, Crickhowell; Captain, S H Cowper-Coles; Entrance fee nil and subs £1/1s; Nine-hole course; Amateur record, 38 (nine-holes), 76, (18-holes); Terms for visitors, 2s/6d a week on introduction by a member. Links situated in Lord Glanusk's Deer Park on the banks of the River Usk. It is a short course but very sporting. River and brook as hazards. The club was instituted as a private course, and is now of a semi-private nature.

In 1925 a new clubhouse was built on the left of the Crickhowell to Brecon road, about 200 - 300 yards from the Park Lodge.  However, the building was burnt to the ground in early June 1928. The alarm was raised by a passing motorist, and although the clubhouse itself was completely destroyed, practically the whole of the contents of the building were saved. Lord Glanusk was quickly at the scene and, aided by the police and a large number of Boy Scouts who were camping in the park, managed to rescue all the golf club’s belongings. Damage was estimated at between £200 and £300 (equivalent to between £8,000 and £12,000 nowadays). Undeterred, the club continued with a full programme of matches.

In 1906 visitors on introduction paid 1/- a day, 2/6d a week, 7/6d a month.

In 1914 there was no entry fee and subs were £1/1/0.

Result of a match played in May 1923.

Brecon County Times Thursday 10 May 1923.

In 1923 visitors’ fees were 2/6d a day, 7/6d  a week and 15/- a month.

In 1928 the club was listed as Penmyarth Golf Club, Glanusk Park.

Pictures taken at the third annual County Golf Meeting at Crickhowell in May 1930.

Western Mail Monday 26 May 1930. Images © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Result of a match played at Monmouth in July 1932.

Report on the annual meeting in April 1933.

Brecon County Times Thursday 6 April 1933.

Result of a club match played against Hay in March 1934.

Below, result of a match played at Penmyarth on Saturday 11 April 1937 against Monmouth Golf Club. 

Result of a match played at Cilsanws in July 1937.

In 1940 the 9 hole course had a SSS of 72. Visitors’ fees were gents 2/6d a day, ladies 2/-, 10/- a week, 15/- a fortnight and 20/- a month.

In 1947 the SSS had been revised to 70. Visitors’ fees were gents 3/6d a day, ladies 2/6d, 15/- a week, 25/- a fortnight and £2 a month.

The course is marked on the Ordnance Survey Map below.

O.S. Map Revised 1948 © Crown Copyright {year of publication 1953}.

The club finally disappeared in the late 1960s, when the secretary was Dr A P Brown, Glencree, Llangynidr.  The 9-hole course of 2,500yds had a SSS and Par of 68.Club membership was about 100. Course records were amateur J V Richards (68), professional G F Lister (68). Visitors’ fees were 5/- a day. Visitors were restricted at weekends. Local hotels were now the Bear and Gilffaes Country Club.

Location of the Crickhowell & Penmyarth Golf Club
Grid reference SO18920,20020, co-ordinates 318920,220020.