It’s rare a golf course can be legitimately described as a war zone, writes Fraser Watson.

You could be forgiven for thinking that’s a loose description of hotly contested stableford duels between over-zealous members - but in the case of South Pembrokeshire Golf Club in Pennar it literally applies to a course steeped in history.

And throughout 2019 that very history is being celebrated with the club’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Back in 1969 of course, things were very different. Based on Barrack Hill, the land leased by local citizens formed part of an old fort built by General Gordon in the 1840s. Founder members donated between £50 and £100 each to get things moving and Tenby Golf Club supplied excess furniture.

Being based on a site once targeted by German bombs brought benefits too – a ready made depression on the first hole (now the 11th) which soon doubled up as a sand bunker.

And when I visited the club last month to inevitably learn that much has changed, what was intriguing was the origins of the now 18-hole course are still very much evident.

“We started out as a war zone but there has been substantial re-development over the years,” explained committee member John Parsons.

“It started with 10 guys putting money in each year and now we have almost 200 members that includes a woman’s section (Geraldine Alderman is the club’s longest serving member). Our sides play in various leagues and we have over 55 matches as well so it’s a busy programme.

“Rob Ryder (a PGA Golf professional) recent said our greens were now up there with the best in south Wales.”

Ryder isn’t the only big name to have graced the first tee. Lee Westwood has family links in the area and has played the course, as has welsh international Anthony Hall. Former member Luke Harries is now on a golf scholarship in the USA while current member Alan Jones is a Dyfed champion and one of the best players in the local area.

A hasty waltz around in one of the club buggies gave me an intriguing insight. The perimeter of one side of the course runs parallel to a moat, with the old fort entrance on the cusp of one of the tees. A huge oil depot is situated behind the 14th – and council staff attend regularly to check for any contamination. The third hole par three used to be a mini water reservoir - and the 100 yard tee shot requires anything from a wedge to a wood pending on conditions.

Throw in the bomb-created bunkers, and you get a combination of golf and fascinating military throwbacks. And poignantly, a plaque is situated by the clubhouse to commemorate five firemen who lost their lives in a fire on the sight in 1940

“We are very proud the club has deep roots with the history of the community,” John explained.

“We don’t want privacy or social exclusivity – footpaths run through the course and are open to the public. Social statuses are irrelevant to us and I like that we only have one bar area. That way there are no cliques and everyone mixes.

“And we’ve had terrific support from Pembrokeshire County Council and the local council. We consider being part of the community our biggest strength.”

The club now employs six full time chef and a more than accomplished chef, and member Darrell Willington said efforts were now being rewarded.

“People have put a hell of a lot of time into the club and there has been some tremendous input.

“Lots of investment has gone in and that’s now paying dividends. The quality of the groundskeeping staff is outstanding.”

Of course, as with any sporting organisation these days there are challenges. Participation levels amongst youngsters are falling, social habits have regressed, and the economic climate is changing.

“We’ve had to make some difficult decisions,” admitted John.

“But we are still posting a profit every year which is pleasing. In fact overall, it’s quite remarkable what has been achieved in 50 years.”

And such achievements are now being duly marked. There were jubilee tournaments in March, a gala dinner is scheduled for May, later this year ‘Open week’ will have events for gents, ladies, seniors, and guests - and a re-union of past players is also being arranged.

Furthermore, next month Golf Union of Wales will run a New to Golf scheme at the club with around 20 people already signed up.

It adds up to a fitting few months for a club that has managed to expand whilst at the same time, maintain its roots and community links. The great irony of course, is it was formed on a land that signified conflict and hostility.

Today, that same site guarantees camaraderie and a great welcome. It’s 50 and counting………..