Golf makes mark at Gnoll Park

Visitors to one of the top tourist attractions in South Wales will find a greatly improved golf course thanks to a £102,644 grant from the Ryder Cup Wales Legacy Fund.

The nine-hole course is set amongst the stunning scenery of the Gnoll Country Park, just outside Neath, which has been shortlisted as one of the best picnic spots in Wales.

Following these changes, visitors will be able to earn their picnic by playing on the newly improved course and there are also ambitious plans in place to develop junior golf in the area thanks to the new-look facilities which were opened by First Minister, Carwyn Jones.

Ages 7-16 are being specially targeted, with much improved links into schools and clubs, with the involvement of women and girls a key priority of the social inclusion and coaching education programmes.

The Gnoll Country Park is a well established and popular attraction for local residents and tourists alike, but now golf will play a more central role with five new greens on a course that has been redesigned and renovated to make it even more enjoyable and user-friendly.

“Golf has always been an important activity in the park and this new facility will help the development of golf throughout the borough and attract new players to the game,” said Ryder Cup Wales Chairman, John Jermine.

“As well as improving the tees and greens, the nine-hole course has been redesigned to make it more suitable for beginners, juniors and social golfers. The average hole on the new course is just less than 130 yards long and will give everybody a fair test that they will really enjoy.

Entry is free to the Gnoll Country Park that encompasses an 18th century landscaped garden that still retains many of its original features, including the impressive Gnoll Cascades.

First Minister Carwyn Jones is pleased to be opening such a major contribution to The Ryder Cup’s legacy.

“The Ryder Cup will have a massive impact on Wales in so many ways, but few in a better setting than the Gnoll Country Park,” he said.

“This is one of the top tourist attractions in the area and now it will have golf much more at the heart of it, which shows our commitment to improving the game at all levels and in all areas of Wales.”

Ali Thomas, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said: “The new golf course will offer excellent opportunities for families and sporting enthusiasts to get active and enjoy what is fast becoming a very popular sport in Wales.”