Stars of the sporting world, not only from golf, but from soccer, cricket, rowing, and of course rugby have flocked to play. They, like us, were mightily impressed. Colin Montgomerie was the most recent visitor, enjoying a corporate day with Jonathan Davies.

The course is laid out in two distinct loops, the front nine heading up the estuary of the River Loughor, then turning back to the clubhouse, before setting out westwards for nine holes of magical golf. Set around four main lakes, and with holes that cross and run around the water, challenging every drive and approach shot to eke out a score. The views out across Carmarthen Bay toward the beaches of the Gower demand a few seconds pause to absorb the raw beauty of the scene.

The signature hole is claimed to be the 16th hole, named 'Y Goleudy' the Lighthouse. A demanding par 4 of 411 yards from the medal tees, a drive across water, then a swing to the left with a green protected by a bunker. A great hole, but I have several other favourites in my memory banks.

On the front nine, the 4th and the 5th, two very different tests, but both needing the driver to be on best behaviour. The 10th 11th and 12th are three superb holes in succession to start the loop. Two demanding par 4's and a short hole protected by a lake which encroaches in from the left of the green. Then another classic hole to finish the round.

The names of the holes are fascinating, they relate the history of the region, not in chronological order, but by identifying and commemorating events in the industrial and social evolution of South Wales. The Foundry recalls the Machynys foundry which was geared to Llanelli's tin plate trade, and Trostre, the tinplate works is the last remaining links with that trade.

On the back nine, there is Maliphant, who was the steelworks manager, and Harry Bowen the first resident to be recorded in an official document. The Monastery is self explanatory, it was established by Saint Piro in the sixth century. The signature hole, commemorates the first Whitford lighthouse, it was a wooden structure that was later replaced by a cast iron structure in 1866.

It still stands but it is now non operational, the last remaining one of it's type in Britain. Each hole has a name and a story, the purchase of a strokesaver has provided a good read and a first class addition to the golf library.

If the history is rich, the present club has it's valuable assets, a wonderful course, and an academy that is a recognised centre of excellence, with outdoor bays, three putting greens, and a short game area. This practice facility is to be enhanced by the construction of a new covered range, with indoor chipping and putting, scheduled for completion in the Autumn. There is a new hotel to be built alongside the 10th fairway, that will be completed before the Ryder Cup comes to Wales in 2010.

Within the clubhouse there is a very well equipped fitness centre and Spa, and with a pool in the planning stages, the resort will be second to none.

For those wishing to sample the delights of Machynys Peninsula, there is a marvellous opportunity. The club has linked with other courses to offer a Championship Links Break, the chance to play the course, and also to play neighbouring Ashburnam and then the lofty dunes at Pyle & Kenfig, staying at a local quality hotel for the price of 𧵻.00 is too good a bargain to miss.

Machynys has already hosted the European Ladies Tour, recognition indeed for such a young venue, and there will be many more honours in the future. The investment, which is far from over, has been great in creating a new links course, but members and visitors alike will be reaping the rewards with golf for many decades to come. A challenge that is to be savoured, if not always mastered.

To visit

the Machynys web site CLICK HERE