Clovelly’s challenges are best experienced on a breezy day. The par-5 ninth into the south-easter is a long hole, capped not only by an elevated green site, but one with devilish slopes. The wind funnels through the valley, and I noticed that newly planted trees on the course are protected by metal-framed wind “shields” to keep them upright while growing. Load shedding is affecting Clovelly’s ability to pump water out of their boreholes into course dams and hazards. Some are bone dry; others have lower levels of water. The course remains in good condition though. New rakes are urgently needed for the bunkers.