Golf: Benson and Hedges International - St Mellion

Peter Senior, of Australia, defeated the Zimbabwean, Tony Johnstone, in a play-off to win the Benson and Hedges International last year and they were the only players under par for the championship, such is the toughness of St Mellion when wind and cold come into play. The forecast this weekend is more hospitable, but the course Jack Nicklaus built is not for the faint-hearted. St Mellion is tight and narrow, placing accuracy at a premium. It is long and set in an undulating landscape marked with steep climbs, falls and gulleys. Exacting for the professional, but rewarding for the visitor, as the high points of St Mellion provide excellent spectating. The course has viewing routes marked, where it is possible to watch several holes from a single vantage point.

How to get there: St Mellion Golf and Country Club, nr Saltash, Cornwall is situated on the A388 Plymouth to Callington road, signposted from the Tamar Bridge. Admission: today and tomorrow: pounds 10 adults, pounds 5 children under-16; Sunday: pounds 12 and pounds 6. Parking is free. (Tel: 0752-50101).