THERE was no lake between tee and green, no cavernous bunker blocking our path to the short stuff.

But as we teed up on the par-three 12th at Clyne Golf Club, there was an obstacle which really got the knees knocking.

There, about halfway to the pin and almost bang on line with it, was a bull, horns and all.

Living hazards are a common occurrence at Clyne, we discovered, for the course is built on common land.

The bull had a very healthy share of female company, including one particularly big unit who watched from the white tees as we hit off the yellows.

Mercifully, we both hit six irons well clear of the herd.

Neither finished especially near the hole, but then our priority here was not to upset the natives.

In fact, the hoofed ones appeared almost oblivious as we passed.

Perhaps if the hole had been won with a birdie, rather than a bogey, they might have paid a little more attention.

At least the horses noticed us a couple of holes later, kindly clearing off as we prepared to tee off.

They were not right on our line, but then maybe the cows had told them about our waywardness on the 12th.

One nervy tee shot aside, the animals merely added to our enjoyment of a classy course.

Our first trip to Clyne ended in disappointment, when we turned down the chance to play what they call millionaire's golf — having the course to ourselves.

Keen as we are, the seriously miserable weather meant we had to arrange another visit to Mayals.

We picked the right day second time around, with the sun shining and the wind light.

That meant the opportunity to enjoy Clyne's stunning views at their best.

Glance one way and you can see right up to the Brecon Beacons, look the other and you'll catch the whole sweep of Swansea Bay.

The best vantage point? Coming down the stroke index one 16th, which is named Mumbles Head for a reason.

The view, one of the best in Swansea, is as spectacular as the hole is tough.

There are plenty of tricky holes at Clyne, with blind shots and bracken aplenty.

And when you have reached the greens — which are all fenced off thanks to the animals — you'll usually find a fair bit of break in your putt.

Clyne is a pleasure to go round, but don't expect an easy ride.

HOW MUCH? Weekdays £30, weekends £40, special offer on Mondays £15.

CAN YOU GET ON? No handicap certificate needed but best to phone beforehand to see when it's most busy.

WHERE IS IT? From Swansea city centre, take the A4067 Mumbles Road and turn right into Mayals Road (B4436) after the Woodman pub. Clyne is signposted on your right.

HARDEST HOLE: 9th — only the fifth toughest on the card, but we both hit what we thought we were good blind tee shots, only to discover that we were both in the heavy rough. The green took some hitting, too.

BEST HOLE: 16th — a 454-yard par four with one of Clyne's many sloping greens, the hole probably doesn't see too many birdies. The view as you come over the hill, though, is superb.

DID YOU KNOW? Clyne features in TV commentator Peter Alliss's book 'The 200 Best Golf Courses in the British Isles'. Alliss's dad Percy was the first pro at the club.