Golf Courses of Wales

Aberdovey Golf Club The late Bernard Darwin considered Aberdovey the best links in Wales, but then he may have been a bit biased. Local legend has it that Darwin's family established the course with nine flower pots purchased from the local iron monger and buried in the alluring links ground that wound between the rail line and the sea. While the flower pots are gone, the quaint and unspoiled nature remains, complete with cattle that wander the northern stretches of the course. Wales – Aberdovey Golf Club The late Bernard Darwin considered Aberdovey the best links in Wales, but then he may have been a bit biased. Local legend has it that Darwin’s family established the course with nine flower pots purchased from the local iron monger and buried in the alluring links ground that wound between the rail line and the sea. While the flower pots are gone, the quaint and unspoiled nature remains, complete with cattle that wander the northern stretches of the course.

Timothy Nolan of The A Position writes about the Bernard Darwin legacy at Aberdovey.

Cardigan Golf Club, a testing links course overlooking the Teifi Estuary and Cardigan Bay. The course is generally quite narrow demanding a variety of shots and the greens are highly regarded as some of the best in Wales.Wales – Cardigan Golf Club, a testing links course overlooking the Teifi Estuary and Cardigan Bay. The course is generally quite narrow demanding a variety of shots and the greens are highly regarded as some of the best in Wales.

Conwy Golf Club Golf has been played on these links between Conwy Mountain and the Estuary for more than 125 years, beginning with a few holes laid out over The Morfa by Scots golf enthusiasts (or is that redundant?). The full 18 has been revised extensively since its inception in 1895. Two factors, however, have remained rather constant over the years: the difficulty of the closing holes and the strength of the ever-present wind. A stern test of golf with large stands of gorse eager to snare the errant shot. In 2006, Conwy will host qualifying for the Open Championship to be contested at Royal Liverpool (Hoylake).Wales – Conwy Golf Club Golf has been played on these links between Conwy Mountain and the Estuary for more than 125 years, beginning with a few holes laid out over The Morfa by Scots golf enthusiasts (or is that redundant?). The full 18 has been revised extensively since its inception in 1895. Two factors, however, have remained rather constant over the years: the difficulty of the closing holes and the strength of the ever-present wind. A stern test of golf with large stands of gorse eager to snare the errant shot. In 2006, Conwy will host qualifying for the Open Championship to be contested at Royal Liverpool (Hoylake).

Nefyn & District Golf Club. The Peninsula course at Nefyn is a spectacular cliff top setting rather like Old Head in Ireland and shares with Old Head the criticism that it may not be a true links. Our view: who cares? The work of James Braid and J H Taylor, Nefyn is as challenging as it is a joy to play.Wales – Nefyn & District Golf Club. The Peninsula course at Nefyn is a spectacular cliff top setting rather like Old Head in Ireland and shares with Old Head the criticism that it may not be a true links. Our view: who cares? The work of James Braid and J H Taylor, Nefyn is as challenging as it is a joy to play.

Pennard Golf Club Perched on a promontory high above the sea, if there is a setting as spectacular as Cruden Bay, this is it. Pennard also boasts the roaming animals of Brora, some wonderful holes and skittering links bounces all its own. A must play when in Wales.Wales – Pennard Golf Club Perched on a promontory high above the sea, if there is a setting as spectacular as Cruden Bay, this is it. Pennard also boasts the roaming animals of Brora, some wonderful holes and skittering links bounces all its own. A must play when in Wales.

Here is Pennard in Pictures from James A. Frank of The A Position.

Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club We are tempted to proclaim the club's backside as the best in all of Wales, but having seen Zeta-Jones in Chicago, we clarify that P&K boasts best backside in Welsh golf. The original course, laid out in 1922 by the legendary Harry Colt, required extensive modification after military authorities requisitioned a sizeable portion of the links during WWII. Enter Philip Mackenzie Ross who, through his work here and at the Ailsa course at Turnberry, demonstrated a marvelous ability to overcome the ravages of the British military. His final nine meander about splendid sand dunes clad in tall ferns, to form an experience most pleasing to both the senses and shot making of the visiting golfer. Wales – Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club We are tempted to proclaim the club’s backside as the best in all of Wales, but having seen Zeta-Jones in Chicago, we clarify that P&K boasts best backside in Welsh golf. The original course, laid out in 1922 by the legendary Harry Colt, required extensive modification after military authorities requisitioned a sizeable portion of the links during WWII. Enter Philip Mackenzie Ross who, through his work here and at the Ailsa course at Turnberry, demonstrated a marvelous ability to overcome the ravages of the British military. His final nine meander about splendid sand dunes clad in tall ferns, to form an experience most pleasing to both the senses and shot making of the visiting golfer.

Royal Porthcawl Golf Club is set on the rocky shores of Southern Wales overlooking the Bristol Channel and features views of the sea at every turn. Scenery aside, Porthcawl is certainly the finest links in Wales. Critics charge that this is not a true links as it is missing the dramatic sandhills of more conventional links courses in the British Isles. Porthcawl combats these accusations with heather, gorse and raw exposure to the elements.Wales – Royal Porthcawl Golf Club is set on the rocky shores of Southern Wales overlooking the Bristol Channel and features views of the sea at every turn. Scenery aside, Porthcawl is certainly the finest links in Wales. Critics charge that this is not a true links as it is missing the dramatic sandhills of more conventional links courses in the British Isles. Porthcawl combats these accusations with heather, gorse and raw exposure to the elements.

Royal St. David's Golf Club Located in Harlech, RSD is generally considered, along with Porthcawl, the best of all Welsh golf courses. Aside from the quality of the design, St. David's is a scenic delight with views of Cardigan Bay and the peak of the Mount Snowdon. Massive Harlech Castle, constructed during the reign and at the behest of Edward I, looms over the course. The Duke of Windsor, a former captain of the club when he was Prince of Wales, bestowed Royal status on the club. Wales – Royal St. David’s Golf Club Located in Harlech, RSD is generally considered, along with Porthcawl, the best of all Welsh golf courses. Aside from the quality of the design, St. David’s is a scenic delight with views of Cardigan Bay and the peak of the Mount Snowdon. Massive Harlech Castle, constructed during the reign and at the behest of Edward I, looms over the course. The Duke of Windsor, a former captain of the club when he was Prince of Wales, bestowed Royal status on the club.

Southerndown Golf Club though somewhat remote and unknown, is considered one of the finest links courses in Wales. It certainly should be given that Willie Park, Herbert Fowler and Harry Colt all had a hand in the design. Like its neighbour, Royal Porthcawl, views of the Bristol Channel are everywhere. Southerndown can be long and demanding, stretching a par of 70 in just over 6600 yards. Although the sheep that roam the fairways annoy the members, they add to the charm for the visiting golfer.Wales – Southerndown Golf Club though somewhat remote and unknown, is considered one of the finest links courses in Wales. It certainly should be given that Willie Park, Herbert Fowler and Harry Colt all had a hand in the design. Like its neighbour, Royal Porthcawl, views of the Bristol Channel are everywhere. Southerndown can be long and demanding, stretching a par of 70 in just over 6600 yards. Although the sheep that roam the fairways annoy the members, they add to the charm for the visiting golfer.

Tenby Golf Club is the oldest course in Wales and a seaside delight despite the fact that it routing can be a bit confusing to the first time visitor. Commonly considered amongst Wales' top five courses and Britain's top one hundred, Tenby is a must for the visitor who can appreciate all the hollows, bumps and vistas that true older links can afford. Wales – Tenby Golf Club is the oldest course in Wales and a seaside delight despite the fact that it routing can be a bit confusing to the first time visitor. Commonly considered amongst Wales’ top five courses and Britain’s top one hundred, Tenby is a must for the visitor who can appreciate all the hollows, bumps and vistas that true older links can afford.