The links courses are some of the best in the UK and recognised internationally as being challenging and full of character.
Given Wales is compact, it is possible to play golf in all the main golfing regions in Wales during a week’s stay and driving the routes means your clients get to see Wales’ outstanding beauty along the way. It’s easy to combine a variety of courses, so one day they could play a coastal course and the next day a breathtaking in-land or Championship course.
Wales is an all year round golfing destination, we do get some rain from time to time however, your clients will be able to play regardless. Our fast draining links and upland courses remain playable in all but the most severe weather.
Below we have provided just an overview of some of the golf courses that should be on your list or itinerary to play:
South East Wales
Cardiff Airport is just a 20 minute drive into the heart of Wales’ capital city, Cardiff. Situated a short drive from the airport are golfing gems for your clients to discover. We have listed four of the major must plays within the area.
- Closer to the English border is Delta Hotels St Pierre Country Club near Chepstow which has played host to the Solheim and Curtis cups.
- The Twenty Ten Course at Celtic Manor Resort which hosted the Ryder Cup in 2010. There are another two Championship courses to play at the Celtic Manor Resort too and just 20 minutes outside Cardiff. See Celtic Manor golf for more information.
- A short drive out of Cardiff is Royal Porthcawl Golf Club and close by are Southerndown Golf Club and Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club, all three are must plays.
- The Vale Resort is an ideal place to be located with its own two Championship courses and award winning spa, (don’t forget to tell your clients to pack their driver, this is one of the longest golf courses outside the US).
- Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club is situated just 5 minutes from junction 37 on the M4. Its layout is unusual as it is set up in two loops of nine as the second set is more challenging in the wind. The last three holes are said to be some of the best closing holes in the game. Dunes come into their own from the 11th hole and players get to enjoy panoramic views of the Gower Peninsula on the 14th tee. P&K, as it’s affectionately known also offer an indoor golf simulator and accommodation for up to 8 guests in the Dormy House.
Gower Peninsula
Gower became the first area in the United Kingdom to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The courses here are a fine test for all levels of handicap.
Must play courses:
- Clyne Golf Club - a challenging course with 360 degree panoramic views
- Langland Bay Golf Club – not a links course but located on the coast with the most breath taking views. Members include Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas, when Catherine is home in Wales.
- Pennard Golf Club also known as the ‘links in the Sky’
A short drive off the Gower Peninsula takes you west to:
- Ashburnham Golf Club - a traditional links golf course, your clients may even see a celebrity or two at the 19th as many famous golfers play here.
- Machynys Golf Club, one of Wales’ youngest clubs founded in 2005 and a Nicklaus designed course.
Pembrokeshire
One the best coastal destinations in the world and the picturesque resort of Tenby is home to the oldest established golf course in Wales (1888), a natural links course is a must play. After the round, spend the rest of the day discovering the charming medieval town or drive to Pembroke to visit Pembroke Castle.
Mid Wales
A tranquil area of Wales to play golf, home to the Red Kites – Mid Wales’ iconic bird of prey, rolling hills and traffic free roads along the Cambrian Way, one of our Wales Way routes. This is all coupled with great tee time availability and a warm Welsh welcome. Here are a selection of courses to play:
- Cradoc Golf Club, here there is also a driving range, practice ground and chipping green
- Llandrindod Wells Golf Club - The course was designed by two Open Champion golfers and is renowned as one of Wales' best loved places to play a round. It provides a challenge for the keen golfer on undulating fairways and fast greens which comes with breathtaking views.
- Brecon Golf Club, located at the foot of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park
- Llanymynech Golf Club - Famed for being located in two countries and is Europe’s only dual country Golf Course, you can tee off from the fourth hole in Wales and putt into the hole in England. Play the fifth and sixth holes in the neighbouring country before heading back into Wales from the seventh tee.
North West Coast and Llŷn Peninsula
The scenic North Wales coast with upstanding castles and outstanding coastlines is the theme for the North, a World Heritage Site over-looking a world-class links course to the Llŷn Peninsula, an area of outstanding natural beauty, a fantastic backdrop for any round of golf. Here are just some courses that your clients should experience.
As a one off experience play 9 holes at Aberdovey Golf Club before catching the train (from right outside the golf club), travelling north to complete the round at Royal St David’s. Two world class courses in one round and a breath taking ride through miles of mid Wales coast and country.
Also consider taking a short detour off mainland Wales and head across the Menai Straights Bridge to Anglesey to play Bull Bay Golf Club. Wales’ most northerly course.
Another stop in North Wales is Conwy Golf Club. Conwy, an Open qualifying links course and will host the Curtis Cup women’s golf event in 2020. Just down the road is Conwy Castle, a World Heritage Site.
