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Scotland is known as the home of golf, Ireland has the most amazing courses, and England has at least three different areas famous for high-quality architecture (the Lancashire coast, the southeast coast and the Surrey/Hampshire/Berkshire sandbelt).
But Wales is often overlooked among British and Irish golfers.
However, it should not be so.
It’s small, but well-built – and these five courses are excellent.
Royal Porthcawl
It is a venue for next year’s AIG Women’s Open and there is no doubt that it deserves the honour. In fact, if it had the necessary infrastructure and space it would probably have hosted the Open. The early holes are a complete treat, played along the Bristol Channel before the course climbs to the top, but the test has never been less than elite. And never overlook the clubhouse which is possibly the best in the UK – it feels like you’re sitting in the captain’s quarters of a ship at sea.
Aberdovey
One of the UK’s greatest treasures is Wales. This beautiful track on the coast of Cardigan Bay is well known in golf circles and anyone you meet who has played there will smile when you mention it. It’s an out-and-back layout with excellent holes among the dunes, not least the short par-4 16th which many recommend as among the shortest par-4s in all of British and Irish golf. Watch out for the barman – he can tell you the date and results of all Newcastle United games during the Premier League season.
Royal St David’s
Just up the coast from Aberdovey is Royal St David’s in Harlech (see large image at top of page). Its location is stunning, nestled between dunes that back onto the Irish Sea and the majestic Harlech Castle built on a hill. The standard tournament test has a spectacular finish between the dunes and does not allow even the best golfers to lose concentration.
The Celtic Manor
Hosting multiple DP World Tour events and the 2010 Ryder Cup, it is probably the only venue in the principality that can handle such high profile events. There are three courses and ‘2010’ is the most popular. Most of the test is down on the plain between the loops on the River Usk, the last holes sticking to the side of the hill. Two other courses are on top of that hill near the hotel.
Monmouth varieties
A wonderful little course near the border with England. Tony Jacklin said he was confused that so few people knew about it and Greg Norman said short holes were “great”. It is a park complex surrounding a beautiful mansion that was once the seat of the Rolls family (famous for Rolls Royce cars). If you like to travel, think about quality accommodation.
READ MORE: Aberdovey’s 16th hole: is this the best par 4 in Wales?
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