After so many lockdowns and pandemic restrictions, it is safe to say that this past year has been memorable – albeit for the wrong reasons. Keen golfers like yourself are naturally itching to get back out on the course and make up for the lost time, and golfing holidays are the best way to do so. With nothing to do but enjoy the incredible landscapes and focus on the game, golfing holidays are the perfect opportunity to devote your undivided attention to the sport you know and love. But after waiting so long for the opportunity, it is important that you pick the best spots to truly make the most of your trip.
With so many courses to choose from in neighbouring England, Scotland and Ireland, Wales is often overlooked when it comes to golfing. But the gorgeous national parks and stunning coastlines make this country the perfect choice for those who appreciate spectacular views and unforgettable golf courses, and we have selected the best places Wales has to offer to make sure you pick the best location for your next golfing holiday.
1. Royal Porthcawl
Wales’ number one ranked course is the crown jewel of Welsh golf, offering an outstanding championship length links course. Located on the coast of South Wales, the course boasts stunning views of the Bristol Channel and the Atlantic unencumbered by the sand dunes usually found on these types of courses. In the past, it has hosted the likes of the Senior Open, Walker Cup, Curtis Cup, British Masters and will soon hold the Women’s Open in 2025. Without a doubt, it is one of the finest links layouts available and with such incredible views and history, it is no surprise this is the top choice for Welsh golfers.
- ARCHITECT: Charles Gibson, Ramsay Hunter, J. Simpson
- LOCATION: Porthcawl, Bridgend
- LENGTH: 7,065 yards
- TOTAL HOLES: 18
- PAR: 72
2. Conwy Golf Club
The third oldest golf club in Wales, the club is set to host the delayed 2020 Curtis Cup this year. Conwy Golf Club offers an excellent seaside track for golfers of all levels, and the stunning location in the holiday resort town of Conwy is sure to provide a memorable experience for all. Despite being relatively flat, the coastal winds help to make this course a real test while the many holes tucked in the sandhills make for exciting play.
- ARCHITECT: Jack Morris
- LOCATION: Conwy, North Wales
- LENGTH: 6,936 yards
- TOTAL HOLES: 18
- PAR: 72
3. Royal St David’s
Featuring the toughest par 69 course in the world with a great mix of short and long holes routed in various directions, this is a challenging but enjoyable track. The course is ideally situated in the picturesque Snowdonia National Park, with Harlech Castle and towering sand dunes keeping watch over you. Exposure to the elements may make you vulnerable here, but make no mistake: this is a must-play course in Wales.
- ARCHITECT: Harold Finch Hatton, William Henry More
- LOCATION: Gwynedd, Harlech
- LENGTH: 6,629 yards
- TOTAL HOLES: 18
- PAR: 69
4. Aberdovey Golf Club
A classic links course, Aberdovey Golf Club offers an 18 hole track overlooking Cardigan Bay. The undulating approaches and firm fairways make for an unforgettable links test in the heart of the enchanting Snowdonia National Park. The character of the course is completely transformed by the changing winds: a gentle breeze allows for a relaxed game while howling gales challenge even the most experienced golfers. No two holes are the same here, making it the perfect course to visit time and time again.
- ARCHITECT: Harry Colt, James Braid, Herbert Fowler
- LOCATION: Aberdovey, Gwynedd
- LENGTH: 6,535 yards
- TOTAL HOLES: 18
- PAR: 71
5. Pennard Golf Club
Nicknamed ‘The Links in the Sky’, Pennard Golf Club sits 200ft above the sea offering an unrivalled view of any golf course in Britain. The dramatic views of the famous Three Cliffs Bay over to Oxwich Bay are sure to stun and delight you, and the classic rugged links course with elevated tees will provide a thrilling game of golf in a magnificent setting.
- ARCHITECT: James Braid
- LOCATION: Southgate, Swansea
- LENGTH: 6,420 yards
- TOTAL HOLES: 18
- PAR: 71
6. Celtic Manor Twenty Ten
The Twenty Ten Course at Celtic Manor was the first course to be purposefully built for the Ryder Cup event. Measuring a staggering 7,493 yards, the course features a number of water hazards, risk-and-reward holes and memorable tests to provide an exciting golf experience. Recreate Graeme McDowell’s legendary 15-foot putt as you enjoy this spectacular course that holds a special place in golfing history.
- ARCHITECT: Ross McMurray, Bob Jones, Robert Trent Jones Jnr.
- LOCATION: Newport, Monmouthshire
- LENGTH: 7,493 yards
- TOTAL HOLES: 18
- PAR: 71
7. Nefyn & District Golf Club
Surrounded by water on all sides, this course offers the unique opportunity to enjoy sea views at every hole. Located on top of the famous ‘Point’ cliff, this is quite literally golf on the edge of the world. If you’re looking for variety, Nefyn & District Golf Club has three distinct tracks to choose from, which not only boast incredible views of the coastline and scenery, but also a constantly changing set of challenges. The Front Nine and Back Nine offer a demanding but good mix of holes that will test golfers’ accuracy and abilities, while the ‘Point’ Nine really needs to be seen to be believed.
- ARCHITECT: James Braid, J.H. Taylor
- LOCATION: Pwllheli, Gwynedd
- LENGTH: 6,548 yards
- TOTAL HOLES: 27
- PAR: 71
With a rich landscape and so much greenery around, it’s no wonder that Wales is home to some of the best golf courses not just in the UK, but in the whole world. Whether you want a true, classic links course or a challenging track exposed to the elements, Wales offers an impressive range of clubs for golfers of any calibre. The combination of championship-level courses and scenic views makes Wales an iconic place for golf, with so many excellent courses to choose from to make your next golfing holiday an unforgettable trip.