RANKED: The Top 80 Best Golf Courses in Wales

100 Best Golf Courses in Wales

What are the best golf courses in Wales? Our expert Top 100 panel ranks the best courses in Cymru.

Aside from two lists focused specifically on value, price plays no part in our courses or resorts rankings – as I always say, it’s hard enough as it is without adding an extra complexity! However, I am going to make an exception and talk about it in the context of our ranking of Wales’ best golf courses.

Wales is one of Britain and Ireland’s best areas in terms of value for money golf and it is to the credit of the clubs that they remain affordable to most of us.

In the south, Royal Porthcawl has the sort of price tag you’d expect one of the world’s top 100 golf courses, but after that you are spoilt for choice at a price most can consider paying. To the two superb links of Ashburnham (£75) and Tenby (£85), add in Machynys Peninsula (£80) as well as Rolls of Monmouth (£60), Welshpool (an astonishing £35), Cardigan (an equally notable £40), Clyne (£45) and The Vale (£50).

Further north, there is a wonderful trip of sensational value to be enjoyed. Nefyn lurks around the £70 mark yet the experience feels 10 times that, and you also take in Porthmadog (£55), Bull Bay (£55), North Wales (£65), Abersoch (£49) and Borth & Ynyslas (£48). I didn’t play Llandrindod Wells (£55) on my trip but you should consider it, while Llandudno (Maesdu) is £65 and Pwllheli £50.

That is a lot of exceptionally good golf for green fees that are incredibly reasonable. Place them in many other parts of Great Britain and Ireland and they’d be significantly more. And the other key thing to mention is that the variety is as impressive as the quality.

Links, hillside, parkland, moorland, clifftop… Wales has it all.

Chris Bertram, Top 100 Editor

How we mark the best golf courses in Wales

There are a total of 100 marks awarded, and every golf course is marked using the following criteria to find the best:

Design [40 marks]: A key category, split into three sub-sections: Does the course take advantage of its landscape [20]; the green complexes [10]; the routing [10].
Setting [15 marks]: The aesthetic value of the surrounding views and the course itself. And the overall ‘atmosphere’ of the course – not the club.
Memorability [15 marks]: How easy it is to recall holes? Are they distinctive, varied and interesting. Are they strategic and heroic?
Playability [10 marks]: Is it just too tough, possibly even unfair, for the majority? Or is it easily enjoyed by all?
Consistency [10 marks]: Does every hole deliver all of the above, or is it let down by a few poor ones?
Presentation [10 marks]: Two aspects: is maintenance at ease with its surroundings, and the conditioning of tees, fairways, bunkers and greens.

Best Golf Courses in Wales: Meet the Panel

I have such a strong Wales panel these days and huge thanks go to Richard Allen, Phil Davies, Robert Giannotti, Daniel Jones, Rob King and Stephen Lloyd, with particular thanks to Ben Brierley, Gareth Morgan, Michael Whitehead and John Smith.

If you have knowledge of lots of resorts and courses, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re male, female, young, old, low handicap, high handicap, if you’re well-traveled then get in touch with us and you could join our panel.

The 80 Best Golf Courses in Wales

80. Bala

Bala, Mid Wales

Ten-hole course laid out on a plateau.

79. Hawarden

Hawarden, North Wales

New entry for this mix of quirky holes and more straightforward ones.

78. Penrhos Park

Aberystwyth, West Coast

Blessed with Cardigan Bay backdrops.

77. Green Meadow

Cwmbran, South Wales

Excellent undulating parkland in fine nick.

76. Machynlleth

Machynlleth, West Coast

A nine-holer laid out by James Braid that has a rustic feel with undulating fairways and grass bunkers. Sits in a lovely spot in the valley and is a delight to play.

75. Pontypool

Pontypool, South Wales

Mature parkland set down in the hills above the town. Views across the Bristol Channel.

74. Henllys Hall

Beaumaris, North Wales

Delightful parkland with three terrific par 5s and scenic views across the Menai Straits and over to Snowdonia. 

73. Aberdare

Aberdare, South Wales

A well-maintained parkland-woodland course with a fine variety of holes.

72. Caernarfon

Caernarfon, North Wales

Located on the edge of the Menai Straits, at the foot of the Eryri National Park and overlooked by Mount Snowdon.

71. Garnant Park

Ammanford, South Wales

A mixed-terrain course that’s perched above the valley. It impressed in its consistency and its condition.

70. Llanymynech

Welshpool, Mid Wales

Undulating moorland-parkland high above the mid Wales town, blessed with terrific views. Two-and-a-half holes are in England.

69. Mountain Ash

Mountain Ash, South Wales

Lofty parkland-moorland with views along the valleys. In excellent condition all year round and great fun.

68. Bangor St Deiniol

Bangor, North Wales

Quirky heathland high above Bangor. Not one for the connoisseur, perhaps, with some crossing holes and blind shots, but the James Braid design has some fantastic moments. 

67. Swansea Bay

Neath, South Wales

Parkland for the most part, then some fabulous holes in the middle linksy section, separated by a motorway. Good condition.   

66. Newport Links

Newport, West Coast

An amazing setting overlooking Newport Bay. The front nine is a modern parkland, and the back nine is a traditional links. 

65. Bargoed

Bargoed, South Wales

A superb but underrated parkland with wonderful views of the Brecon Beacons and a number of attractive holes.

64. Earlswood

Swansea, South Wales

Pay-and-play course owned by same owners as Swansea Bay. Great views across Swansea Bay and the Mumbles, with a nice variety of holes and lots of danger off the tee. The greens are incredible – as good as a championship course.

63. Carmarthen

Carmarthen, West Coast

Challenging but enjoyable JH Taylor parkland that winds through the Gwili Valley with stunning views of the countryside and Carmathen Bay.

62. Llanishen

Cadiff, South Wales

Short, with slick and subtle greens that demand precise approach play on an underrated parkland. Benefits from outstanding views over Cardiff and the Bristol Channel. A course that repays repeat visits.

61. Pontardawe

Swansea, South Wales

Quality parkland-heathland in the hills. Lots of drives from elevated tees and is very scenic, with views across to Brecon Beacons. 

60. Rhondda

Ferndale, South Wales

A fantastic off-the-beaten-track course, high up and overlooking the valleys. Two stunning holes, the rest excellent. “Best-value course in Wales,” says one panelist.

59. Northop

Mold, North Wales

John Jacobs design recently upgaded as a result of its development under a new management team. 

58. Woodlake Park

Pontypool, South Wales

Undulating, tree-lined fairways on a pretty parkland overlooking the Llandegfedd Reservoir. Its front nine has great views as it is higher up, and the back nine is an excellent parkland/moorland mix. Very firm, fast USGA-spec greens.

57. Wenvoe Castle

Wenvoe, South Wales

A memorable combination of heathy woodland, and parkland holes by James Braid. Always an interesting challenge.

56. West Monmouthshire

Ebbw Vale, South Wales

Ben Sayers-designed heathland on an exposed plateau. It’s officially the highest in the UK, at just over 1,500 feet above sea level on the 14th tee.

55. Maesteg

Maesteg, South Wales

Doesn’t have a high profile but you will be impressed by the quality of this undulating heathland – and the value it offers.

54. Builth Wells

Powys, Mid Wales

Laid out along and around the River Chwefri, the signature 10th is an audacious risk-reward par-4 across the river.

53. Morlais Castle

Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales

Located 20 miles north of the capital, Morlais Castle is a lovely moorland course in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons.

With a range of testing holes, the course is set above Merthyr and offers panoramic views of the countryside.

52. Mold

Mold, North Wales

Undulating hilltop course with a number of tough blind tee shots. Par 3s are strong. Not the longest, but a great challenge with its hills and greens.

51. Milford Haven

Pembrokeshire, South Wales

This cute 18-hole parkland runs alongside the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The early holes on this mixed terrain and undulating course are characterized by ponds, while the 7th offers terrific views over Milford Haven Waterway. A lovely setting.

50. The Monmouthshire

Llanfoist, South Wales

An adorable backdrop of surrounding hills and woodland countryside, it features demanding par 3s on the back nine.

49. Vale Resort (Lakes)

Hensol, South Wales

Water comes into play on 12 holes, and while it is shorter than its sister course, it reuires more accuracy off the tee.

48. Abergele

Abergele, North Wales

Initially laid out in 1910, Abergele was later rearranged by Fred Hawtree with more recent modifications made by David Williams. It is one of most scenic courses in Wales, with Gwrych Castle the backdrop to this historic course.

Interesting opening and closing holes with long par 4s and 5s and large USGA-spec greens.

47. Prestatyn

Prestatyn, North Wales

The most northerly course in the Principality is mainly Fred Collins’ work. The front nine is closer to the sea but based on flatter land, and the holes actually get more sophisticated on controued rolling linksland on the second half with some quite superb holes. It’s playable all year and has slick greens.

46. Padeswood & Buckley

Padeswood, North Wales

A high-quality rural parkland with great short holes in the heart of the Alyn Valley. “Some of the best greens you will play on,” says one panelist. Lovely variety of holes, with water in play on several fine greens.

45. Anglesey

Rhosneigr, North Wales

A lack of definition cost Anglesey a few places, but four long par 3s and contoured greens are memorable on this flat links.

44. Denbigh

Denbigh, North Wales

“Under 6,000 yards but narrow, tree-lined fairways and small, sloping greens in exquisite condition,” says one panelist. “The terrain is like a mini roller coaster and there are lost of dog-legs,” adds another. This half-woodland, half-heathland boasts some cracking holes and is noted for its presentation.

43. St Mellons 

Rumney, South Wales

Generous fairways, but some very subtle slopes to the excellent greens and a testing finish on 17 and 18.

42. Cottrell Park (Mackintosh)

Cardiff, South Wales

Much-improved in recent years and is now a fine test from tee to green, offering pleasure and challenge in pleasing proportions. The Button Gwinnett course here is also terrific.

41. Rhuddlan

Rhuddlan, North Wales

It sits in the Vale of Clwyd and is sheltered by the Clwydian Range. Expect a long but gently undulating parkland with mature trees lining the fairways and large greens. Rhuddlan has benefited from a recent reconfiguration of the layout, offering lots. ofdog-legs and variation.

40. Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth, West Coast

Plotted by Harry Vardon above the coastal town, Aberystwyth enjoys sensational views over Cardigan Bay. Plenty of fun holes across the tumbling land – and a screensaver-worthy picture is never far away. Expect a physical workout with some long, uphill par 4s, and likely some wind due to the lofty setting.

39. Cardiff

Cardiff, South Wales

An attractive parkland to the north of Wales’ capital city with several tree-lined fairways criss-crossed by streams that make for a challenge. Excellent pedigree and varied holes across undulating terrain.

38. Celtic Manor (Montgomerie Course)

Newport, South Wales

Colin Montgomerie’s work – in association with European Golf Design – is a very solid backup to the resort’s star attraction. It features Montgomerie’s trademark penal bunkering and challenging greens.

Gorse-lined course with small greens and some blind tee shots. Great condition but difficult in the wind. Its front nine has a links feel, the back nine is more heathland.

37. The Glamorganshire

Penarth, South Wales

A very good parkland with excellent variation in types of holes as well as fast, tricky greens. It has views across the Bristol Channel from its highest point.

36. Neath

Neath, South Wales

This James Braid heathland course, noted for its especially good condition, comprises trees, heather, gorse, dry stone walls and undulating greens with three-putts a real possibility. It is a very good, demanding hilltop course with some climbs and several blind shots that test accuracy off the tee – plus delightful views of the Vale of Neath.

35. Holyhead

Holyhead, North Wales

This superb James Braid heathland enjoys a handsome and enviable location on the Isle of Anglesey. Boasts undulating fairways routed among gorse, heather and bracken, with a links feel to the front nine and a more heathland-style back nine. Expect some blind tee shots, springy, firm turf, and small greens. It’s especially difficult in the wind.

34. Celtic Manor (Roman Road Course)

Newport, South Wales

Just about the second best course at Celtic Manor (one of the best golf resorts in Britain), the Roman Road Course is now above the Montgomerie. It is an interesting examination over a number of attractive and challenging holes. The first of the five-star resort’s courses to be built, it opened in 1995 after being laid out by the legendary American architect Robert Trent Jones Snr.  Overlooking the Severn Estuary, with views across to Somerset and Devon, its holes wind between trees and across streams, offering an interesting challenge.

33. Cradoc

Brecon, Mid Wales

Parkland in fantastic condition throughout. Some stunning holes and lovely views over to the Brecon Beacons.

32. Pwllheli

Pwllheli, North Wales

A Tom Morris design that begins as a pleasant, tranquil parkland and moves into a super links section which begins at the 8th. The par-4 9th and short 10th would not be out of place on any course in Britain. If there were more links holes than inland ones, it would be well inside the top 20. Expect undulating fairways and clever bunkering.

31. Vale of Llangollen

Llangollen, Mid Wales

Formed back in 1908 as a nine-hole course but extended at the end of the ’60s, the trees planted then to add definition are now mature. This parkland offers a tranquil round on the valley floor on the banks of the River Dee with great views. It’s particularly fun watching your ball’s flight against the mountain backdrop.

30. Wrexham

Wrexham, North Wales

Founded in the early 1900s, but it wasn’t until James Braid laid out this tree-lined parkland in two loops of returning lines that it had a permanent home. In terrific condition, with great greens and a very good variety of holes – the par 3s are especially good – it has no weak links. Wrexham starts and ends especially strongly. “Always a solid seven or eight out of 10 when you visit,” says one panellist.

29. Clyne

Swansea, South Wales

Harry Colt created this course of great pedigree at the entrance to Gower Peninsula in the 1920s and it enjoys stunning views over Swansea Bay. Moorland in nature, Colt’s routing takes the holes across two loops of nine over the natural land with elan and this is an adventure that traverses gorse, bracken, pot bunkers, humps and bumps to produce holes of real character. Well-kept fairways and greens that offer a fine test.

28. Vale Resort (National)

Hensol, South Wales

The National has a fearsome reputation because of its daunting yardage off the tips, but other tees are available and it isn’t all about big hitting. The National features marvellous par 3s and classic risk-reward short par 4s. Opened in 2003, this modern Peter Johnson design is a big-boned woodland course. Relatively long walks from green to tee lose it a little favor.

27. Whitchurch

Whitchurch, South Wales

Established in 1914, this outstanding Hubert Walker parkland is overlooked by 13th Century Castell Coch castle. Expect nicely manicured, lush fairways lined by mature trees, demanding tee shots, compact greens, and enough of a test to have honed the game of Walker Cup legend Nigel Edwards. Known for its slick putting surfaces and clever bunkering, plus a sublime quartet of par 3s.

26. Llandudno (Maesdu)

Llandudno, North Wales

This course is a delightful mix of parkland and links holes, designed by the masterful James Braid. It enjoys views across Conwy Bay, from Great Orme’s Head to the mountains of Snowdonia, and is a pristinely-conditioned course whether on the seaside or inland holes. Expect great views, plenty of elevation changes, tough par 3s and superb greens. Also features in our best golf courses you can play for £75 and under.

25. Langland Bay

Swansea, South Wales

The end to both nines at this James Braid design are breathtaking, inviting comparisons with Pebble Beach. The 360-degree views certainly take the breath away, thanks to the course being perched on cliffs high above the golden sands of Gower. Visually epic.

Glorious setting on the coast, west of Swansea, with views of two different bays. Several superb holes – notably the par-3 16th and par-4 17th – and others subject to the demands of intersecting fairways.

24. Borth & Ynyslas

Aer Y Mor, West Coast E

Despite it being one of the oldest courses in Wales, Borth often flies under the radar. It is not in as pristine condition as its championship neighbors further up the coast, but don’t let that put you off this charming seaside course. The far end of this classic out-and-back links is reached at the 8th and the road home begins with a classy short hole, ‘Dyfi’. That’s followed by arguably the best run at Borth, a three-hole stretch offering a strong par 4, a downhill par 3 across the site, and a sporty two-shotter – all characterized by amphitheater green complexes that are in superb condition.

23. Newport

Newport, South Wales

Set among the birch, beech and oak trees of Llwyni Wood, Newport is a fine woodland-parkland that moves along gently undulating, lush fairways. A classy feel to a mature parkland.

Newport is an excellent parkland with undulating fairways and fine greens. Pleasing location in the Gwent countryside. 

22. Radyr

Cardiff, South Wales

A course that is improving all the time. Located 300ft above sea level, this cunning Harry Colt design enjoys very fine views overlooking the city of Cardiff and the Bristol Channel.

Some of the finest and fastest greens in South Wales and some very testing holes, especially on the back nine.

21. Marriott St Pierre (Old Course)

Chepstow, South Wales

Ross McMurray’s parkland remains among the finest in the south of the country. The tranquil course waves its way around St Pierre Park’s ancient woodland and has a brilliant variety of holes and has seen heavy investment in the last decade. Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a resort course – the Old is strong enough to have been a long-time Tour venue and a host of the Solheim Cup.

20. Abersoch

Abersoch, West Coast

“Harry Vardon talked of links holes ‘ready made by Mother Nature herself’. From the 5th to the 10th, his description is very apt.”

We have championed this Harry Vardon design in the past four Wales rankings. Really fun links which can be described as ‘holiday golf’ – but what’s wrong with entertaining, playable, scenic seaside golf? The 5th to the 10th beside the sea are world-class links holes, the rest are ‘merely’ very good. The newer section – from 13 to 17 – loses it a mark for consistency.

19. Porthmadog

Porthmadog, West Coast

“Very much a round of two halves, with the much heralded links section on the back nine, which includes the bizarre and beautiful signature 12th that will leave you utterly flummoxed.”

The best of Porthmadog is top-five level; sadly, the opening half is more lower-end top 20.

18. Llandrindod Wells

Llandrindod Wells, Mid Wales

“Bouncy fairways and firm, fast greens combine to deliver a terrific moorland spectacle.”

This rolling heathland dates back to 1905 and benefits from the nous of Harry Vardon and James Braid. It enjoys a brilliantly diverse set of holes incorporating ridges, humps and hollows that give rise to blind shots, some great architectural features, a couple of high-class par 3s and memorable two-shotters. Set high above the town you can expect great views, along with excellent conditioning. The last few holes running down to the clubhouse are truly outstanding.

17. Cardigan

Cardigan, South Wales

“Overlooking the Teifi Estuary, Cardigan has plenty of elevation changes and gorse and bracken surrounding greens and fairways to challenge.”

Hard to define, given it moves seamlessly into different phases – mainly links, but also moorland and even meadowland – but the common themes are fantastic turf and terrific holes. Founded in 1895, expect wonderful views of the Teifi Estuary, plenty of gorse and elevation changes, plus good greens and an epic climax.

16. North Wales

Llandudno, North Wales

“A fine links test along the shore of Conwy Bay, reaching its zenith in the dunes with a pair of extraordinary signature par 3s at 16 and 17.”

Threatened by a few below it who were deemed better presented, but it has enough charm to stay at No.16.

15. Welshpool

Welshpool, Mid Wales

“Amazing, exhausting, exhilarating. Not a course for the purist. A high-in-the-hills moorland course that frequently takes your breath away.”

The signature 12th, one of the finest golf holes in Wales, is a highlight on this distinctive course.

14. Rolls of Monmouth

The Hendre, South Wales

“A superb, undulating modern-ish course out in the country. Racing-fast greens and an outstanding par-3 18th hole.”

The four short holes are a real highlight on a parkland that is steadily rising.

13. Machynys Peninsula

Llanelli, South Wales

“Has an adolescent eagerness to relentlessly challenge you from start to finish, with water hazards an almost constant menace.”

This Jack Nicklaus design – Wales’ newest course – continues to impress and is maturing into a great test of golf.

12. Bull Bay

Amlwch, North Wales

“Some really interesting holes and I would not hesitate to include this in the Top 100 Fun golf courses list. Lovely views at the top of Anglesey. This Herbert Fowler deisgn has great risk-reward par 5s. A few blind shots which add to the enjoyment.”

A course full of character and ambience in a spectacular setting on the Isle of Anglesey. A wonderful, unconventional routing that ebbs and flows wherever it pleases and to glorious effect.

11. Nefyn & District

Nefyn, West Coast

You see images like the one above and wonder why Nefyn is not in the top 10 – and certainly, if you are bowled over by views then you’ll think it should be top three. Only Ireland’s Old Head (one of the best golf courses in Ireland) matches it for setting and the fun ‘old’ nine out on the peninsula is bucket-list stuff. Fantastic views and many interesting holes although the course has a couple of pinch points that make it a little hectic in places.

 10. Celtic Manor (Twenty Ten Course)

Newport, South Wales

“Lacks the charisma to be higher in the top 10, but it is a very well designed layout, making the most of the natural features. Eighteen in a classic finishing hole.”

A pedigree championship challenge by virtue of various water hazards, thick rough, astute bunkering and fast greens.

9. Pyle & Kenfig

Bridgend, South Wales

Famously breathtaking back nine that threads through towering dunes, From holes 11 to 15 it is absolutely outstanding.

The much lauded back nine reaches its crescendo with two of the purest back-to-back par-4 links holes – 13 and 14 – that you’ll find anywhere in the British Isles.

8. Tenby

Tenby, South Wales

A fun links with some good holes, but the feeling they could have done a little more with the land they have stops me saying it should be higher.

Set between the sea and a railway line, expect rolling fairways, thick gorse, blind shots aplenty and greens both raised and hidden among the dunes.

7. Ashburnham

Burry Port, South Wales

The start and finish are not quite the caliber of the rest, but it has some really good holes, especially coming home. The run from the 12th to the 14th is quite exceptional and matches anything you will experience in wales.

6. Southerndown

Bridgend, South Wales

“I really enjoyed it and would play again tomorrow. It’s down as a limestone-heathland-links, with Herbert Fowler, Willie Park, Harry Colt and Donald Steel all adding design to the course – that must be pretty unique!”

The springy turf is magic and there’s a plentiful supply of gorse and sand, which call for plenty of straight shots. Expect constant breezes across its elevated fairways, a 1st hole that is a real battle and a brutal closing stretch! This unique course is carved from rare limestone heath formed at the end of the last Ice Age is a must-play.

5. Conwy

Conwy, South Wales

Traditional links designed by Jack Morris, Old Tom Morris’ nephew. Nicely bunkered and a really strong set of par 4s with interesting holes all the way round. Combines challenge and aesthetic charm very nicely.

Played host to the Curtis Cup in 2021 and recent improvements have nudged it up into the top five best golf courses in Wales.

4. Aberdovey

Aberdovey, West Coast

A superb links in great condition – an absolute must-play. The course gently turns right round on the front nine, which makes wind direction somewhat tricky. Really good design on this classic outward and inward seaside links.

A very high-class traditional links whose recent work has been commended by the panel.

3. Pennard

Swansea, South Wales

The ‘links in the sky’ is Wales’ most enigmatic course, matched only by the unparalleled beauty of its location. A stout heart and a firm hand are needed across uncompromising terrain, with fast-running farways and firm, controured greens.

“Every single hole is brilliant,” says one panellist.

This testing clifftop links with sloping fairways and narrow, challenging greens enjoys wonderful views of the Gower Peninsula and has lots of challenging, memorable holes.

Could easily be higher – some even have it as their No.1 and looking at the 4th hole above, it’s little wonder. James Braid and CK Cotton did a fine job routing this unique course to harness the views and turn the funky land into fun holes.

 2. Royal St David’s

Harlech, West Coast

‘Harlech’ is a links for the connoisseur; for that group of golfers, it is a little piece of heaven.

It is routed among robust dunes under the nose of brooding Harlech Castle, with views of the sweeping bay of Tremadog and across to Snowdon and Snowdonia.

Of all the par-69 courses in the British Isles, the rugged links at Harlech is arguably the sternest test. A shrewd layout that constantly asks questions of your game, and a climactic journey through a divine dune landscape that is littered with golf holes of the highest quality.

Royal St David’s oozes class as it roams over phenomenal golfing terrain. This is a links of the very highest caliber.

It has hosted numerous elite amateur events down the years as well as both the leading senior and lady golfers on the main professional tours in Europe.

1. Royal Porthcawl

Rest Bay, South Wales

The clear No.1, Porthcawl is not only atop the best golf courses in Wales, but one of the finest courses in Britain and Ireland, and a World Top 100 entry. 

Due to the absence of dune corridors found on many elite links, it famously delivers a view of the sea from every hole, as well as south to Somerset and Exmoor and across Swansea Bay to the Gower Peninsula. Instead, undulating terrain created by blown sand climbs away from the captivating opening three beachside holes and characterizes this world-class links. Marram, gorse and heather cover the rolling hillside, although vegetation has admirably being scraped back in recent years to reveal original authentic sandy areas.

As per every classic links, Porthcawl is not all about brawn, with the placement of drives between what can be thick rough and mastering the often fast-running conditions as important as thumping it miles. The victory of notoriously short-hitting Gary Wolstenholme over Tiger Woods – in his wondrously athletic but wild youth – in the Walker Cup of 1995 is exhibit A.

Then there is a set of greens that are routinely slick and uncommonly contoured, with putting into bunkers not unheard of. A famous female golfer of yesteryear is said to have gone one better and lost a ball while putting downhill and downwind on the 5th!

Now up to 7,100 yards from the back tees, the 6,580 off the whites will be ample for all but single-figure players – and the 6,300 off the yellows advisable for most. The regular changes in direction, with holes pointed in every direction on the compass, is another strong theme here and ensures it is always testing and interesting.

The aforementioned first three holes head in a north-westerly direction as they hug the coastline, the 3rd green being the point to the ‘triangle’ of land on which Porthcawl is laid out. It is a truly epic start, and by the time you walk off that green you are likely to be already enthused by Porthcawl, our Wales No.1 for two more years.

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