Wales. A land of dramatic landscapes, ancient castles, and a passion for sport that runs deep. While rugby often takes centre stage, the rolling hills and stunning coastlines of Cymru are also home to some of the most captivating and challenging golf courses in the world. From championship links to picturesque parklands, Wales offers an unforgettable golfing experience that blends natural beauty with world-class design.
So, pack your clubs and prepare for a round (or several!) on courses where every drive comes with a breathtaking view. Here are some of the top golf courses in Wales that you absolutely must add to your golfing bucket list.
1. Royal Porthcawl Golf Club (Porthcawl, South Wales)
Often hailed as one of the finest links courses on the planet, Royal Porthcawl is a true gem. Situated on the spectacular South Wales coast, this course offers an exhilarating challenge with its ever-present wind, strategically placed bunkers, and firm, fast-running fairways. Unlike many links courses, it boasts sea views from every hole, adding to its immense charm. It has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the Senior Open Championship, cementing its status as a must-play for any serious golfer. Expect a stern test of your game, but one that rewards strategic play and offers unparalleled links golf purity.
Vibe: Classic, challenging links golf with panoramic sea views.
Best for: Links purists, those seeking a true championship test.
2. Celtic Manor Resort (Newport, South Wales)
Home to the Ryder Cup in 2010, the Celtic Manor Resort is a golfing powerhouse offering three distinct courses:
The Twenty Ten Course: Built specifically to host the Ryder Cup, this modern, challenging course features strategic water hazards and a dramatic finish. It’s designed to test the world’s best and offers an unforgettable experience.
Roman Road: The resort’s first course, an acclaimed championship parkland layout known for its challenging greens and beautiful views.
Montgomerie Course: A links-style inland course designed by Colin Montgomerie, offering a different flavour with its undulating fairways and challenging bunkering.
With world-class facilities, accommodation, and dining, Celtic Manor is a complete golf destination.
Vibe: Luxury resort golf with championship pedigree.
Best for: Group golf trips, those who want a comprehensive golf and leisure experience.
3. Pennard Golf Club (Swansea, South Wales)
Often referred to as “the links in the sky,” Pennard offers a truly unique golfing experience. Perched high on the cliffs overlooking Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula, this course provides some of the most spectacular coastal views you’ll ever encounter on a golf course. It’s a rugged, natural links layout where the wind is a constant factor and the strategic use of gorse, dunes, and natural contours is key. Don’t be surprised to see local wild horses or sheep roaming the course – it only adds to its charm!
Vibe: Rustic, stunningly scenic, authentic links golf.
Best for: Golfers who appreciate natural beauty and a truly memorable, quirky links experience.
4. Tenby Golf Club (Tenby, West Wales)
As the oldest established golf course in Wales (founded in 1888), Tenby Golf Club holds a special place in Welsh golfing history. This classic links course is nestled on the picturesque Pembrokeshire coastline, offering a delightful blend of challenging holes and stunning views of Caldey Island and the historic town of Tenby. Its narrow fairways, strategic bunkering, and firm greens demand accuracy and tactical play. A round here offers a charming step back in time to the origins of the game.
Vibe: Historic, traditional links in a beautiful seaside setting.
Best for: History buffs, those seeking a charming and classic links test.
5. Nefyn & District Golf Club (Nefyn, North Wales)
Prepare for some of the most breathtaking cliff-top golf you’ll ever play. Nefyn & District is renowned for its spectacular 27-hole layout, particularly the famous “Point” holes. These six holes are literally played on a narrow strip of land jutting out into the Irish Sea, offering exhilarating carries over coves and dizzying drops. It’s an unforgettable, if sometimes intimidating, experience. The views across the Llŷn Peninsula are simply magnificent.
Vibe: Dramatic, cliff-edge golf with unparalleled coastal views.
Best for: Photo opportunities, a truly unique and memorable round.
Ready to Book Your Welsh Golfing Escape?
From the Ryder Cup grandeur of Celtic Manor to the rugged beauty of the Gower and the dramatic cliffs of Nefyn, Wales offers a golfing landscape as diverse as it is stunning. Each of these courses provides a unique challenge and an unforgettable experience that goes far beyond just the golf itself.
So, why not make your next golfing adventure a Welsh one? You might just discover your new favourite course!