Wales: Golf 2011 by Visit Wales

Wales: Golf Host Nation of The 2010 Ryder Cup

Ian Woosnam explains what makes golf in Wales so special The 2010 Ryder Cup: A festival of golf Dream 18: A selection of Walesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most extraordinary holes Les Ferdinand finds golf and good times in Mid Wales PLUS: The links trail, family golf and where to play in Wales

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Wales: Golf is published by Visit Wales, the Tourism and Marketing arm of the Welsh Assembly Government © 2011. Visit Wales, Brunel House, 2 Fitzalan Road, Cardiff CF24 0UY IMPORTANT NOTE: The information contained in this publication has been published in good faith on the basis of information submitted to Visit Wales by proprietors of the businesses listed, who have paid for their entries to appear. Visit Wales cannot guarantee the accuracy or reliability of the information in this publication and hereby disclaim any responsibility for any error, omission, or misrepresentation.

To the fullest extent permitted by law all liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by reliance on the information contained in this guide is excluded. You are advised to check all details and information with the business concerned before confirming a reservation. Material in this publication must not be reproduced in any form without permission from the copyright owners – please contact Visit Wales. Opinions expressed in Wales: Golf are not necessarily those of Visit Wales.

Front cover: 18th hole, The Twenty Ten course, The Celtic Manor Resort. Back cover: (Top) Nefyn and District Golf Club, (Middle) Cradoc Golf Club, (Bottom) Ashburnham Golf Club

Managing Editor: Iestyn George Designed by: Plus One Design Printed by: Stephens & George Photography: © Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales Other photography: AFP/Getty Images, Bob Thomas Photography/Getty Images, The Celtic Manor Resort, Masters Historic Imagery/Getty Images, George Troughton/IMG. WAG10-11149 ISBN: 978 0 7504 5989 1

This magazine: About 125 years in the making. No, we’ve not been suffering from the world’s worst case of writers’ block. That’s how long ago our first golf club was founded. But where? Well, that depends on who you ask. At Tenby, they’ll tell you they were the first affiliated club, established in 1888. But if you go to Borth and Ynyslas, they’ll say they’ve been playing golf there longer. Even Aberdovey and Conwy have staked their respective claims. It’s a source of great debate here that could keep you in the clubhouse until the small hours…

Whatever the answer, we’ve been enjoying golf in Wales ever since. And enjoying it our own way. Which means it’s unhurried – just as well when you have to keep stopping play to take in the spectacular backdrop of sea, mountain, hill or vale. We don’t need to book our tee times 12 months in advance, or take out a second mortgage to pay for our round. The rest of the world got to see ‘our way’ over four days in October 2010, when we hosted The Ryder Cup (and

what a result – everyone got to spend an extra day in Wales!). We’re happy to share our formula with you – there’s nothing secret about it. We don’t stand on ceremony here. Come into one of our clubhouses and you’ll find it unstuffy, lively and, most importantly, welcoming. Whether you’ll find our rough as welcoming, of course, is another thing entirely… Golf as it should be.

Course planner 2 Woosie’s Wales Ambassador of Welsh golf, Ian Woosnam, explains what makes golf in Wales so special

12 Dream 18 A selection of Wales’s most extraordinary holes, as chosen by those that have played them

6 The 2010 Ryder Cup: A festival of golf It was a long time coming – but so worth the wait...

18 The coast with the most Thomas Dunne follows the links trail of Wales

36 Directory Clubs and courses, golf packages and tour operators, merchandise and where to stay

24 The fantastic fore! Les Ferdinand and friends find golf and good times in Mid Wales

88 Wales factfile FAQs, getting to Wales, Active websites, golf course index map

8 Our first Ryder Cup What The 2010 Ryder Cup meant to those who were there

30 The best of both worlds A family holiday and a golf getaway? Anything’s possible in Wales!

This publication is also available in Braille, large-format print, and/or audio from Visit Wales Tel: +44 (0)800 915 6568 e-mail: info@visitwales.com www.golfasitshouldbe.com 1

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1. Celebrating victory at the 1983 Ryder Cup 2. Ian Woosnam in 2010

Woosie’s Wales After spending the last 30 years playing golf around the world, former Ryder Cup player and captain Ian Woosnam is the ideal man to explain what makes golf in Wales so special I’ve circled the globe a fair few times as a professional golfer. I started my career in the late 1970s, travelling across Europe in a Volkswagen Dormobile caravanette, which I remember customising with a tin of paint and a brush. I’ve also travelled in style. I bought a Cessna 421 Golden Eagle in 1991 and have owned other planes since – I don’t think the Dormobile would ever have made it across the Atlantic.

My father bought the VW to make life on the road a little easier for me. The journeys were often long and having to go through qualification to get a starting place I often had to drive through the night just to make my tee time. With pennies in my pocket (or centimes, or lire…) I always seemed to run out of petrol at the most inconvenient times. Once, I can remember breaking down just a few hundred yards from my ferry home in Calais and wondering if I could push it onto the boat. I guess this was character-building stuff. Friendships with my travelling companions and fellow pros were certainly forged during this time of my life. It’s this kind of camaraderie that I’ve always loved about golf, right from the first day my father took all the family to Llanymynech Golf Club, near where we lived on the border of Wales and England. I was just seven years old and we were a farming family, not the kind of people normally associated with the game of golf. So much for stereotypes – both my parents were to become captains of the club. Some people have suggested that if we’d walked into another clubhouse in another place, we might not have been made so

welcome; that I might never have had the opportunity to enjoy my many adventures in golf. I don’t know about that, but Llanymynech means a lot to me and things don’t seem to have changed very much there. I guess the same can be said for most of the clubs in the area. I followed the Cessna with a BeachKing Air 200 and then a CitationJet. A great way to travel, but best of all, they provided the quickest route home after a tournament. The £400,000 that Cessna cost me bought me an extra day with my family and friends every week. It more than paid its way. Home at the time was Oswestry, which is in England. At this point it might also be worth mentioning that I was born at home, which was 200 yards into English territory. People who question my nationality on the basis of this information tend to get short shrift. As I’ve said many times before, I feel as Welsh as David Lloyd George, the only Welshman to have become Prime Minister of the UK. He was a fluent Welsh speaker and is one of the greatest cultural icons of Wales. And he was born in Manchester.

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I’ve been proud to play with the Welsh flag next to my name. If I was paid a pound every time I was asked where Wales was, or what the golf was like in my home country, I would have probably doubled my career earnings. One US journalist even asked me to explain where exactly in Scotland Wales could be found. I’ve always enjoyed the difference of being Welsh. We only had four touring golfers in Europe when David Llewellyn and myself won the World Cup back in 1987 in Hawaii. Being proud of being Welsh means you’ve always got a story to tell. And golfers love stories. Particularly if there’s a drink on the table. I’m always amazed by the variety of courses across Wales, hugging the coastlines, at the top of mountains and down in the valleys. Some people will be familiar with names like Royal Porthcawl, Royal St David’s, Aberdovey and Nefyn. But of the 200plus courses in Wales, many of them have been built and maintained by the communities that surround them, without too much thought for the outside world. You’ll find that people do things for the love of it in Wales, not for show and when you come across these hidden gems you soon find yourself becoming part of this great golfing family.

Now and again, Wales likes to make a grand statement and The Celtic Manor Resort, home of The 2010 Ryder Cup, proved that Wales has the quality of facilities to match any golf destination in the world. I’m proud to have been associated with the Celtic Manor since the 1990s and The Ryder Cup has given me memories that will never fade – eight times as a player, once as vice-captain in 2002, and finally, as captain in 2006. The 2010 Ryder Cup was an unforgettable event for a global audience of hundreds of millions, as well as for the lucky few that experienced it at first hand. It was a fantastic showcase for the warmth of hospitality, as well as the golf that Wales has to offer. But remember, this is only one episode in a series of unforgettable experiences that awaits you. You can feel as free as a bird here, drifting from one place of natural beauty to another, playing great golf courses, eating great food and enjoying the unique welcome of Wales. Just writing about it makes me want to get back behind the wheel of the Dormobile and head out there.

1 2 3 1. Sinking his final putt to win the 1991 Masters 2. Victorious European Ryder Cup Captain, 2006 3. Llanymynech Golf Club

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Where to play

Mold

Follow in the footsteps of Wales’s most successful golfer.

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1 Llanymynech Golf Club A former stronghold of British resistance to the Romans, Llanymynech is bisected by Offa’s Dyke, the meandering border between Wales and England. This means you play 15 holes in the former and three in the latter. Club members talk with fondness of a junior member named Woosnam who used to drive the mound which crosses the ninth fairway, some 313 yards from the white tees. www.llanymynechgolfclub.co.uk T: +44 (0)1691 830983 2 Vale Of Llangollen Golf Club Llangollen is a picture postcard brought to life. Its International Eisteddfod (a festival of music and song) is renowned and it has become a Mecca for canoeists and fishing enthusiasts. The Vale of Llangollen Golf Club is one of the top inland courses in North Wales. The original nine-hole track dating back over a century was extended 40 years ago, with the River Dee running alongside the course. www.vlgc.co.uk T: +44 (0)1978 860906 3 Old Padeswood Golf Club How many golf clubs have been established after a chance meeting between a farmer and a golf professional on a motorbike? The colourful history of Old Padeswood dates back to 1909 and owes a great deal to Arthur Joseph, the aforementioned professional, who had also designed and constructed courses, including Great Orme’s Head in Llandudno. Seven of the greens from the original nine-hole course are still in use at this picturesque and demanding course in the Alyn Valley. www.oldpadeswoodgolfclub.co.uk T: +44 (0)1244 547401

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Wrexham

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Llangollen

Oswestry

Apres golf Water hazards that are worth getting wet for… 4 Fishing: The River Dee around Llangollen is renowned for its grayling and brown trout, as well as salmon and sea trout. www.llangollenangling.net 5 Canal boating: Take a two-hour trip along the ‘stream in the sky’ – the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct built in 1805 by Thomas Telford. www.horsedrawnboats.co.uk T: +44 (0)1978 860702 6 White water rafting: Llangollen is one of the best-known venues in Britain for canoeing and kayaking. ProAdventure: www.proadventure.co.uk T: +44 (0)1978 861912 JJ Canoeing and Rafting: www.jjraftcanoe.com T: +44 (0)1978 860763

You can find details of packages comprising golf at all of the above courses plus accommodation in Llangollen at www.northwalesbordergolf.co.uk www.golfasitshouldbe.com 5

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1. Iestyn George 2. Colin Montgomerie reclaims The Ryder Cup for Europe

A festival of golf Golf journalist and proud Welshman Iestyn George believes The 2010 Ryder Cup at The Celtic Manor Resort was just the start of the golfing good times for Wales… We knew it would be good, but even after a decade of anticipation we had no idea that hosting one of the most popular sporting events on the planet would be this special. It was entertaining. Dramatic. Unforgettable. And having been treated to a fourth day’s play for the first time in Ryder Cup history, we wanted it to go on forever – or at least until Christmas Eve. In 2004, I was lucky enough to be a member of a gang of laptop renegades who started their own magazine. It was called GolfPunk. The name struck fear into the hearts of the golfing establishment, which probably says more about the conservatism of golf than the potential threat posed by a bunch of journalists looking for a few laughs on the links. Back then we used to talk about what it would be like to host our own golf festival – an event that crystallised our respect for the traditions of golf, an opportunity to celebrate the talents of many of the world’s best players and the chance to have some fun while we were at it. Trouble is, Samuel Ryder had already got there first. It’s debatable whether the millionaire seed merchant had the slightest inkling that, one day, the venue for this golf festival would be a purpose-built course in the Usk 6

Valley. It’s equally unlikely that having transformed a former maternity hospital into one of the world’s leading resorts, another Ryder Cup benefactor, Sir Terry Matthews, would have realised he was actually in the process of creating the mother of all golf festivals. Because that, in essence, was what The 2010 Ryder Cup became. It began, as all Ryder Cup matches begin, in an excitable, highly-charged and extremely partisan atmosphere. Then over the next four days, people relaxed and the mood softened among players and supporters alike. In some ways, the inclement weather, which blew through South Wales over the weekend, actually did us a favour. It highlighted the superb event organisation and the entirely legitimate reputation Wales has for the warmth of its hospitality. When members of staff dressed in waterproof clothing smile at you in a queue for a bus at 5.30 in the morning, you don’t question their sincerity. They mean it. During the long break in play on day one, spirits were never dampened. Many lifelong friendships were made at the bar, e-mail addresses were swapped and promises made to meet up in Chicago in 2012. By the time play restarted, fans came to a new understanding of what Ryder Cup competition is really all about.

The banter on the first tee – a rare example of good humour and total respect – became progressively funnier as the weekend went on. And the wittier it got, the more the players smiled and the more we enjoyed watching them go through the unique challenges posed by Ryder Cup golf. And before we forget, the golf wasn’t bad either. There are so many moments to cherish from the final day’s play alone - Tiger Woods’ magical eagle at the 12th, Ricky Fowler’s invigorating run of birdies and, of course, the pandemonium that greeted Graeme McDowell’s matchwinning victory on the 17th hole. As US writer Steve Eubanks wrote for RyderCup. com in the aftermath of the event: “The images of this week will be the blue skies, short-sleeve shirts, cheering crowds and fantastic golf shots that marked the final day of The 2010 Ryder Cup.” And now it’s your turn to walk in the freshly-trodden footsteps of the history makers, to enjoy unspoilt, unhurried golf of the highest order, to sample the hospitality and keep great company, just as we did during those precious few days of October 2010. If that’s not a tantalising prospect, we don’t know what is.

2010 might have been the first time Wales hosted The Ryder Cup, but our association with it goes way back… 1955: Dai Rees becomes the first Welshman to captain a Ryder Cup team 1957: Dai Rees leads the Great Britain team to victory – it would be their only success against the United States between 1933 and 1985 1977: Brian Huggett becomes Wales’s second Great Britain & Ireland Ryder Cup captain 2001: The Celtic Manor Resort is awarded The 2010 Ryder Cup. As well as being the first time The Ryder Cup was to be played on Welsh soil, it would also be the first Ryder Cup played on a purpose-built course, on which construction hadn’t even begun! 2002: Pontypridd-born Ryder Cup rookie Phillip Price beats world number two Phil Mickelson in the final day’s singles to secure an invaluable point and an historic victory for Europe 2006: Ian Woosnam, player in eight consecutive Ryder Cup teams and vice captain in 2002, takes Europe to victory at The K Club, Ireland 2010: The Ryder Cup finds its spiritual home. A classic encounter is competed over an unprecedented four days. The Twenty Ten course becomes an amphitheatre of golf and both teams provide a thrilling climax under blue Welsh skies, with European victory secured on the penultimate hole.

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Our first Ryder Cup Played by 24 golfers, attended by 45,000 spectators a day and watched from millions of armchairs around the world. What did they all make of The 2010 Ryder Cup? And what happens next? “It was a great privilege to act as host nation of The 2010 Ryder Cup and to welcome the world to Wales for the event. It helped raise the profile of our beautiful country to those who made the trip to The Celtic Manor Resort as well as those watching on television around the world. This will hopefully lead to more people coming here on holiday, to study or do business.” The Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister for Wales “After a stormy weekend, we will long remember the drama of the first ever Ryder Cup Monday played in the Welsh sunshine. Well done also to the crowd at Celtic Manor who more than played their part.” The Rt Hon David Cameron MP, Prime Minister “The atmosphere was awesome. To hear that kind of excitement for golf really is spectacular for us. We don’t get a chance to play in front of crowds that boisterous and spirited. Mainly though they were cheering for the Europeans, the fans here were really respectful for all good shots. Their team won, but they were behind everybody in a way. It was really cool to see that just for the game of golf.” Stewart Cink, US Ryder Cup team member 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010

1. Graeme McDowell holes his putt on the 16th 2. Tiger Woods plays a tee shot 3. USA fans enjoying the extra day’s play 4. Early morning – A packed grandstand

“What a great event. They call it the longest Ryder Cup in history and the biggest Ryder Cup in history.” Sir Terry Matthews OBE, Chairman, The Celtic Manor Resort “We have had a lot of fun off the course. It’s helped us stay relaxed, be rested and enjoy the week, and we just wish the outcome was slightly different. But we appreciate the way the people here in Wales treated us, because they were very supportive of the European Team and very respectful towards us, and we thank them.” Phil Mickelson, eight-time US Ryder Cup team member “It was beyond anything I have ever known.” Graeme McDowell, European Ryder Cup team member 2008 and 2010 “It’s great to bring the Ryder Cup back to Europe. It has been the best week of my life, this is the best event in golf by far.” Rory McIlroy, European Ryder Cup team rookie 2010 “We expected a great match. We expected great support. The world was watching, and Wales delivered!” Colin Montgomerie, European Ryder Cup team captain 2010

“The images of this week will be the blue skies, short-sleeve shirts, cheering crowds and fantastic golf shots that marked the final day of the 2010 Ryder Cup. Fans who came back on Monday (35,000 according to Ryder Cup Europe officials) saw the best finish in many, many years.”

“It was hard to believe the Ryder Cup would live up to all the hype, but it did, and then some! The steady stream of journalists, tour operators and golf nuts that stayed with us both before the event, and since, have fallen as much in love with Wales as the rest of us.”

The Celtic Manor Resort, the fans and the European Team to The 2010 Ryder Cup. An event that will go down in history as so good it merited an extra day.”

Steve Eubanks, US writer, RyderCup.com

Mike Morgan, owner of Llansantfraed Court and co-director of Welsh Rarebits luxury hotel marketing consortium

“September 2010 was a great month for the club and was the highest grossing for green fees in the club’s history. Looking at the geographical locations people were travelling from, the Ryder Cup was definitely a factor.”

“As a Welshman, I felt nothing but pride in the way players, spectators and ground staff were indefatigable when the weather was bad. Then the sun shone for them on a unique Monday in Ryder Cup history. “As for our business, being involved as an official licensee has undoubtedly increased our company’s status and credibility within the golf industry. Our challenge now is to maintain and exploit the legacy we have been handed.” Eryl Williams, co-founder of Asbri Golf, leading golf equipment designers in Wales

“The 38th Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor was probably the best in history. The quality of golf and the see-sawing fortunes all contributed to an unforgettable event.” Bernard Gallacher, eight-time Ryder Cup player (GB, GB & Ireland) and European Ryder Cup captain 1991, 1993 and 1995 “Superbly organised, blessed with deep reserves of grit in order to contend with the weather and showing masses of passion and pride. It’s a statement that neatly summarises the contribution of

Michael Harris, Editor, Golf Monthly

Simon Dennis, Secretary at Nefyn Golf Club “The Americans and Japanese have been raised on a diet of the great courses in Scotland and England before heading to Ireland. Our aim is to convince those visitors to include Wales on their itineraries – and it’s starting to happen.” John Jermine, Chairman, Ryder Cup Wales 2010 www.golfasitshouldbe.com 9

The Celtic Manor Resort: did you know… In figures. 1,400 acres of panoramic parkland. 2 hotels, 5 stars, 400 rooms, 32 suites. 3 championship golf courses, 2 clubhouses, 1 golf academy. 5 restaurants, 3 AA rosettes (awarded to The Crown). 2 health clubs. 2 health spas. 1,500-delegate convention centre. 14,000-square-foot exhibition hall. 31 function rooms. An excellent adventure. 2011 sees the unveiling of the resort’s Adventure Golf course. The course is laid out with all-weather greens and the whole family can enjoy the experience of a putting challenge played on holes inspired by St Andrews, Pebble Beach and Augusta, as well as the signature 14th hole on The Twenty Ten course.

Born again. From 1940 to 1975 the 19th century Manor House was the Lydia Beynon Maternity Hospital. Over 60,000 babies were born there, including one Terence Hedley Matthews. Since it opened as a hotel in 1982, many of these babies have used the hotel for their wedding receptions! Warning: dormice crossing. Following a six-month study of dormouse colonies in the area, the resort constructed overhead road crossings for dormice. They’ve also built underground road crossings for the local toad population. These were just two of a comprehensive list of measures taken by the resort to lessen the environmental impact of The 2010 Ryder Cup. For golf reservations visit www.celtic-manor.com or call +44 (0)1633 410263.

1. The resort’s Adventure Golf course 2. The Manor House 3. 14th hole, The Twenty Ten course

Newport: Ryder Cup city Wales’s newest city is a hub of growth and regeneration, with an impressive waterfront redevelopment scheme. The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre already shares the waterfront with the iconic Newport City Footbridge and a new city campus for the University of Wales, Newport. Sports fans might like to visit the Newport International Sports Village, which boasts the Wales National Velodrome and a competition standard swimming pool, as well as the Newport Stadium, the 4000-capcity home of Newport County FC and Newport Harriers Athletics Club. Standing at the gateway to Wales, the city is also an ideal base to explore the natural beauty of the Wye Valley and Vale of Usk, the Brecon Beacons and the South Wales Valleys.

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www.newport.gov.uk/tourism

Just a short drive away One of the best things about playing golf in Wales is that you’re never far from the next golfing adventure. Here are just a few of the courses within easy reach of The Celtic Manor Resort. 1 Newport Golf Club A parkland course which regularly hosts major Welsh amateur events and has strong links with the US military stretching back to World War II. www.newportgolfclub.org.uk T: +44 (0)1633 892643 Distance from The Celtic Manor Resort: 8 miles 2 St Pierre, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club In a picturesque setting amongst 400 acres of parkland a few miles from the Severn Bridge, there are two courses to choose from – the Mathern Course and the Old Course, which has hosted the British Masters and The Solheim Cup. www.stpierregolf.com T: +44 (0)1291 625261 Distance from The Celtic Manor Resort: 15 miles 3 The Glamorganshire Golf Club Birthplace of the Stableford scoring system, it was also home to the traditional official golf frolic held by the Barbarians invitational rugby side for the best part of a century. www.glamorganshiregolfclub.co.uk T: +44 (0)29 20701185 Distance from The Celtic Manor Resort: 22 miles 4 The Rolls of Monmouth Golf Club A parkland gem in tranquil surroundings, the 300-year-old lodge was formerly the home of Charles Stewart Rolls, co-founder of the Rolls-Royce company. www.therollsgolfclub.co.uk T: +44 (0)1600 715353 Distance from The Celtic Manor Resort: 24 miles

Newport

Cardiff

Bristol

5 Vale Resort With enviable spa and sporting facilities including two championship courses, the Vale is home-from-home for both Wales’s rugby and football squads, set in 650 acres of secluded parkland within easy reach of the M4 motorway and the capital city, Cardiff. www.vale-hotel.com T: +44 (0)1443 667800 Distance from The Celtic Manor Resort: 25 miles 6 Aberdare Golf Club A mature parkland course in great condition, the club professional at Aberdare for 15 years was Dai Rees, the most successful Welsh golfer of his generation and Ryder Cup-winning captain in 1958. www.aberdaregolfclub.co.uk T: +44 (0)1685 871188 Distance from The Celtic Manor Resort: 37 miles

It’s also worth checking out the variety of golf packages that are available in the region through the following: Cardiff Golfbreaks www.cardiffgolfbreaks.co.uk T: 0800 0832983 (+44 1656 722331 from overseas) Greens of Southern Wales www.greensofsouthernwales.com T: 0870 6006088 (+44 1656 722331 from overseas) Monmouthshire Golf Breaks www.monmouthshiregolfbreaks.co.uk T: 0800 083 2983 (+44 1656 722331 from overseas) Value Golf in the Valleys www.valleysgolfbreaks.co.uk T: +44 (0)1685 813433

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Dream 18 A small selection of the countless unusual and remarkable holes in Wales, voted for by a selection of the best-travelled golfers in the country. After you’ve visited us feel free to get involved by nominating your own favourites at www.golfasitshouldbe.com

Most tempting tee shot: 16th hole, Aberdovey Golf Club The best approach on the 281-yard par-four 16th is to lay-up short of the green. Common sense, however, does not always prevail and many drives have been launched, more in hope than expectation of reaching the green from the tee. A railway line runs along the entire left-hand side of the hole. “One member struck the front of the train with his drive,” recalls Mike Rogers, committee member at Aberdovey. “As the train came alongside the tee, the driver leaned out of his cab shaking his fist and shouting at the golfer, who replied: “If you had been on time I would have missed you!”

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Highest: 14th hole, West Monmouthshire Golf Club Not only is the 399-yard par-four 14th hole at West Monmouthshire the highest hole in Wales, it’s recognised by the Guinness World Records as the loftiest in Britain too, at 1,518 feet above sea level. The course was designed in 1906 by renowned Scottish golfer and club maker Ben Sayers and was built by local teachers and doctors. The area has a rich social history – it was one of the most important iron producers in the world during the 19th century – and the views, across the Brecon Beacons and down the former industrial hotbed of The Valleys below, are magnificent.

www.westmongolfclub.co.uk

Longest: Sixth hole, Dewstow Golf Club Wales may be just half the size of Switzerland, but clearly no one thought to mention this fact to the designer of The Park Course at Dewstow. ‘Forestry’ is a 700-yard par-six hole – for most golfing mortals that’s a drive and two fair whacks of a fairway wood away from even contemplating a shot onto the green. It’s so far from tee to green they should stick a halfway house alongside the fairway.

www.dewstow.co.uk

sp Mo ec st tac 7th ho ula le, Pen r na rd

Best par three: 18th hole, The Old Course, Marriott St Pierre

Most spectacular: Seventh hole, Pennard Golf Club

Most northerly: 18th hole, Bull Bay Golf Club

This timeless masterpiece, located in the beautiful Wye Valley, has hosted 14 European Tour events, more than any other in Wales. The estate was originally gifted to St Pierre by William the Conqueror and more recent beneficiaries of a golfing prize include Tony Jacklin, Bernhard Langer, Seve Ballesteros and Ian Woosnam. The 18th is a 235-yard uphill par-three hole over an 11-acre lake to a green protected by bunkers. “It’s a fantastic challenge, which calls for anything from a driver to a mid-iron” explains European Tour professional Siôn Bebb.

There are a fair few candidates for this particular accolade, but if there was one hole worthy of a trip halfway round the world to play, it would be the 351-yard par-four seventh at Pennard, on the Gower Peninsula. “It has all the right ingredients for a great golf hole in Wales – a challenging links hole with great scenery and history,” explains Phil Coates of tour operator Wales Top Golf. “With skill, or luck, Your tee shot will be positioned between a ruined church and a Norman Castle. Your second shot is to a green clinging to a ledge overlooking spectacular Three Cliffs Bay; and two putts would be a real success on the wildly undulating green.”

The distinction of most northerly hole belongs to a heathland course, albeit one that plays like a links track. Bull Bay was crafted by Herbert Fowler, architect of Walton Heath in Surrey and the 411-yard par-four 18th is the highest point on the course, offering a striking view of the mountains of Snowdonia and the Irish Sea below. The club motto is ‘Her Deg ar Hen Dir’, Welsh for ‘An Honest Challenge on Ancient Land’. “You couldn’t put it any better,” says John Jermine, Chairman of Ryder Cup Wales 2010.

www.stpierregolf.com

www.pennardgolfclub.com

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Oldest: First & 18th holes, Tenby Golf Club

Windiest: 13th hole, Nefyn & District Golf Club

Golf has been played in Wales since the 1860s, but which club holds the right to claim the oldest golf hole on its land? That’s highly debatable. The links of Borth & Ynyslas, Aberdovey and Conwy stake a valid claim. Tenby Golf Club was formed in 1888, although evidence that the Mayor of Tenby and magistrates adjourned court proceedings early to head for the golf course dates back to 1875. The first and 18th holes at Tenby have been in play since those early days. But as Golf Union Of Wales CEO Richard Dixon points out: “Until someone turns up with conclusive evidence, this is open to interpretation.”

When you consider where Nefyn is situated – on a spectacular cliff-top promontory – then it’s no great surprise that this is many golfers’ favourite outpost in the world. It’s also among the breeziest. European Tour professional Mark Pilkington is blessed with having learned to play golf at Nefyn. “The 13th is my favourite hole,” he admits. “It’s a 405-yard par four off the back tees and your drive has to be good, whether you aim right for safety, or over the cliffs to the fairway beyond. The perfect approach shot will funnel towards the green, between two rocky outcrops.”

www.tenbygolf.co.uk

www.nefyn-golf-club.co.uk

Most peaceful: Ninth hole, The Rolls of Monmouth Golf Club You won’t go short of an opinion in Wales. Fortunately, people will rarely offer uninvited advice on swing technique, which clubs to play with, or which colour socks to wear. On the other hand, if you’re looking for somewhere special to play golf, you’ll never go short of recommendations. Of all the opinions canvassed for this feature, from professionals to social golfers, a clear majority cited the former home of Charles Stewart Rolls – co-founder of Rolls-Royce – as the most serene golfing experience in the country. And who are we to argue?

www.therollsgolfclub.co.uk

Most dramatic conclusion: 17th hole, The Twenty Ten course, The Celtic Manor Resort No, we haven’t got our maths wrong. There is a veritable shopping list of climactic golf holes worth visiting in Wales, but we hope our American visitors will forgive this moment of Ryder Cup-related indulgence. The 211yard par-three 17th is where Graeme McDowell put an end to an astonishing fightback by the US team in the singles matches of 2010, sealing a European win in the first Ryder Cup played on Welsh soil. If revisiting that spot doesn’t get the hair on the back of your neck tingling, then it might be well worth checking your pulse. www.celtic-manor.com

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Most daunting: 14th hole, Porthmadog Golf Club

Best par four: 15th hole, Royal St David’s Golf Club

The 14th at Porthmadog is no ordinary 378-yard par-four hole. If you needed any convincing that the back nine holes here offer the golfer one of nature’s great links challenges, then the mountainous dunes barring your route to the 14th fairway – The Himalayas – are conclusive proof. Rise to the challenge and you’ve earned yourself a few hours of post-round relaxation at the Italianate village of Portmeirion just a mile or so down along the coast.

The links course in the shadow of the 13th-century Harlech Castle is one of the cornerstones of Welsh golf. Reputedly one of the toughest par-69 layouts on the planet, it jags like a dinghy into a headwind, which means you rarely play two holes in a row with the wind in the same direction. The 439-yard par-four 15th is arguably the finest of them all. The most gentle of doglegs from the tee, there are no bunkers on the hole, the dunes running alongside the fairway providing more than adequate punishment for a wayward approach shot.

www.porthmadog-golf-club.co.uk

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Biggest dogleg: Eighth hole, Monmouth Golf Club

Trickiest green: 16th hole, Wales National Course, Vale Resort

The 422-yard par-four eighth hole at Monmouth Golf Club has to be one of the most disorientating golfing experiences. It’s named ‘Cresta’ in reference to the Cresta Run, a toboggan track in Switzerland, and features almost a double dogleg. “Go right and you’re out-of-bounds, go left and you’ll find plenty of rough,” explains club secretary Peter Tully. Just take aim and be thankful you’re not playing the hole 80 years or so earlier, when member Leslie Arnott used to land his Tiger Moth aeroplane just a few hundred yards away.

Small country, big ideas – that’s what they say about Wales. The Vale is living proof of this adage, with a real monster of a course at over 7,400 yards – the second hole on the Wales National Course is the longest par five in Wales, at 607 yards from the championship tees. The signature hole of the course, however, is the 495-yard 16th, a par four with an undulating green that is no less than 60 yards wide. Taxi!

www.monmouthgolfclub.co.uk

www.vale-hotel.com

Most disorientating: Fifth hole, Llanymynech Golf Club It’s appropriate that the only Welsh winner of a major golf championship (who happened to be born in England) learned to play at a club with 15 holes in Wales and three in England. Ian Woosnam’s name is synonymous with Llanymynech Golf Club, where Offa’s Dyke (an 8th-century earthwork bordering much of Wales and England) runs through the course. On the 363yard par-four fifth hole, the players tee off in Wales and putt out in England. “We believe this is a unique feature in European golf,” claims Llanymynech’s club secretary, Howard Jones, “but the club has refused to allow me to travel all of Europe to find out.”

www.llanymynechgolfclub.co.uk

G ris reat k-r es 5th ew t ho le, Th ard eT we nt yT en

Most unusual wildlife: 16th hole, Cardigan Golf Club

Best par five: 18th hole, Machynys Peninsula Golf & Country Club

Unless you’re one of those curious types who like to play in the zone with as few distractions as possible, the sudden appearance of a furry or feathered friend can come as a pleasant surprise. Set high above the shores of Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales, there’s little in the way of exotic or unusual creatures on the Cardigan course itself. But it’s unlikely you’ll play golf anywhere else in Wales and have the opportunity to spot otters, bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and rare Atlantic grey seals mucking about in the bay below, as you will from the elevated tee at the 164-yard par-three 16th.

Machynys is the first Nicklaus-designed course in Wales, situated on the Loughor estuary separating the coast of Carmarthenshire and the Gower Peninsula. Standing on the tee box of the 481-yard par-five 18th hole, you need a solid tee shot over a vast lake (complete with swans for added distraction), setting up a challenging approach shot to a green generously designed to reward ambition and punish the inaccurate. An exciting climax to the course, befitting a quality modern championship links track.

www.cardigangolf.co.uk

www.machynys.com

Greatest risk-reward: Fifth hole, The Twenty Ten course, The Celtic Manor Resort Being the first to be purpose built for The Ryder Cup, The Twenty Ten course has been designed with several holes which encourage the brave (and the foolhardy) to go for broke. “It’s a great hole,” says European Tour winner Bradley Dredge of the 399-yard par-four fifth. “You can hit a driver, but the landing area is narrow, or you could look to hug the right side of the fairway with your tee shot, which gives you a better angle to approach the green. Either way offers a birdie opportunity, but you could just as easily be walking away with bogey or worse.” www.celtic-manor.com www.golfasitshouldbe.com 17

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Thomas Dunne Porthmadog Golf Club North Wales Golf Club Conwy Golf Club Royal St David’s Golf Club

6. Aberdovey Golf Club 7. Tenby Golf Club 8. Ashburnham Golf Club 9. Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club 10. Royal Porthcawl Golf Club

The coast with the most American writer Thomas Dunne visits a selection of Wales’s links courses – and likes what he sees Links golf. The words conjure magic for those who have experienced the game as it was originally played – by the sea, in the wind, on crisp, firm, fast-running turf. But despite the fact that some of the world’s most famous courses offer these playing conditions, it is actually an incredibly rare form of golf – of the 30,000-plus courses worldwide, only some 200 to 250 are true, honest-to-goodness links. Wales is fortunate to have more than its fair share of native links, and doubly fortunate that they reflect some of the best qualities of the country as a whole. The atmosphere is unpretentious – it’s impossible for anyone to be otherwise when your main worry on the course isn’t an overly officious marshal buzzing you along from the seat of his buggy, but the possibility of a sheep bleating at the top of your swing. The links of Wales are epic adventures set against backdrops of crashing waves, towering mountains and grassy dunes, the aspect of the courses capable of changing from enchanting to ferocious at the whim of Mother Nature.

Being by definition a coastal endeavour, links country in Wales basically traces a (slightly misshaped) letter C, from Conwy in the north to Southerndown, near Cardiff. It is useful for golf travellers to think of Wales as comprising two very different but equally appealing oneweek links trips, each ending around Aberdovey in Mid Wales. There’s poetic justice in this, as it is the sentimental home of Bernard Darwin, grandson of Charles and one of the last century’s finest golf writers. Aberdovey, Darwin once wrote, was “the course my soul loves best in all the world”, and it’s easy to see why. With its neartotal absence of forced carries and other penal features, anyone can enjoy its array of quirky and charming holes, provided they bring a straight club for the tee.

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The first of the two journeys involves flying into London, Bristol or, if possible, Cardiff, to play the famed links of South Wales. One point worth mentioning is that those who enjoy urban nightlife after the golf can easily set up shop in either Cardiff or Swansea, the country’s two largest cities. A great first stop on this links tour is Southerndown Golf Club, just a half hour or so west of Cardiff. By the strictest textbook definition, it is not a true links (neither is the glorious Pennard, which we will visit soon), but Southerndown has some of the best, tightest links turf in Wales, period. This lightning-fast, sheepmown playing surface makes shots – like the approach to the par-four second hole – thrilling tests of creativity. The layout unfurls up and around a domed limestone headland, commanding glorious views across the Bristol Channel to England’s West Country. Nearby Pyle and Kenfig has always been renowned for its spectacular back nine – the way it snakes through the valleys between towering dunes, it’s reminiscent of an Irish links. The 20

club recently adopted a sand-injection method to get the turf on the inland front nine up to links standards. It has worked beautifully, so well, in fact, that it’s possible P&K might be the mostimproved Welsh course of this decade. P&K, of course, has always been somewhat overshadowed by its nextdoor neighbour, Royal Porthcawl. Paired together, the two make a memorable 36-hole day. Royal Porthcawl is, quite simply, the pre-eminent championship links in Wales. It has everything you’re looking for in a seaside course – thrilling holes with plenty of individual character; deep, revetted bunkers guarding excellent greens; a compass-spinning routing that shifts the challenge with the wind; and terrific views from start to finish. Simply a must for any itinerary in South Wales. For those heading farther west toward Pembrokeshire, another good doublefeature would match Ashburnham and Tenby. Ashburnham, which has hosted many pro events over the years, hangs with any course in Wales on the sheer quality of its golf holes, even if it doesn’t

score as many points as some others for its scenic vistas. It’s essential for players to come out grinding – most of the front nine is played dead into the prevailing wind. Tenby, for its part, is a terrier of a links – small, but with plenty of fight. Finally, on the far side of Swansea, the Gower Peninsula, with its beaches, sea cliffs and windswept uplands, is one of the most scenic areas in the UK. It’s fitting that it would also be the home of one of the great natural beauties in the world of golf. A downland links like Southerndown, Pennard is a minimalist course on maximal terrain – the land forms here are simply so wild, so unbelievable, that it’s hard to even imagine playing most of its holes the same way twice. If you had to pick one course in Wales that would most reward a replay round, it would probably be Pennard. Don’t forget to veer off the seventh fairway to get a closer look at the ruins of Pennard Castle – the view of Three Cliffs Bay from this vantage point is stunning.

The second itinerary highlights a completely different side of the country – rugged, mountainous, intensely Welsh. You’ll want to fly into Manchester and make a beeline for the castle-town of Conwy, on the North Wales coast. The roads are fast – this should only take about 90 minutes. The first peg should go in the ground at the eponymous local club. Conwy is one of the most satisfying challenges in the country and with its views of the beach, sea and the hulking limestone headland of the Great Orme, one realises that it is also rather underrated for its scenery. You won’t have to travel far to find another worthy links. North Wales Golf Club is just across the water from Conwy, in the Victorian resort village of Llandudno, but the two courses are very different in character. More of a mixed bag than its neighbour, North Wales is at its best when the course turns to parallel the coast at the ninth, thus beginning a streak of exciting, unusual and just plain fun links golf that lasts the rest of the round. Three par threes coming home, the aptly named Hades, O.L. and L.O., are not to be missed.

The tour’s next stop has an even more radical split between the nines. Porthmadog Golf Club’s front nine is serviceable parkland golf, but after the turn players will be utterly shocked by the linksland that unfolds before their eyes. Huge landforms heave and roll like hurricane waves in the mid-Atlantic – navigating this wild country with stick and ball is simply a joy. The most famous of Porthmadog’s holes is the par-four 14th, with its blind drive over a ridge scored by the enormous Himalaya blowout bunker. The next day might find the traveller heading south along the coast to Harlech and Royal St David’s Golf Club, one of the premiere links in Wales for its distinct blend of challenge and romance. Harlech is one of the few true championship courses with a par of only 69, but it shows its teeth with a collection of long, bruising par fours. The entire round unfolds in the shadow of mighty Harlech Castle – a place of powerful symbolism, as for a few short years in the 15th century, the seat of an independent Welsh government was held within these embattled walls.

After the last putt drops on the 18th, make sure to climb to the top of one of the castle’s turrets for a spectacular view of the links and beyond. So there you have it: two sojourns or a single brilliant odyssey in Wales. No golf traveller’s resume is complete without experiencing one of the great links nations of the world.

“If you had to pick one course in Wales that would most reward a replay round, it would probably be Pennard”

1. Southerndown Golf Club 2. Pennard Golf Club 3. Porthmadog Golf Club 4. Royal St David’s Golf Club

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A shore thing

The lure of the links

Thomas’ round-up of his links experience in Wales.

A selection of golf and accommodation packages.

North and Mid Wales Coast 1 Conwy Golf Club In 2006, the club became the first in Wales to have hosted a qualifying event for The Open Championship. www.conwygolfclub.com T: +44 (0)1492 592423

7 Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club It’s testimony to the quality of this course that P&K is never compared unfavourably with its illustrious neighbour, Royal Porthcawl. www.pandkgolfclub.co.uk T: +44 (0)1656 783093

2 North Wales Golf Club A classic course, enjoying dramatic views of the 12th-century Conwy Castle, the mountains of Snowdonia and the island of Anglesey. www.northwalesgolfclub.org.uk T: +44 (0)1492 875325

8 Royal Porthcawl Golf Club King Edward VII bestowed royal status upon the club and its continued status as one of the top courses in the world has never been questioned. www.royalporthcawl.com T: +44 (0)1656 782251

3 Porthmadog Golf Club Porthmadog dates back to the early 1900s when members agreed to pay compensation for any farm animal killed or injured during the passage of play. www.porthmadog-golf-club.co.uk/ T: +44 (0)1766 512037

9 Pennard Golf Club The fabled ‘links in the sky’, Pennard is situated atop cliffs 200 feet above Three Cliffs Bay on The Gower Peninsula. As exhilarating as it is challenging. www.pennardgolfclub.com T: +44 (0)1792 233131

4 Royal St David’s Golf Club Consistently voted among the top 50 courses in the UK, golf has been played at Royal St David’s since 1894. www.royalstdavids.co.uk T: +44 (0)1766 780361

10 Ashburnham Golf Club Six-times Open champion Harry Vardon cited Ashburnham as his favourite course in Wales. There’s been little change on the course since 1910. www.ashburnhamgolfclub.co.uk T: +44 (0)1554 832269

5 Aberdovey Golf Club Colt, Braid and Fowler all had a hand in creating Aberdovey, but there’s something magical about this place that is beyond the ability of the greatest golf course architect. www.aberdoveygolf.co.uk T: +44 (0)1654 767493

South and West Wales Coast 6 Southerndown Golf Club A heathland/links hybrid, Southerndown’s terrain makes it one of the driest courses in Wales, offering all-year round golf. www.southerndowngolfclub.com T: +44 (0)1656 880476

11 Tenby Golf Club Tenby was established in 1888, making it the oldest affiliated club in Wales. A frequent host of the Welsh Amateur Championships and an essential club to visit. www.tenbygolf.co.uk T: +44 (0)1834 842978

Snowdonia Golf Coast Cluster, featuring Aberdovey, Abersoch, Royal St David’s, Nefyn, Porthmadog and Pwllheli. www.great-golf.co.uk T: +44 (0)845 4505885 South Wales Championship Golf Breaks, featuring Pyle and Kenfig, Machynys Peninsula, Pennard, Southerndown and Ashburnham. www.southwaleslinksgolf.com T: +44 (0)1637 879991 Wales-based golf tour operators offering links golf packages The Wales Golf Holiday Company www.walesgolfholidays.com T: 0800 0832983 (+44 (0)1656 722331 from overseas) Wales Golf Vacations www.walesgolfvacations.com T: 0845 2220340 (+44 (0)1656 784843 from overseas) Wales Top Golf www.walestopgolf.com T: +44 (0)1633 774796 Welsh Rarebits Golf Vacations www.rarebits.co.uk T: +44 (0)1686 668030 (1-215-969-0542 from USA or Canada)

North and Mid Wales Coast

Coast writers We don’t like to show off about golf in Wales. We let the best travel writers in the business do it for us.

Anglesey

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Golf in Wales instantly embraces the senses with an emotion of warmth and welcome. There is not a golfer on this planet that cannot find a golfing experience in Wales that will suit him or her.”

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Matthew E Adams, PGA Tour Network/Fairways of Life and New York Times Best Selling Author

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It took me twenty years to discover several pieces of golf heaven in Wales, and I’ll be back for more, much sooner than later.” Leonard Shapiro, The Washington Post and a past president of the Golf Writers Association of America

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Wales – home to some of the most remarkable courses you don’t know – is a blank canvas, where you can play world-class links golf not like a student, but like a player, which is the best golf of all.”

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Wales has come a long way from How Green Was My Valley. Both north and south: go for the golf – be surprised and be delighted.” James W Finegan, author and contributor to Golf Magazine, The Golf Journal and The Philadelphia Inquirer, among others

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1. Les Ferdinand at Llandrindod Wells Golf Club 2. The fantastic four – Iestyn, Norman, Melissa and Les

The fantastic fore! A quartet of golfers land the golden ticket of golf and good times in Mid Wales, as Iestyn George reveals

“That’s the first time I’ve had that reception on a golf course”

es Ferdinand is grinning. He’s just hit as fine a drive as one could have wished for after a three-hour drive from London to Llandrindod Wells Golf Club and has received a standing ovation from a dozen club members as the ball sails past them towards its intended target. The October sun is not shining, it’s beating down on this delightful piece of rugged hillside golf. We’re just one shot into our 54-hole trip to the Heart of Wales and it already feels like golf doesn’t really get any better than this. Llandrindod Wells would appear to have more Tottenham Hotspur fans among its

membership than any golf club outside North London. The man who currently coaches the forwards at Spurs needs no introduction to them. For the uninitiated, however, here goes… Les Ferdinand is a footballer of renown, one of the best British strikers of the 1990s. Capped 17 times for England, his wholehearted commitment to the cause made him a fans’ favourite at every club he played. Les loves golf, but has never played in Wales before. The lure of three days’ golf in Mid Wales with a few pals during a break in Premier League action has him chucking his clubs in the boot of the car the minute he’s waved his players off on international duty. Along for the ride are Norman, Melissa and myself. Norman is a teaching professional raised in Durban. He grew up playing amateur golf with the likes of Ernie Els, Retief

Goosen and Rory Sabbatini. At one point during our trip a man will shake him warmly by the hand and thank him just for hitting the golf ball so beautifully. Melissa is an agent representing sports people, entertainers and TV presenters at the Wasserman Media Group. She smacks the ball a mile and is joyously unfussy in her approach to the game. When she was a little girl her father used to pay her a pound every time she stayed silent for three minutes. Then there’s your correspondent, a lefty hacker with an armoury of excuses, the least credible of which is that I’m actually right-handed. Then again, Phil Mickelson’s not done too badly considering he signs cheques with his right paw. So why Mid Wales? Simple enough – it’s Wales’s most peaceful region. Not that there’s anything sedate about the golf, as we are to discover. It’s also surprisingly accessible – a three-hour drive from www.golfasitshouldbe.com 25

London and half that time from the West Midlands. The course at Llandrindod Wells is a curiosity – a links track on top of a mountain, designed by Harry Vardon with further amendments made by James Braid. They were joined by the third member of The Great Triumvirate, JH Taylor, for the official opening of the course in May 1907. As we climb up to the top of the course with club captain and lifelong Spurs fan Grahame GloverWest we marvel at the tricks the course delights in playing with a strategicallyplaced cluster of trees here, a dip in the fairway there. Today’s match is a titanic clash between Wales (Grahame and me) and the Rest of the World (Les and Norman). Mel is still stuck in a board meeting while we bask in the autumn sunshine. Shame. This is one of those afternoons for standing in the middle of the fairway with arms outstretched at the wonder of nature around us and admiration for the craft of Vardon and Braid.

We approach the 18th all square. And what a final hole. ‘Death or Glory’ is a 297-yard par four, for which there is little option but to carry your drive over a quarry-sized chasm and avoid bouncing on the mountain road just short of the green. Les’ drive flies the green, but he holes the winning putt to take the honours. Curses.

“What’s not to like about 50 acres of tranquillity, a fabulous wine list and a lovely black Labrador called Cassie?” We tear ourselves away from the clubhouse and head off to the Lake Country House & Spa (www. lakecountryhouse.co.uk), a lovely Victorian hunting and fishing lodge on the outskirts of Llangammarch Wells, the smallest of the four spa towns in Mid Wales. When the railway line was built in the 1860s, there was a stampede to the hotel – albeit a very dignified Victorian

one – to sample the only barium springs in the UK. The setting is idyllic. What’s not to like about 50 acres of tranquillity, a great spa, a fabulous wine list and a lovely black Labrador called Cassie, who will happily take you on a walk of the grounds? Builth Wells is just eight miles from Llandrindod Wells and is best known as the venue of the biggest agricultural show in the UK. We’re greeted outside the traditional Welsh longhouse dating back to the 15th century by club president Bob Hardwick and Gwynfor Evans, one of the brains behind the Heart Of Wales initiative, which promotes golf in the area. With Melissa having joined us we decide to split into two threeballs, with the best two scores in the team counting on each hole. So that’s Les, Gwynfor and myself versus Bob, Melissa and Norman. Bring it on! After the challenging back nine of Llandrindod Wells, the opening holes at Builth Wells are something of a relief, with everything laid out in front of you. Easy-peasy you might think, particularly

Me: “Putting the wrong way again.”

Grahame: “Another tap-in then...” Llandrindod Wells Golf Club

Les: “Spur of the moment.”

if you’re skilled enough to use a neat deflection from the corrugated iron roof of the pro shop to assist you on the par-three fifth, as some members like to do. By the time you reach the tight, treelined tee box on the 382-yard par-four eighth you get the distinct feeling the course is now calling the shots. As we walk past the waterfalls separating the eighth green and ninth tee, Les asks: “Is it me or are th greens getting smaller and the course tighter?” Gwynfor smiles quietly to himself.

The Felin Fach Griffin (www.eatdrinksleep. ltd.uk) has a reputation as one of the best pub restaurants in Wales. Having already been spoilt rotten, the pink Welsh beef takes things to another level. Les reflects on what drew him to golf.

A gallery of Charlet cows greet us just a few feet behind us on the 12th tee – more Moo Meekly than Boo Weekley . A loud explosion of methane greets my hideous hook out of bounds. “I don’t think they thought much of that,” says Les.

He caught the golf bug after retiring as a player. “I’ve got no time for elitism or prejudice. I would never play a club that had those kind of values.” Fortunately for us, there is no sign of such values here in Wales – just a refreshingly relaxed atmosphere and plenty of hearty banter.

Our trio loses out by a single point, but our disappointment is tempered by the healing powers of a pint. We wave our goodbyes and head off to our next destination, pausing for a photo opportunity with a group of squaddies who spot Les as we drive across Epynt Mountain.

“When I was young, I always felt that golf wasn’t for me,” he admits, “so when I was at Newcastle and we used to stay at these five-star golf resorts I’d point blank refuse to play, thinking: ‘They’re only letting me play because of who I am.’”

Back at Peterstone Court (www. peterstone-court.com), a fabulous Georgian hotel with quirky contemporary touches in the shadow of the Brecon Beacons, we rest easy for the night. The next morning, after feasting on a wonderful breakfast, we amble the six miles to Cradoc Golf Club, pretty

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Norman: “The model pro.”

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Cradoc Golf Club

philosophical about the dull grey sky that greets us on the final day of our trip. For the good folk of Cradoc, however, it’s as if the golfing gods had torn the blue skies from the heavens in reprisal for an inappropriate mulligan taken by one of the members. “It’s a real shame,” says Robert Southcott, “the Brecon Beacons look fantastic from here.” No matter. The views would have been wasted on this quartet, as we have spent two far-too-polite days playing social golf and a little competitive edge needs to be introduced to add some spice to proceedings. It’s England (Les and Mel) versus the Rest of the World (Norman and me), as this glorious course unfolds in front of our eyes. The land used to form part of the Penoyre Estate. The mansion house was designed by Anthony Salvin, who had a hand in restoration work at both Windsor Castle and the Tower of London. Mel is very taken by the idea of living in the house. We stop off for an impromptu photo opportunity with some lady members (“Which one of you is the famous one, then?”) before encountering the picturesque 12th at Cradoc. 28

It’s a downhill 160-yard par three, framed beautifully by tall trees and, on clearer days, by the Beacons. Our first efforts are ragged, but a hole like this deserves better and with no pressure from behind we reload, Les practically pitching straight in the hole with his second attempt.

shove with the big stick in the knowledge that our time together is very nearly up. Les duck-hooks his first attempt into the trees. The second is one of those rare but impressive skiers that travel the distance of a pitching wedge. Just as he’s teeing up his third, we spot one of the greenkeepers on an adjacent green patiently waiting for us to clear the tee box so he can fire up the ignition of his vehicle. “Sorry about this,” shouts Mel, “He won’t let us play our shots until he’s hit a decent one. Been like it all day.” Right on cue, Les creams one down the middle as we clap enthusiastically and shout “Lovely shot, Mr Ferdinand!” “I hate you lot,” he mutters quietly.

Llandrindod Wells Golf Club

The Rest of the World claims victory on the 14th green, allowing us to relax for the last few glorious holes. Les hits the perfect towering tee shot at 17. At that precise second, the sun starts fighting its way through the flat grey curtain of cloud and a jet fighter crosses the horizon above the hole. It’s a beautiful moment – all that’s missing is a choir of celestial angels. Minutes later on the 18th, we’re all itching to give it one last

We wander back to the Range Rover contemplating the drive back across the Severn Bridge. Mel is momentarily distracted by the discovery that her postround Kit Kat contains solid chocolate. “It feels like I’ve won the golden ticket!” she exclaims. After the last three days, we all know just how she feels.

Where to play Starting with the links course on top of a mountain…

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1 Llandrindod Wells Golf Club A vibrant club with a rich history. Originally laid out by Harry Vardon at the turn of the 20th century and adapted by James Braid, this is a course that delights in playing tricks with your eyes from the tees. A warm welcome is guaranteed – this is a golfing experience to savour. www.lwgc.co.uk T: +44 (0)1597 823873

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2 Builth Wells Golf Club Beautifully maintained throughout, this parkland course gets better and better as it heads away from the clubhouse and into the beautiful Powys countryside. A worthy element of the Heart of Wales group of courses. www.builthwellsgolf.co.uk T: +44 (0)1982 553296 3 Cradoc Golf Club Deservedly billed as one of the best parkland courses in Wales, Cradoc is a picturesque joy that plays beautifully for golfers of all abilities. The practice facilities are excellent, the setting is superb and the members are rightly proud of this jewel in the Welsh crown. www.cradoc.co.uk T: +44 (0)1874 623658

Go to www.heartofwalesgolfbreaks.co.uk for details of their latest offers. Discounted accommodation can also be arranged at selected hotels, B&Bs and self catering cottages in the area.

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Apres golf Go wild in the country.

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Snowdonia

4 Really wild: Why admire the beauty of this area from afar when you can get right up close and personal. Call of the Wild use the Brecon Beacons as their adventure playground, offering adrenalinepumping activities like canyoning, climbing, caving, canoeing – and others not actually beginning with ‘c’! www.callofthewild.co.uk T: +44 (0)1639 700388 5 Explore the Beacons: That might appear to be stating the obvious, as you’d be a bit daft to travel here and ignore one of the most striking natural locations in Britain. Covering 520 square miles and four mountain areas, there is no shortage of things to do and see in the Brecon

Beacons National Park. The park is home to an assortment of rare and endangered flora and fauna, some of the longest cave systems in the UK, stunning waterfalls and hundreds of miles of walking trails. www.breconbeacons.org T: +44 (0)1874 624437 6 Wild at art: Mid Wales is a hive of activity for creative artists of all description. Two collective groups worth investigating are The Hay Makers, based in the famous literary town of Hay-on-Wye and Artbeat Brecon, which promotes a close-knit network of galleries and craft shops around Brecon. The Hay Makers: www.haymakers.co.uk T: +44 (0)1497 820556 Artbeat Brecon: www.artbeatbrecon.co.uk

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 29

1 2

1. Nic Brook 2. Newport Links Golf Club and Resort

The best of both worlds A family holiday and a golf getaway? Surely a recipe for disaster, some would argue. Not if you go to Wales, writes Nic Brook

‘Hmmm - will there be room for my clubs?’

My pals back home in London thought I was bonkers. A golf holiday in Wales? Fair enough. With the family? No way! If I’d been fortunate enough to father a budding Rory McIlroy and Blackheath’s answer to Michelle Wie, then maybe. It would help if my better half was a golf nut too. But no. In our house, my passion for golf is just about tolerated. It’s certainly not given undue encouragement. 30

Golf formed a big part of my childhood holidays – brilliant times at the seaside where an afternoon on the beach would be followed by a family fourball (or fiveball in our case!). I was little, so didn’t have my own sticks, but would cadge whatever club I could, probably making a right nuisance of myself to two older brothers who were trying to take it all that bit more seriously. Nowadays golf has become so much more sophisticated – and expensive. The holiday course where I’d taken my first divots is now revamped and charging £65 a round. Sarah, 15, and Euan, 13, have always been too busy with other interests to take to golf. But I’ve never given up hope, which is why we packed our bags and headed off to Wales. Appropriately enough, our trip started in one Newport and ended up at another. Golf can be a handsome excuse for travelling to places you might not otherwise discover. I’m not sure how else we’d have ever arrived at such an idyllic spot as Newport, Pembrokeshire. Nestling in the shadows of the Preseli Mountains,

Newport is a vibrant seaside village with something special about the place. There are few experiences that can top driving over the brow of Carn Ingli, the mountain of angels, to catch sight of the golf course, the enormous sweeping bay and the Nevern estuary below. Our rooms at the Newport Links Golf Club and Resort were just 50 yards from Traeth Mawr, which translates as Big Beach (they’re not kidding). We were surrounded by golf. The children opened their French windows to step onto the practice green. They’ve been playing golf on the links here for over 80 years. The original course now forms the back nine of an 18-hole track. I set up a game, while the kids and Lynne set off for a meander through the shops and tea rooms of Cardigan, 15 miles up the coast. We spent an action-packed afternoon on the beach, swimming and surfing. Whatever you do, don’t forget to pack your wetsuits and your boogie boards along with your golf bag in the boot of the car. It’s well worth the squeeze.

am ...’ ‘9.00 he links t n ng o Taki

‘3. Takin 00pm g on t he su rf!’

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 31

‘The kids get a golf lesson at Trefloyne’

‘C

Leaving Newport after just one night was tough – we’d only just got started, but the kids were booked in for their first golf lessons 45 miles down the coast at Trefloyne Golf Course, near Tenby. Don’t be too surprised if, in a few years’ time, the player leading the final round of The Open is caught on camera quietly muttering ‘Quack! Quack!’ as he sets up for the most important shot of his life. He could well be a former pupil of Oliver Duckett, Head Professional at the beautiful parkland course, and as enthusiastic a golf instructor as you’re ever likely to meet. “Getting the kids to stick their bums out, waggle, and shout ‘Quack! Quack!’ makes the right posture easy and fun,” he explained.

rton’

the at Hea arting

‘View of Ten by from the golf cou rse!’

His duck game’s just one of the techniques he employs to make golf fun for youngsters learning the sport at the Pembrokeshire club. It comes as no surprise that junior golf is massive at Trefloyne. You can stay in one of the chic bedrooms at The Manor House at Trefloyne, or wander into the woods and find one of the Scandinavian-designed eco-friendly Longbury houses and dream of relaxing in a hot tub with nothing but badgers and foxes to disturb you. Staying at Trefloyne opens up a world of possibilities, not just in golf, but for all the family. Down the road in Tenby, I spent a morning getting beaten up by the innocuous looking rough at Wales’s oldest established, and one of its finest, links courses. I enjoyed a fabulous game with Idwal David, captain of Tenby Golf Club – we didn’t so much win holes against each other, as surrender

them meekly whenever we strayed off the tight fairways. Then in the afternoon I caught up with the gang at the Heatherton Country Sports Park just outside Tenby – except it took a while to find them as they were lost in the amazing maize maze. Heatherton started life as a facility for archery and shooting, but now offers all kinds of activities including go-karting, a tree-tops trail, paintballing and horseriding. Whisper it, but Heatherton also has an 18-hole pitch and putt golf course and driving range too… From Trefloyne, we ventured east on a golfing pilgrimage. Seventy-five miles past Carmarthen and Swansea were the steely grey skies, roaring waves, stiff breeze and crisp turf of Royal Porthcawl. If you don’t drive, hitch a lift, take a train, get on your bike – just make the journey to the finest course and the most atmospheric clubhouse I’ve ever visited. Tiger Woods was in the USA team that competed here in the 1995 Walker Cup and he’s just one of a legion of great golfers who’ve had the pleasure and the privilege to play there.

treet ‘High S rcade’ iff) A d r a C (

‘The family at Cardiff Castle’ If golf and the city conjures up images of Sarah Jessica Parker in a pair of FootJoys, or drinking cocktails and playing on a golf simulator in Soho, then think again. Cardiff is less than 30 miles from Porthcawl and there are literally dozens of courses within easy reach of this friendliest of capital cities. We managed Cardiff Castle, the Doctor Who exhibition and the Wales Millennium Centre in one day (as well as a fair bit of shopping), so now we know everything there is to know about life in a Roman garrison, the warring Sontaran race, and how to build a fabulous Welsh monument to the performing arts using steel, wood and thousands of tons of discarded slate. Euan even managed a couple of hours of warfare at Games Workshop, while Sarah declared the Welsh cakes served at the Castle Arcade’s Madame Fromage the best ever. Our final short drive took us 15 miles east along the M4 to Newport. Unless you were orbiting the moon during the first week of October last year, you

would have noticed that The 2010 Ryder Cup made its home at The Celtic Manor Resort, so we couldn’t possibly come to Wales and not give it the once-over as a family destination. There’s a real buzz to the place. The Lodge, clubhouse to The Roman Road and Montgomerie courses, is an ideal spot to grab a bite to eat and watch the world go by. We could have spent a whole afternoon there, but Lynne booked herself in for a session in the Clarins Health Spa, while I joined the kids for a quick dip in the Romanesque pool before popping in the sauna. And of course the golf is superb. The Celtic Manor has developed the kind of international reputation where you expect nothing less than perfection and still walk away bowled over by the quality of the courses and the service. The family may have to return to give the place a more rigorous examination, as this time it passed with flying colours.

‘The F orum Pool, Celtic The Manor Resor t’

inspired by the resolve of the Welsh people to ensure that the event has a lasting legacy beyond the game of golf. You can’t help but be heartened. There’s real passion for the sport here and a determination to embrace and celebrate the opportunities that The Ryder Cup has given Wales. And on a more personal note, I got away with it. Bonkers? Hah! We all had a great holiday. Lots of laughs, lots of lovely people along the way; and some great golf, of course… 1 1. Royal Porthcawl Golf Club

During our trip we became aware of the genuine excitement The 2010 Ryder Cup generated in Wales and were www.golfasitshouldbe.com 33

The best of both worlds Take the strain out of putting your family holiday itinerary together. Here’s two suggestions to get you started…

North Wales The lure of Snowdon – Wales’s highest peak – and the national park that surrounds it, makes Betws-y-Coed a great place to choose as base camp.

Anglesey

A55

Play

A470

1 Nefyn & District Golf Club It’s hard to top the description of a former honorary secretary that it’s like playing golf on the deck of an aircraft carrier. An unforgettable experience. www.nefyn-golf-club.co.uk T: +44 (0)1758 720966 43 miles (1 hour 15 minutes) from Betws-y-Coed

4 Maesdu Golf Club Also known as Llandudno Golf Club, the course blends links and parkland elements and looks towards Anglesey, The Great Orme and Puffin Island. www.maesdugolfclub.co.uk T: +44 (0)1492 876450 20 miles (28 minutes) from Betws-y-Coed

Betws-y-Coed A470 5

A487

A487 2

Snowdonia A494

2 Pwllheli Golf Club A picturesque and testing mix of links and parkland holes with greens reputed to be among the best in North Wales. www.pwllheligolfclub.co.uk T: +44 (0)1758 701644 37 miles (1 hour) from Betws-y-Coed 3 Betws-y-Coed Golf Club A picturesque nine-hole parkland course in the heart of the Conwy Valley, particularly handy if you happen to be staying in the area. www.golf-betws-y-coed.co.uk T: +44 (0)1690 710556 3.5 miles (6 minutes) from the centre of Betws-y-Coed

3 8

8 6

Explore 5 Freewheel to mountain-biking heaven… Betws-y-Coed is the outdoor adventure capital of North Wales, with 100km of legendary local routes and two challenging trails at Penmachno and Gwydyr Forest. www.mbwales.com 6 Let the train take the strain… North Wales is blessed with a number of narrow gauge steam railways, most built originally to carry Welsh slate from the quarries to the sea. Ride the Ffestiniog Railway from Blaenau Ffestiniog, through the spectacular beauty of Snowdonia, to the sea at Porthmadog. www.festrail.co.uk

7 King of the castle… No family holiday in Wales would be complete without a visit to at least one of our 641 castles. Conwy is one of our finest, built for King Edward I between 1283 and 1287 and a World Heritage site. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk 8 A head for heights… For lovers of aerial challenges, rope walks, zip wires and tree top trails. Ropes & Ladders: www.ropesandladders.co.uk Tree Top Adventure: www.ttadventure.co.uk For more holiday ideas in the region visit: www.visitsnowdonia.info www.visitllandudno.org.uk

West Wales Tenby, a medieval walled town and one of Wales’s best-loved seaside resorts, is a great location from which to explore (and play, of course!) the area.

Play 9 Newport Links Golf Club and Resort There’s something special in the air at Newport. The original nine holes fringing the magnificent bay are to be played with a leisurely stroll and a broad smile. www.newportlinks.co.uk T: +44 (0)1239 820244 44 miles (1 hour 12 minutes) from Tenby 10 St Davids City Golf Club Golf at St Davids dates back to 1898 and this intimate nine-hole course serves a small, dedicated community living in the smallest city in Britain. www.stdavidscitygolfclub.com T: +44 (0)1437 721751 36 miles (1 hour) from Tenby 11 Tenby Golf Club Not only is Tenby one of the finest links courses in the country (see page 22), it’s one of the must-play courses on any trip to West Wales. www.tenbygolf.co.uk T: +44 (0)1834 842978 0.4 miles (1 minute) from Tenby 12 Trefloyne Golf Course A Mecca for local juniors and family parties looking for a peaceful and welcoming environment. www.trefloyne.com T: +44 (0)1834 842165 1 mile (2 minutes) from Tenby 13 Machynys Peninsula Golf & Country Club A feather in the hat of Welsh golf, this Gary Nicklaus-designed course is described as a modern links, running along the edge of the Loughor Estuary. www.machynys.com T: +44 (0)1554 744666 48 miles (1 hour 12 minutes) from Tenby

Explore 16 Park life… What do you mean you don’t spend every holiday feeding lambs, hanging out with mammoths and posing for photos with Cyril the Squirrel?! Folly Farm Park: www.folly-farm.co.uk The Dinosaur Park: www.thedinosaurpark.co.uk Oakwood Theme Park: www.oakwoodthemepark.co.uk

14 Sea the world… Seals, puffins, dolphins, even the odd whale – take your pick of marine life to see, whether you’re hurtling along in a powerful rib boat, or cruising gently on the Gower Ranger. Thousand Island Expeditions: www.thousandislands.co.uk Venture Jet: www.venturejet.co.uk St Davids and Ramsey Island: www.ramseyisland.co.uk

For more holiday ideas in this region visit: www.visitpembrokeshire.com www.discovercarmarthenshire.com

15 Breathing space… If you’re desperate to escape the concrete jungle, head for West Wales. It’s home not only to some of Wales’s finest gardens, but also to Britain’s only truly coastal National Park. National Botanic Gardens Of Wales: www.gardenofwales.org.uk Aberglasney House and Gardens: www.aberglasney.org Pembrokeshire Coast National Park: www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk

Cardigan 9

Fishguard

A487

15 10 15

Carmarthen A40

A40 16

A4076

A4075

Milford Haven 16

A40

A40 15

A477

Llanelli

Pembroke A4139

You can find suggestions for where to stay in the ‘Accommodation’ section of this guide (Pages 83 to 87), or in our separate ‘Where to Stay’ publication, or by visiting our website: www.golfasitshouldbe.com www.golfasitshouldbe.com 35

South Wales

Cardiff Bay

Density. Not a particularly enticing word, yet there’s no denying it – South Wales is the most densely populated area of Wales. The pace of life is quicker, the culture more diverse. Cardiff, Wales’s capital city, provides the focal point for business, culture and sport in South Wales, but that’s not where the action ends, by any means. You could be immersed in the hurly burly of a city at work and play in Cardiff Bay and within a few minutes find yourself zipping up a wetsuit on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, or enjoying a drink in a quiet pub in the Wye Valley. Being proud of its cultural heritage while striving to make its mark in the future is a characteristic of 21st-century life in South Wales. This region certainly played its part in shaping Ryder Cup history, when it was the backdrop to one of the most thrilling tussles in years.

Rather unsurprisingly for such a heavily populated region, there are well over 50 courses, but it’s their variety, not just the quantity, that makes South Wales such an intriguing proposition. If you’re heading to South Wales along the M4 motorway, you hit golfing country as soon as you cross the Severn estuary from England into Wales. The Old Course at St Pierre has hosted a number of European Tour events as well as The 1996 Solheim Cup – it’s an inviting introduction to a chain of parkland courses that are all within easy reach of the M4. Alice Springs Golf Club offers picturesque views over the Usk Valley, while Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel and Spa is located a few short miles west in the Sirhowy Valley.

gateway to the Rhondda Valleys, where 16 coal mining communities created the industrial heartland of the world in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Here you’ll find a cluster of welcoming clubs including Rhondda, Mountain Ash, Morlais Castle and Aberdare.

Take a slight detour to Pontypridd Golf Club and you’ll find yourself at the

Head approximately seven miles west of the capital and you’ll find two courses at

Alternatively, head back down towards Cardiff and you’ll find nearly 20 clubs to choose from within close proximity to the city, including Whitchurch, Radyr, Creigiau and Llanishen. Cardiff Golf Club is located in mature parkland within the city boundaries. An eminently playable course for all standards, located in mature parkland, the emphasis is on accuracy rather than brute force, with tall trees welcoming errant tee shots and small greens punishing wild approaches.

Cottrell Park Golf Resort. One is named Button Gwinnett, a signatory of the American Declaration of Independence, whose family once lived at Cottrell Park. The Vale Resort has superb sports and spa facilities (both Welsh football and rugby teams train here) and, as well as offering two championship parkland courses of its own, provides an excellent base for exploration of a trio of the finest links courses in any country – Southerndown, Pyle and Kenfig and Royal Porthcawl. Naturally, no round-up of South Wales courses would be complete without mentioning The Celtic Manor Resort, a world-class destination propelled onto the world stage as venue for The 2010 Ryder Cup. If your head is spinning with the endless possibilities, consider making your life a little easier by beginning or

ending your South Wales golf odyssey here. The Ryder Cup felt right at home here – chances are you will too.

1. Vale Resort 2. Glamorgan Heritage Coast 3. St Pierre 4. Rhondda Golf Club

South Wales golf packages are available from the following: Cardiff Golfbreaks www.cardiffgolfbreaks.co.uk T: 0800 0832983 (+44 1656 722331 from overseas) Greens of Southern Wales www.greensofsouthernwales.com T: 0870 6006088 (+44 1656 722331 from overseas) High Society Golf www.highsocietygolf.com T: +44 (0)1291 622060 Monmouthshire Golfbreaks www.monmouthshiregolfbreaks.co.uk T: 0800 0832983 (+44 1656 722331 from overseas) South Wales Championship Links Golf Breaks www.southwaleslinksgolf.com T: +44 (0)1637 879991 Value Golf in the Valleys www.valleysgolfbreaks.co.uk T: +44 (0)1685 813433

Packages including South Wales are available from the following pan-Wales tour operators: Golf in Style Wales www.golf-in-style-wales.co.uk T: 0800 0832983 (+44 1656 722331 from overseas) The Wales Golf Holiday Company www.walesgolfholidays.com T: 0800 0832983 (+44 1656 722331 from overseas) Wales Golf Vacations www.walesgolfvacations.com T: 0845 2220340 (+44 1656 784843 from overseas) Wales Top Golf www.walestopgolf.com T: +44 (0)1633 774796 Welsh Rarebits Golf Vacations www.rarebits.co.uk T: +44 (0)1686 668030 (1-215-969-0542 from USA or Canada)

Featured courses

Name of Golf Club

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64

Aberdare Golf Club Alice Springs Golf Club Bargoed Golf Club Blackwood Golf Club Bridgend Golf Complex Brynhill (Barry) Golf Club Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel & Spa Caerleon Golf Course Caerphilly Golf Club Cardiff Golf Club Castell Coch Golf Club Castell Heights Golf Club The Celtic Manor Resort Coed-y-Mwstwr Golf Club Cottrell Park Golf Resort Creigiau Golf Club Dewstow Golf Club Dinas Powys Golf Club The Glamorganshire Golf Club Green Meadow Golf & Country Club Grove Golf Club Llanishen Golf Club Llantrisant & Pontyclun Golf Club Llanwern Golf Club Llanyrafon Golf Course Maesteg Golf Club St Pierre, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club Merthyr Tydfil (Cilsanws) Golf Club Monmouth Golf Club Monmouthshire Golf Club Morlais Castle Golf Club Mountain Ash Golf Club Mountain Lakes Golf Club Newport Golf Club Oakdale Golf Course Parc Bryn Bach Golf Course Parc Golf Club Peterstone Lakes Golf Club Pontnewydd Golf Club Pontypool Golf Club Pontypridd Golf Club Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club Radyr Golf Club RAF St Athan Golf Club Raglan Parc Golf Club Rhondda Golf Club Ridgeway Golf Club The Rolls of Monmouth Golf Club Royal Porthcawl Golf Club Southerndown Golf Club St Andrews Major Golf Club St Mary’s Hotel, Golf & Country Club St Mellons Golf Club Tredegar Park Golf Club Tredegar & Rhymney Golf Club Vale Resort Virginia Park Golf Club Wenvoe Castle Golf Club Wernddu Golf Club West Monmouthshire Golf Club Whitchurch (Cardiff) Golf Club Whitehall Golf Club Whitehills Golf Club Woodlake Park Golf & Country Club

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 37

Clubs and courses – South Wales

South Wales Aberdare Golf Club

Abernant, Aberdare CF44 0RY T: Sec. Tony Mears +44 (0)1685 872797 T: Pro. Kathryn Price +44 (0)1685 878735 E: sec-agc@tiscali.co.uk www.aberdaregolfclub.co.uk Holes: 18

Length(s): 5,875

Course type: Parkland

Par(s): 69 Weekend fee: £

Port Road, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan CF62 8PN T: Sec. +44 (0)1446 720277 T: Pro. +44 (0)1446 720277 E: postbox@brynhillgolfclub.co.uk www.brynhillgolfclub.co.uk

SSS: 69 Weekday fee: £

Alice Springs Golf Club

Brynhill (Barry) Golf Club

Holes: 18

Course type: Parkland

Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel & Spa

Kemeys Commander, Usk, Monmouthshire NP15 1PP T: Sec. James Morgan +44 (0)1873 880708 T: Pro. +44 (0)1873 880914 E: golf@alicespringsgolfclub.co.uk www.alicespringsgolfclub.co.uk

Maesycwmmer, Nr Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly CF82 7SN T: Sec. Steve Mayo +44 (0)1495 225590 E: reception@brynmeadows.co.uk www.brynmeadows.com

Holes: 18/18

Holes: 18

Length(s): 5,967/5,321

Course type: Parkland

Par(s): 70/69

Weekend fee: £

SSS: 69/67

Bargoed Golf Club

Heolddu, Bargoed CF81 9GF T: Sec. +44 (0)1443 830608 T: Pro. +44 (0)1443 836179 Course type: Parkland

Cwmgelli, Blackwood, Gwent NP12 1BR T: Sec. John Bills +44 (0)1495 222121 E: blackwoodgolf@btconnect.com

Weekday fee: £-££

Weekend fee: £

Course type: Parkland

Caerphilly Golf Club

Pencapel, Mountain Road, Caerphilly, Mid Glamorgan CF83 1HJ T: Sec. +44 (0)29 2086 3441 T: Pro. +44 (0)29 2086 9104 E: secretary@caerphillygolfclub.com www.caerphillygolfclub.com

Length(s): 4,910 (18) Par(s): 66 (18) SSS: 66 (18) Weekday fee: £

Bridgend Golf Complex

Holes: 18

Course type: Mountain

Cardiff Golf Club

Sherborne Avenue, Cyncoed, Cardiff CF23 6SJ T: Sec. Kenvyn Newling +44 (0)29 2075 3320 T: Pro. Terry Hanson +44 (0)29 2075 4772 E: cardiff.golfclub@virgin.net www.cardiffgc.co.uk

Golden Mile Drive, Corntown, Bridgend CF35 5AS T: Sec. +44 (0)1656 647926 www.bridgendgolf.co.uk Holes: 9

SSS: 69

Caerleon Golf Course

Holes: 9/9

Blackwood Golf Club

Course type: Parkland

Par(s): 71

Weekend fee: £-££

The Broadway, Caerleon, Newport NP18 1AY T: Sec. +44 (0)1633 420342 www.caerleongolfclub.co.uk

Holes: 18

Holes: 9

Length(s): 6,021

Course type: Parkland

Weekday fee: £

Course type: Parkland

Cardiff Golf Club, founded in 1922, is a 6,000 yard parkland course with a variety of mature trees, which requires accurate tee shots and, coupled with the small to medium size greens, demands a high standard of approach shots. The course is well bunkered and an added hazard is a small stream meandering through the course. Playing the course is a most pleasurable experience, where it is difficult to imagine that you are in the environs of Wales’s largest and capital city. The clubhouse, the construction of which was completed in 1998, provides spacious and comfortable facilities to both member and visitor alike and includes bars, restaurant and lounge. On the ground floor is located the Professional, Terry Hanson’s Golf Shop where you can find a wide range of golfing equipment and also high quality advice and tuition from Terry and his staff. Holes: 18 Aberdare Golf Club

Course type: Parkland

Length(s): 6,146

Par(s): 70 Weekend fee: ££

SSS: 70 Weekday fee: ££

Get in the swing of things at one of our range of superb Golf Courses. Bridgend Golf Complex, Brynhill, Coed Y Mwstwr, Cottrell Park, Dinas Powys, Grove, Maesteg, Pyle & Kenfig, Royal Porthcawl, Southerndown, St Andrew’s Major, St Mary’s Hill, The Glamorganshire, Wenvoe Castle. T: 01656 815332

E: tourism@bridgend.gov.uk

www.glamorganheritagecoast.com

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 39

Clubs and courses – South Wales

a hole lot of choice...

Clubs and courses – South Wales

Castell Coch Golf Club

Tongwynlais, Cardiff CF15 7JQ T: Sec. +44 (0)29 2081 3370

Creigiau Golf Club

Holes: 18 Holes: 9

Course type: Parkland

Heol Pen-y-Bryn, Caerphilly CF83 1NG T: Sec. +44 (0)29 2088 6666 E: ask@golfclub.co.uk www.golfclub.co.uk Course type: Mountain

Coldra Woods, The Usk Valley, Newport NP18 1HQ T: Golf Reservations +44 (0)1633 410263 T: Golf Academy +44 (0)1633 410312 E: bookings@celtic-manor.com www.celtic-manor.com Length(s): 7,493/6,515/6,294

Course type: Parkland

Par(s): 71/70/69

Weekend fee: ££-£££££

SSS: 77/72/71

Weekday fee: £-£££££

Coed-y-Mwstwr Golf Club

Bryn Road, Coychurch, Bridgend CF35 6AF T: Sec. Gareth Summerton +44 (0)1656 864934 T: Pro. Paul Thomas E: secretary@coed-y-mwstwr.co.uk www.coed-y-mwstwr.co.uk Length(s): 5,738

Par(s): 69

Weekday fee: £

Dinas Powys Golf Club

Golf House, Old Highwalls, Highwalls Road, Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 4AJ T: Sec. +44 (0)29 2051 2727 T: Pro. +44 (0)29 2051 3682 E: dinaspowysgolfclub@yahoo.co.uk www.dpgc.co.uk Holes: 18

Course type: Parkland

The Glamorganshire Golf Club

Holes: 18

Length(s): 6,313/6,183

Course type: Parkland

Lavernock Road, Penarth, Nr Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 5UP T: Sec. +44 (0)29 2070 1185 T: Pro. +44 (0)29 2070 1185 E: manager@glamorganshiregolfclub.co.uk www.glamorganshiregolfclub.co.uk

St Nicholas, Cardiff CF5 6SJ T: Sec. Mr Derek Smith +44 (0)1446 781781 T: Pro. Mr Steve Birch +44 (0)1446 781781 E: sales@golfwithus.com www.golfwithus.com Course type: Parkland

Weekday fee: £-££

SSS: 68

Weekend fee: £-££

Cottrell Park Golf Resort

Holes: 18/18

SSS: 70

Dewstow Golf Club

Holes: 18/18

The Celtic Manor Resort

Holes: 18

Par(s): 71

Weekend fee: £-££

Caerwent, Monmouthshire NP26 5AH T: Sec. +44 (0)1291 430444 E: info@dewstow.co.uk www.dewstow.co.uk

Holes: 9

Course type: Parkland

Length(s): 6,063

Course type: Parkland

Castell Heights Golf Club

Holes: 18/18/18

Llantwit Road, Creigiau, Cardiff CF15 9NN T: Sec. Philip Gersherson +44 (0)29 2089 0263 T: Pro. Iain Luntz +44 (0)29 2089 0263 E: creigiaugolfclub@btconnect.com www.creigiaugolfclub.co.uk

Par(s): 72/71

Weekend fee: £-££

SSS: 70/70

Weekday fee: £-££

Course type: Parkland

Green Meadow Golf & Country Club

Treherbert Road, Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran, Gwent NP44 2BZ T: MD Peter Richardson +44 (0)1633 869321 T: Pro. Mr Leon Clerke +44 (0)1633 862626 E: info@greenmeadowgolf.com www.greenmeadowgolf.com Holes: 18 Course type: Parkland

Length(s): 6,078

Par(s): 70 Weekend fee: £

SSS: 70 Weekday fee: £

F I N E D I N I N G, W E L L- B E I N G, T E N N I S, S H O OT I N G, F O U RT E E N H U N D R E D AC R E S O F B R E AT H I N G S PAC E A N D T H R E E S T U N N I N G C H A M P I O N S H I P G O L F C O U R S E S.

T H I S I S T H E T W E N T Y T E N . TA I L O R M A D E TO C H A L L E N G E T H E B E S T.

T H I S I S W H E R E D R AG O N S P L AY T H I S I S T H E F I R S T C O U R S E I N H I S TO R Y B U I LT TO H O S T T H E R Y D E R C U P.

See entry 13

40CMR_TwentyTen_GolfinWales(L)_Oct09.indd

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The Sun Always Shines on Cottrell Park

than Golf at Cottrell Park

Two Championship Courses Set in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan

he historic parkland of Cottrell Examples of his signature Park is set in the heart of the have been sold for $150,000, Vale of Glamorgan and is an making it one of the most idyllic setting for a golfing venue. valuable in the world. Cottrell is very conveniently located, The golfing facilities include two being only a few miles from Cardiff magnificent Championship Golf and its International Airport. The Courses, the Mackintosh (6,529 yards beautiful parkland covers over 400 off the blue tees) and the Button acres and offers Gwinnett (6183 yards off the breathtaking views. white tees) as well as an all Views sweeping During the past northwards as far weather driving range, two centuries, several putting greens, indoor as the Brecon families who have academy with two surround Beacons played important golf simulators and an and southwards to on-course practice area. roles in the history the Mendips... of Great Britain and North America resided at Cottrell, including the The Clubhouse, with its exposed Merricks, the Buttons, the Gwinnetts, beams and flagstones, has a rustic the Tylers and the Mackintosh of but cosy feel. The friendly and Mackintosh. A notable member of the comfortable atmosphere helps you to Gwinnett family was Button relax after a hard day’s work or play Gwinnett, who was one of the fifty-six and an extensive bar menu is men who assembled at Philadelphia available throughout the day. in 1776 to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Cottrell Park Golf Resort, St Nicholas, Cardiff CF5 6SJ T 01446 - 781781 E Sales@cottrellpark.com

Activity Checklist ✔ Two Surround Golf Simulators ✔ FREE Trial Use ✔ Segway Training & Certificate ✔ Segway Tours ✔ Snooker ✔ Pool ✔ Fishing ✔ Nature Walk

Golfers Checklist ✔ Two Championship Courses ✔ Corporate & Society Packages ✔ Stay & Play Packages ✔ Professional Service ✔ Excellent Practice Facilities ✔ New Indoor Golf Facility ✔ Buggies & Trolleys for Hire ✔ Extensive Menu ✔ Visitors Welcome

Cottrell Park Golf RESORT

www.cottrellpark.com See entry 15

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 41

Clubs and courses – South Wales

cott VISIT WALES FEB11

Clubs and courses – South Wales

Wye Valley & Vale of Usk 18 courses. A real feast.

Come and sample our greens Peterstone Lakes • St. Mellons • Parc • Tredegar Park • Newport Caerleon • Green Meadow • Woodlake Park • Alice Springs Monmouthshire • Wernddu • The Rolls of Monmouth Monmouth • Raglan Parc • Marriott St. Pierre • Dewstow Llanwern • The Celtic Manor Resort

celtic-manor.com visitwyevalley.com

42JM_09032 WVVU Golf Advert A4 ƒƒ.indd

22/10/09 15:55:36

South Cornelly, Nr Porthcawl CF33 4RP T: Sec. Mr M Thomas +44 (0)1656 788771 T: Pro. Mr L Warne +44 (0)1656 788300 E: enquiries@grovegolf.com www.grovegolf.com Holes: 18

Length(s): 6,128

Course type: Parkland

Par(s): 70

SSS: 70

Weekend fee: £

Weekday fee: £

Maesteg Golf Club

Mount Pleasant, Neath Road, Maesteg CF34 9PR T: Sec. +44 (0)1656 734106 E: enquiries@maesteg-golf.co.uk www.maesteg-golf.co.uk Holes: 18

Course type: Mountain

St Pierre, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club

St Pierre Park, Chepstow, Monmouthshire NP16 6YA T: Sec. Arnie Pidgeon +44 (0)1291 635205 T: Pro. Craig Dun +44 (0)1291 635205 E: will.hewitt@marriotthotels.com www.stpierregolf.com

St Pierre is built around a charming 14th century manor house and a picturesque 11th century church, which offers a wide array of modern facilities for hotel guests and visitors alike. These include the 7,023-yard Old Course and the 5,748-yard Mathern Course, both recently upgraded by Ross McMurray of European Golf Design, plus an academy where golfers of all abilities can hone both their long and short games. The Old Course was opened in 1961 and has been the venue for 14 European Tour events with winners including Langer, Ballesteros and Woosnam, as well as hosting The Solheim Cup.

Holes: 18/18

Length(s): 7,023/5,850

Par(s): 72/68

SSS: 74/68

Llanishen Golf Club

Course type: Parkland

Weekend fee: £-£££

Weekday fee: £-£££

Merthyr Tydfil (Cilsanws) Golf Club

Heol Hir, Cardiff CF14 9UD T: Sec. +44 (0)29 2075 5078 T: Pro. +44 (0)29 2075 5078 E: secretary.llanishengc@virgin.net www.llanishengc.co.uk

Cloth Hall Lane, Cefn Coed-y-Cymmer, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 2NT T: Sec. +44 (0)1685 723308 E: secretary@mtgc.co.uk www.mtgc.co.uk

Holes: 18

Course type: Parkland

Llantrisant & Pontyclun Golf Club

Course type: Mountain

Monmouth Golf Club

Ely Valley Road, Talbot Green, Pontyclun CF72 8AL T: Sec. +44 (0)1443 224601 T: Pro. +44 (0)1443 228169 www.llantrisantgolfclub.co.uk

Leasbrook Lane, Monmouth NP25 3SN T: Sec. Peter Tully +44 (0)1600 712212 T: Pro. Richard Ballard E: sec@monmouthgolfclub.co.uk www.monmouthgolfclub.co.uk

Holes: 18

Course type: Parkland

Holes: 18 Course type: Parkland

Llanwern Golf Club

Llanwern Village, Newport NP18 2DW T: Sec. Peter Probert +44 (0)1633 412029 T: Pro. Steve Price +44 (0)1633 413233 E: llanwerngolfclub@btinternet.com www.llanwerngolfclub.co.uk Holes: 18

Length(s): 6,300

Course type: Parkland

Par(s): 70

Llanyrafon Golf Course

Length(s): 5,747

Course type: Parkland

Weekday fee: £-££

Par(s): 70 Weekend fee: ££

SSS: 69 Weekday fee: £-££

Morlais Castle Golf Club

Pant, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 2UY T: Sec. Mr S F Jones +44 (0)1685 722822 T: Pro. Mr Huw Jarrett +44 (0)1685 722822 E: morlaiscastle.golfclub@surfwise.co.uk www.morlaiscastlegolf.co.uk Holes: 18

Holes: 9

SSS: 68

Monmouthshire Golf Club

Holes: 18

Weekday fee: £

Llanfrechfa, Cwmbran NP44 8HT T: Pro. +44 (0)1633 874636

Par(s): 69

Weekend fee: £-££

Llanfoist, Abergavenny NP7 9HE T: Sec. +44 (0)1873 852606 T: Pro. Brian Edwards +44 (0)1873 852532 E: monmouthshiregc@btconnect.com www.monmouthshiregolfclub.co.uk

SSS: 70

Weekend fee: £-££

Length(s): 5,582

Course type: Parkland

Length(s): 6,320

Course type: Moorland

Par(s): 71 Weekend fee: £

Weekday fee: £

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 43

Clubs and courses – South Wales

Grove Golf Club

Clubs and courses – South Wales

Mountain Ash Golf Club

The Avenue, Cefnpennar, Mountain Ash, Mid Glamorgan CF45 4DT T: Sec. +44 (0)1443 479459 E: sec@mountainashgc.co.uk www.mountainashgc.co.uk Holes: 18

Length(s): 5,825

Course type: Mountain

Par(s): 69 Weekend fee: £

Weekday fee: £

Holes: 18

Heol Pen-y-Bryn, Caerphilly CF83 1NG T: Sec. +44 (0)29 2088 6666 E: ask@golfclub.co.uk www.golfclub.co.uk Holes: 18

Par(s): 72 Weekend fee: ££

SSS: 72

Par(s): 72

SSS: 72

Weekend fee: £-££

Weekday fee: £-££

Pontnewydd Golf Club

West Pontnewydd, Cwmbran, Gwent NP44 1AB T: Sec. +44 (0)1633 482170 T: Pro. +44 (0)1633 482170 E: info@pontnewyddgolf.co.uk www.pontnewyddgolf.co.uk Holes: 9

Weekday fee: ££

Oakdale Golf Course

Length(s): 6,600

Course type: Parkland

Great Oak, Rogerstone NP10 9FX T: Sec. Russell Thomas +44 (0)1633 892643 T: Pro. Paul Mayo +44 (0)1633 893271 E: secretary@newportgolfclub.org.uk www.newportgolfclub.org.uk Length(s): 6,500

Peterstone Lakes Golf Club

Holes: 18 Course type: Mountain

Course type: Parkland

Peterstone, Wentloog, Cardiff CF3 2TN T: Sec. Nicola Erasmus +44 (0)1633 680009 T: Pro. Paul Glynn +44 (0)1633 680075 E: peterstone_lakes@yahoo.com www.peterstonelakes.com

Newport Golf Club

Holes: 18

Church Lane, Coedkernew, Newport NP10 8TU T: Sec. +44 (0)1633 680933 E: enquiries@parcgolf.co.uk www.parcgolf.co.uk

SSS: 68

Mountain Lakes Golf Club

Parc Golf Club

Course type: Moorland

Pontypool Golf Club

Llwynon Lane, Oakdale, Blackwood, Gwent NP12 0NF T: Sec. Mr M Lewis +44 (0)1495 220044 T: Pro. Matthew Griffiths +44 (0)1495 220440 E: mboakdalegolf@aol.com

Lasgarn Lane, Trevethin, Pontypool, Torfaen NP4 8TR T: Sec. Les Dodd +44 (0)1495 763655 T: Pro. Kyle Smith +44 (0)1495 755544 E: pontypoolgolf@btconnect.com www.pontypoolgolf.co.uk

Holes: 9

Holes: 18

Course type: Parkland

Weekend fee: £

Weekday fee: £

Parc Bryn Bach Golf Course

Length(s): 5,963

Course type: Mountain

Par(s): 69

SSS: 69

Weekend fee: £-££

Weekday fee: £-££

Pontypridd Golf Club

Parc Bryn Bach, Merthyr Road, Tredegar NP22 3AY T: Sec. +44 (0)1495 711816 E: parcbrynbach@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk

Ty Gwyn Road, The Common, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan CF37 4DJ T: Sec. Sonja McFadden +44 (0)1443 409904 T: Pro. Adrian Pritchard +44 (0)1443 409904 E: sonja.mcfadden@pontypriddgolfclub.co.uk www.pontypriddgolfclub.co.uk

Holes: 9

Course type: Mountain

Holes: 18

Length(s): 5,725

Par(s): 69 Weekend fee: £

SSS: 68 Weekday fee: £

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 45

Clubs and courses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; South Wales

Clubs and courses – South Wales

Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club

Waun y Mer, Kenfig CF33 4PU T: Sec. Mrs Bev Cronin +44 (0)1656 783093 T: Pro. Dylan Williams +44 (0)1656 772446 E: bev@pandkgolfclub.co.uk www.pandkgolfclub.co.uk

Introducing new membership deals for 2010 for full, intermediate, country and junior members. For more details and no obligation fast tracking onto the priority list, please contact Secretary’s Office on +44 (0)1656 783093 or visit our website: www.pandkgolfclub.co.uk . These are exciting, affordable new ways of joining a championship links course which hosted the 2009 British Seniors Ladies Open and the 2006 Home Internationals.

Holes: 18

Length(s): 6,824

Par(s): 71

SSS: 71

Radyr Golf Club

Course type: Links

Drysgol Road, Radyr, Cardiff CF15 8BS T: Sec. Gareth Morgan +44 (0)29 2084 2408 T: Pro. Simon Swales +44 (0)29 2084 2408 E: manager@radyrgolf.co.uk www.radyrgolf.co.uk Holes: 18

Length(s): 6,100

Course type: Parkland

Par(s): 69

SSS: 70

Weekend fee: ££

Weekday fee: ££

RAF St Athan Golf Club

Weekend fee: £££

Weekday fee: ££

The Rolls of Monmouth Golf Club

The Hendre, Monmouth NP25 5HG T: Sec. +44 (0)1600 715353 E: enquiries@therollsgolfclub.co.uk www.therollsgolfclub.co.uk Holes: 18

Course type: Parkland

Golf Club Lane, St Athan, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan CF62 4LJ T: Sec. +44 (0)1446 751043 www.rafstathangc.co.uk Holes: 9

Course type: Parkland

Raglan Parc Golf Club

Parc Lodge, Station Road, Raglan, Monmouthshire NP15 2ER T: Sec. +44 (0)1291 690077 E: info@raglanparc.co.uk www.raglanparc.co.uk Holes: 18

The Rolls of Monmouth Golf Club

Course type: Parkland

Rhondda Golf Club

Golf House, Penrhys, Ferndale, Mid Glamorgan CF43 3PW T: Sec. +44 (0)1443 441384 E: rhonddagolf@aol.com www.rhonddagolf.co.uk Holes: 18

££ £26-£50 £££ £51-£75 ££££ £76-£100 47

Caerphilly Mountain, Caerphilly CF83 1LY T: Sec. +44 (0)29 2088 2255 www.ridgewaygolfclub.com Holes: 9

£ £1-£25

Course type: Mountain

Ridgeway Golf Club

Course type: Mountain

Green fee guide

£££££ £101+ Green fees were accurate at the time of checking (January 2010), but are subject to change. Please confirm actual fees when booking your tee time.

Rest Bay, Porthcawl, Mid Glamorgan CF36 3UW T: Sec. Martin Bond +44 (0)1656 782251 T: Pro. Peter Evans +44 (0)1656 773702 E: office@royalporthcawl.com www.royalporthcawl.com

Royal Porthcawl is one of the finest championship links courses in the UK, host to many professional and amateur championships and The Walker Cup. Visitors are very welcome. We are located on the South Wales coast, midway between Cardiff and Swansea. Our dormy house offers comfortable accommodation for up to twelve visitors. Please contact the office for availability and latest rates. We look forward to welcoming you.

Holes: 18

Length(s): 7,065

Par(s): 72

SSS: 76

Course type: Links

Weekend fee: £££££

Weekday fee: ££££

Southerndown Golf Club

Love Golf ?

Holes: 18

Length(s): 6,449

Course type: Heathland/Links

E-mail us at: info@highsocietygolf.com Tel: 01291 622060

SSS: 72 Weekday fee: ££-£££

Coldbrook Road East, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 1BL T: Sec. Andrew Edmunds +44 (0)1446 722227 T: Pro. John Hastings +44 (0)1446 722227 E: info@standrewsmajorgolfclub.com www.standrewsmajorgolfclub.com Length(s): 5,425

Course type: Parkland

With over 15 years experience organising golf trips in Wales, we know what makes a perfect break. We know the courses, we’ve played them, we know the hotels, we’ve stayed in them. We even know the pubs! To find out what’s on offer please contact us through our website: www.highsocietygolf.com

Par(s): 70

Weekend fee: £££

St Andrews Major Golf Club

Holes: 18

So do we!

Ogmore by Sea, Bridgend CF32 0QP T: Sec. Alan Hughes +44 (0)1656 881110 T: Pro. Dennis McMonagle +44 (0)1656 881112 E: admin@southerndowngolfclub.com www.southerndowngolfclub.com

Par(s): 69

SSS: 66

Weekend fee: £

Weekday fee: £

St Mary’s Hotel, Golf & Country Club

Pencoed, Vale of Glamorgan CF35 5EA T: Sec. +44 (0)1656 868900 E: stmarys.reception@btopenworld.com www.stmaryshotel.com Holes: 12

Course type: Parkland

St Mellons Golf Club

St Mellons, Cardiff CF3 2XS T: Sec. +44 (0)1633 680408 T: Pro. +44 (0)1633 680101 E: stmellons@golf2003.fsnet.co.uk www.stmellonsgolfclub.co.uk Holes: 18

Course type: Parkland

Tredegar Park Golf Club

Parc-y-Brain Road, Rogerstone, Newport NP10 9TG T: Sec. Stuart Salway +44 (0)1633 894433 T: Pro. Mark Phillips +44 (0)1633 894433 E: secretary@tredegarparkgolfclub.co.uk www.tredegarparkgolfclub.co.uk Holes: 18 Course type: Parkland

Length(s): 6,564

Par(s): 72 Weekend fee: £

SSS: 72 Weekday fee: £

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 47

Clubs and courses – South Wales

Royal Porthcawl Golf Club

See entry 56

Clubs and courses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; South Wales

The Clubhouse, Cwmtysswg, Rhymney, Tredegar NP22 5HA T: Sec. Will Price +44 (0)1685 840743 E: tandrgc@gmail.com www.tandrgc.co.uk Holes: 18

Length(s): 5,316

Course type: Mountain

Par(s): 67

Weekday fee: £

Vale Resort

Holes: 18

Hensol Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan CF72 8JY T: Pro. Clive Coombs +44 (0)1443 665899 E: sales@vale-hotel.com www.vale-hotel.com Holes: 18/18

Length(s): 7,433/6,436

Par(s): 73/72

Golf Road, Nantyglo, Brynmawr, Gwent NP23 4QT T: Sec. +44 (0)1495 310233 E: care@westmongolfclub.co.uk www.westmongolfclub.co.uk

SSS: 67

Weekend fee: £

West Monmouthshire Golf Club

Course type: Heathland

Whitchurch (Cardiff) Golf Club

SSS: 74/72

Holes: 18

Course type: Parkland

Length(s): 6,278

Course type: Parkland

Virginia Park Golf Club

Pantmawr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 7TD T: Sec. G J Perrott +44 (0)29 2062 0985 T: Pro. R Davies +44 (0)29 2061 4660 E: secretary@whitchurchcardiffgolfclub.com www.whitchurchcardiffgolfclub.com

Par(s): 71

SSS: 71

Weekend fee: £-£££

Whitehall Golf Club

Virginia Park, Caerphilly, Mid Glamorgan CF83 3SW T: Sec. +44 (0)29 2086 3919

The Pavilion, Nelson, Treharris, Mid Glamorgan CF46 6ST T: Sec. +44 (0)1443 740245 E: m.wilde001@tiscali.co.uk www.whitehallgolfclub1922.co.uk

Holes: 9

Course type: Parkland

Wenvoe Castle Golf Club

Course type: Hilltop

Whitehills Golf Club

Wenvoe, Nr Cardiff CF5 6BE T: Sec. +44 (0)29 2059 4371 T: Pro. +44 (0)29 2059 3649 E: wenvoecastle@btconnect.com www.wenvoecastlegolfclub.co.uk

Brynna Road, Brynna, Llanharan CF72 9QF T: Sec. +44 (0)1443 225771

Holes: 18

Holes: 9

Course type: Parkland

Wernddu Golf Club

Old Ross Road, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 8NG T: Sec. G Watkins +44 (0)1873 856223 T: Pro. Tina Tetley +44 (0)1873 856223 E: info@wernddu-golf-club.co.uk www.wernddu-golf-club.co.uk Holes: 18 Course type: Parkland

Length(s): 5,613

Par(s): 69 Weekend fee: £

SSS: 68 Weekday fee: £

Weekday fee: £-££

Course type: Parkland

Woodlake Park Golf & Country Club

Glascoed, Nr Usk, Monmouthshire NP4 0TE T: Sec. M J Wood +44 (0)1291 673933 T: Pro. L Lancey +44 (0)1291 673933 E: golf@woodlake.co.uk www.woodlake.co.uk Holes: 18 Course type: Parkland

Length(s): 6,400

Par(s): 72

SSS: 72

Weekend fee: £-££

Weekday fee: £

Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel and Spa

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 49

Clubs and courses – South Wales

Tredegar & Rhymney Golf Club

Clubs and courses – South Wales

Local authority run facilities

Par-3/Novice courses

Other pay and play courses

Blaenau Gwent Parc Bryn Bach Golf Course 9-hole pay as you play course T: +44 (0)1495 711816

Bridgend Golf Complex T: +44 (0)1656 647926 www.bridgendgolf.co.uk Map ref: 5

Page 38

Alice Springs Golf Club T: +44 (0)1873 880708 www.alicespringsgolfclub.co.uk Map ref: 2 Page 38

Bridgend Griffin Park Pitch and putt course T: +44 (0)1656 726491

Caerleon Golf Course T: +44 (0)1633 420342 www.caerleongolfclub.co.uk Map ref: 8

Page 38

Castell Heights Golf Club T: +44 (0)29 2088 6666 www.golfclub.co.uk Map ref: 12

Page 40

Cardiff Heath Park Pitch and putt course T: +44 (0)29 2068 4000

Cardiff Golf Centre T: +44 (0)29 2036 1122 www.cardiffgolf.com Map ref: –

Page –

The Celtic Manor Resort T: +44 (0)1633 410263 www.celtic-manor.com Map ref: 13

Page 40

Newport Caerleon Golf Course Two 9-hole pay as you play courses T: +44 (0)1633 420342

Castell Coch Golf Club T: +44 (0)29 2081 3370 Map ref: 11

St Pierre, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club T: +44 (0)1291 635205 www.stpierregolf.com Map ref: 27

Page 43

Tredegar Park Pitch and putt course T: +44 (0)1633 656656 Rhondda Cynon Taf Ynysangharad Park 18-hole pitch and putt course T: +44 (0)1443 404699 Torfaen Llanyrafon Golf Course 9-hole pay as you play course T: +44 (0)1633 874636 Pontypool Park Pitch and putt course T: +44 (0)1495 764688 Vale of Glamorgan Porthkerry Park 18-hole pitch and putt course T: +44 (0)1446 733589

Page 11

Llanyrafon Golf Course T: +44 (0)1633 874636 Map ref: 25

Page 43

Oakdale Golf Course T: +44 (0)1495 220044 Map ref: 35

Page 44

Monmouth Golf Club T: +44 (0)1600 712212 www.monmouthgolfclub.co.uk Map ref: 29 Page 43

Page 44

Morlais Castle Golf Club T: +44 (0)1685 722822 www.morlaiscastlegolf.co.uk Map ref: 31

Page 43

Tregoes Golf Course T: +44 (0)1656 302600 www.bridgend.ac.uk/tregoes-golf-course Map ref: – Page –

Mountain Ash Golf Club T: +44 (0)1443 479459 www.mountainashgc.co.uk Map ref: 32

Page 44

Whitehills Golf Club T: +44 (0)1443 225771 Map ref: 63

Mountain Lakes Golf Club T: +44 (0)29 2088 6666 www.golfclub.co.uk Map ref: 33

Page 44

Peterstone Lakes Golf Club T: +44 (0)1633 680009 www.peterstonelakes.com Map ref: 38

Page 44

Parc Bryn Bach Golf Course T: +44 (0)1495 711816 www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk Map ref: 36

Page 49

Radyr Golf Club T: +44 (0)29 2084 2408 www.radyrgolf.co.uk Map ref: 43

Page 46

Bridgend Golf Complex T: +44 (0)1656 647926 www.bridgendgolf.co.uk Map ref: 5

18 bays

Page 38

St Andrews Major Golf Club T: +44 (0)1446 722227 www.standrewsmajorgolfclub.com Map ref: 51 Page 47

Caerleon Golf Course T: +44 (0)1633 420342 www.caerleongolfclub.co.uk Map ref: 8

Tredegar Park Golf Club T: +44 (0)1633 894433 www.tredegarparkgolfclub.co.uk Map ref: 54 Page 47

Cardiff Golf Centre T: +44 (0)29 2036 1122 www.cardiffgolf.com Map ref: –

30 bays

Tredegar & Rhymney Golf Club T: +44 (0)1685 840743 www.tandrgc.co.uk Map ref: 55 Page 49

The Celtic Manor Resort T: +44 (0)1633 410263 www.celtic-manor.com Map ref: 13

28 bays

Virginia Park Golf Club T: +44 (0)29 2086 3919 Map ref: 57

Cottrell Park Golf Resort T: +44 (0)1446 781781 www.golfwithus.com Map ref: 15

Wernddu Golf Club T: +44 (0)1873 856223 www.wernddu-golf-club.co.uk Map ref: 59

Page 49

Dewstow Golf Club T: +44 (0)1291 430444 www.dewstow.co.uk Map ref: 17 Green Meadow Golf & Country Club T: +44 (0)1633 869321 www.greenmeadowgolf.com Map ref: 20 Hensol Golf Academy T: +44 (0)1443 228565 Map ref: –

14 bays

Page 38

Page –

Page 40 20 bays

Page 40 26 bays

Page 40 30 bays

Mountain Lakes Golf Club T: +44 (0)29 2088 6666 www.golfclub.co.uk Map ref: 33 Oakdale Golf Course T: +44 (0)1495 220044 Map ref: 35 Parc Bryn Bach Golf Course T: +44 (0)1495 711816 www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk Map ref: 36 Parc Golf Club T: +44 (0)1633 680933 www.parcgolf.co.uk Map ref: 37

Page 44 18 bays Page 44 6 bays

Page 44 36 bays

Page 44

Ridgeway Golf Club T: +44 (0)29 2088 2255 www.ridgewaygolfclub.com Map ref: 47

22 bays

Page 46

St Andrews Major Golf Club 12 bays T: +44 (0)1446 722227 www.standrewsmajorgolfclub.com Map ref: 51 Page 47 Vale Resort T: +44 (0)1443 665899 www.vale-hotel.com Map ref: 56

16 bays

Page 49

Virginia Park Golf Club T: +44 (0)29 2086 3919 Map ref: 57

Wernddu Golf Club T: +44 (0)1873 856223 St Pierre, A Marriott Hotel 17 bays www.wernddu-golf-club.co.uk & Country Club Map ref: 59 T: +44 (0)1291 635205 www.stpierregolf.com Map ref: 27 Page 43 Page –

15 bays

20 bays Page 49 24 bays

Page 49

Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 51

Clubs and courses – South Wales

Driving ranges

West Wales

Strumble Head

They say you should never mix blue and green, but West Wales weaves a vibrant colour with both. The wild coast of the Gower Peninsula and Pembrokeshire is renowned across the world. There are bays where the blue waves crash like thunder, beaches so vast that world land-speed records were broken there. Then there are tiny coves where future pirates of the Caribbean studied their apprenticeships. Inland, the traditional agricultural economy co-exists with more bohemian elements – arts and crafts, paintings and pottery. The literary tradition is strong too – a few yards of the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail were no doubt trodden by literary anti-hero Dylan Thomas, who lived and wrote in a boathouse in the small Carmarthenshire village of Laugharne. There’s a self-assured vibrancy to life in West Wales, where nature is far more than just an attractive backdrop.

As you might expect, you don’t need to stray too far from the coastline of West Wales to find great places to play golf – and not exclusively links layouts either. Clyne Golf Club in Swansea is a back-to-nature downland course in the very best tradition, with panoramic views of Swansea Bay and the nearby Mumbles Head. Langland Bay Golf Club, meanwhile, features a superbly-maintained meadowland course situated on cliffs overlooking one of the many striking beaches in the area. Venture further along the Gower Peninsula and you’ll find Gower Golf Club itself, featuring a Donald Steel-designed parkland track notable for the subtle borrows of its greens. Fairwood Park Golf Club, another muchloved parkland course, is also nearby. 52

There are three courses, however, that demand to be included on any itinerary covering West Wales – Pennard, Machynys and Ashburnham. Each promises memorable, albeit very different experiences. Pennard is a place of wonder – the fabled links course in the sky. Machynys is a modern links course on the Loughor estuary, a Nicklaus-designed track where water comes into play on many of its holes. Ashburnham, meanwhile, is a classic links course and a great challenge for the golfing purist.

Golf Club’s classic parkland course overlooking the Gwili Valley.

Carmarthen is an appropriate stop-off en route to the Pembrokeshire coast and claims to be the oldest town in Wales, dating back to 75AD. Nearly 20 centuries later British golfing legend JH Taylor was responsible for designing Carmarthen

One word of caution. If you’re travelling halfway around the world to visit the home of the The 2010 Ryder Cup, please don’t confuse Newport, Pembrokeshire, with Newport, Gwent. Mind you, there are fewer better places to find yourself

Tenby Golf Club is another must. Popularised during Georgian and Victorian times, it’s a uniquely quaint town featuring the oldest affiliated golf club in Wales. Nearby, Trefloyne Golf Course is also worth a visit, while further up the coast at St Davids, the picturesque nine-hole St Davids City Golf Club sits above the cathedral city – the smallest in the UK with just 2,000 inhabitants.

should you end up 130 miles or so offcourse from The Celtic Manor Resort. Our advice is to head straight for the delightful Newport Links Golf Club, with the Preseli Hills providing the backdrop for even more stunning views over the Nevern estuary. If you find yourself in Newport, Essex, however, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a lot we can do for you! 1

1. Dylan Thomas Boathouse, Laugharne 2. Langland Bay Golf Club 3. Rhossili 4. Machynys Peninsula Golf & Country Club 5. St Davids City Golf Club

3 5 4

West Wales golf packages are available from the following: Golf on Gower www.golfongower.co.uk T: 0800 0832983 (+44 1656 722331 from overseas) Golf Pembrokeshire www.golfpembrokeshire.com T: 0800 0832983 (+44 1656 722331 from overseas) South Wales Championship Links Golf Breaks www.southwaleslinksgolf.com T: +44 (0)1637 879991 West Wales Golfbreaks www.westwalesgolfholidays.co.uk T: 0800 0832983 (+44 1656 722331 from overseas)

Packages including West Wales are available from the following pan-Wales tour operators: Golf in Style Wales www.golf-in-style-wales.co.uk T: 0800 0832983 (+44 (0)1656 722331 from overseas)

Featured courses

Name of Golf Club

65 Allt-y-Graban Golf Club 66 Ashburnham Golf Club 67 Carmarthen Golf Club 68 Celtic Haven Golf Academy 69 Clyne Golf Club 70 Corus Golf Course 71 Dawn Till Dusk Rosemarket Golf Club 72 Derllys Court Golf Club 73 Earlswood Golf Course 74 Fairwood Park Golf Club 75 Glyn Abbey Golf Club 76 Glynhir Golf Club 77 Glynneath Golf Club 78 Gower Golf Club 79 Gowerton Golf Range 80 Haverfordwest Golf Club 81 Lakeside Golf Club 82 Langland Bay Golf Club 83 Llandovery College Golf Course 84 Machynys Peninsula Golf & Country Club 85 Mayfield Golf Centre 86 Milford Haven Golf Club 87 Morriston Golf Club 88 Neath Golf Club 89 Newport Links Golf Club & Resort 90 Palleg & Swansea Valley Golf Club 91 Parc Garnant Golf Course 92 Pennard Golf Club 93 Pontardawe Golf Club 94 Priskilly Forest Country House & Golf Club 95 South Pembrokeshire Golf Club 96 St Davids City Golf Club 97 Swansea Bay Golf Club 98 Tawe Vale Golf Club 99 Tenby Golf Club 100 Trefloyne Golf Course

The Wales Golf Holiday Company www.walesgolfholidays.com T: 0800 0832983 (+44 1656 722331 from overseas) Wales Golf Vacations www.walesgolfvacations.com T: 0845 2220340 (+44 1656 784843 from overseas) Wales Top Golf www.walestopgolf.com T: +44 (0)1633 774796 Welsh Rarebits Golf Vacations www.rarebits.co.uk T: +44 (0)1686 668030 (1-215-969-0542 from USA or Canada)

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 53

Clubs and courses – West Wales

West Wales Allt-y-Graban Golf Club

Fairwood Park Golf Club

Allt-y-Graban Road, Pontlliw, Swansea SA4 9DT T: Sec. +44 (0)1792 885757 E: pljames2003@yahoo.co.uk

Fairwood Park, Blackhills Lane, Fairwood, Swansea SA2 7JN T: Sec. 01792 297849 T: Pro. 01792 299194 E: info@fairwoodpark.com www.fairwoodpark.com

Holes: 9

Holes: 18

Course type: Parkland

Ashburnham Golf Club

Course type: Parkland

Glyn Abbey Golf Club

Cliffe Terrace, Burry Port, Carmarthenshire SA16 0HN T: Sec. +44 (0)1554 832269 T: Pro. +44 (0)1554 833846 E: admin@ashgolf.co.uk www.ashburnhamgolfclub.co.uk

Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire SA17 4LB T: Sec. Martin Lane +44 (0)1554 810278 T: Pro. Mike Davies +44 (0)1554 810278 E: info@glynabbey.co.uk www.glynabbey.co.uk

Holes: 18

Course type: Parkland

Holes: 18/9

Course type: Links

Carmarthen Golf Club

Blaen y Coed Road, Carmarthen SA33 6EH T: Sec. Gemma Voaden +44 (0)1267 281588 T: Pro. Darren Griffiths +44 (0)1267 281493 E: info@carmarthengolfclub.co.uk www.carmarthengolfclub.co.uk Holes: 18

Length(s): 6,242

Course type: Parkland

Par(s): 71

SSS: 71

Weekend fee: £-££

Celtic Haven Golf Academy

SSS: 70

Weekday fee: £

Glynhir Road, Llandybie, Ammanford, Carmarthenshire SA18 2UY T: Sec. Sonia Davies +44 (0)1269 851365 T: Pro. Richard Herbert +44 (0)1269 851013 E: glynhirgolfclub@tiscali.co.uk www.glynhirgolfclub.co.uk Length(s): 6,033

Course type: Parkland

Par(s): 70/ 27

Weekend fee: £

Glynhir Golf Club

Holes: 18

Weekday fee: £-££

Length(s): 6,202/ 657

Par(s): 69

SSS: 70

Weekend fee: £

Weekday fee: £

Glynneath Golf Club

Celtic Haven, Lydstep, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7SG T: Sec. +44 (0)1834 870000 E: welcome@celtichaven.com www.cool-golf.com

Penygraig, Pontneddfechan, Glynnaeth, Nr Neath, West Glamorgan SA11 5UH T: Sec. T A Roberts +44 (0)1639 720452 T: Pro. Shane McMenamin +44 (0)1639 720452 E: enquiries@glynneathgolfclub.co.uk www.glynneathgolfclub.co.uk

Holes: 9

Course type: Parkland/Moorland

Holes: 18

Course type: Parkland

Clyne Golf Club

118/120 Owls Lodge Lane, Mayals, Swansea SA10 8DX T: Sec. David R Thomas +44 (0)1792 401989 T: Pro. Jonathan Clewett +44 (0)1792 402094 E: clynegolfclub@supanet.com www.clynegolfclub.com Holes: 18

Length(s): 6,323

Course type: Moorland

Par(s): 70 Weekend fee: ££

SSS: 72

Corus Golf Course

Weekday fee: £

Length(s): 6,441

Par(s): 71

SSS: 72

Weekend fee: £-££

Victoria Road, Gowerton, Swansea SA4 3AB T: Pro. Mike Hobbs +44 (0)1792 875188 www.gowertongolfrange.co.uk Course type: Parkland

Dawn Till Dusk Rosemarket Golf Club

Par(s): 27

Course type: Parkland

Weekend fee: £

Arnolds Down, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA61 2XQ T: Sec. +44 (0)1437 764523 T: Pro. +44 (0)1437 768409 E: enquiries@haverfordwestgolfclub.co.uk www.haverfordwestgolfclub.co.uk

Holes: 9

Holes: 18

Course type: Parkland

Derllys Court Golf Club

Llysonnen Road, Bancyfelin, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire SA33 5DT T: Sec. Rhian Walters +44 (0)1267 211575 T: Pro. Robert Ryder E: derllys@hotmail.com www.derllyscourtgolfclub.com Length(s): 5,847

Par(s): 70

Lakeside Golf Club

SSS: 68 Holes: 18

Earlswood Golf Course

Jersey Marine, Neath SA10 6JP T: Sec. +44 (0)1792 812198

Course type: Parkland

Water Street, Margam, Port Talbot, West Glamorgan SA13 2PA T: Sec. +44 (0)1639 899959

Course type: Parkland

Holes: 18

Weekday fee: £

Haverfordwest Golf Club

Furze Hill Farm, Rosemarket, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire SA73 1JY T: Sec. +44 (0)1437 890281

Holes: 18

Weekday fee: £

Gowerton Golf Range

Holes: 9 Holes: 9

SSS: 70

Cefn Goleu, Three Crosses, Swansea SA4 3HS T: Sec. Helen Pitt +44 (0)1792 872480 T: Pro. Lee Lewis/Alex Tissick +44 (0)1792 879905 E: info@gowergolf.co.uk www.gowergolf.co.uk Course type: Rolling parkland

The Course, Groes, Port Talbot SA12 8UW T: Sec. +44 (0)1639 871111

Par(s): 71 Weekend fee: £

Gower Golf Club

Holes: 18

Weekday fee: £-££

Length(s): 6,090

Course type: Parkland

Langland Bay Golf Club

Langland Bay Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4QR T: Dir. of Golf Andrew Minty +44 (0)1792 361721 T: Pro. +44 (0)1792 361721 E: info@langlandbaygolfclub.com www.langlandbaygolfclub.com Course type: Heathland

Holes: 18

Course type: Parkland

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Clubs and courses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; West Wales

See entry 67

Clubs and courses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; West Wales

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 57

Clubs and courses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; West Wales

Clubs and courses – West Wales

Llandovery College Golf Course

Neath Golf Club

Llandovery College, Queensway, Llandovery, Carmathenshire SA20 0EE T: Sec. +44 (0)1550 723000 E: mail@llandoverycollege.com www.llandoverycollege.com

Cadoxton, Neath SA10 8AH T: Sec. Alan Jefford +44 (0)1639 632759 T: Pro. R M Bennett +44 (0)1639 633693 E: neathgolf@btconnect.com www.neathgolfclub.co.uk

Holes: 9

Course type: Mountain

Holes: 18

Course type: Parkland

Machynys Peninsula Golf & Country Club

Nicklaus Avenue, Machynys, Llanelli SA15 2DG T: Golf Ops Mgr Ben Fisher +44 (0)1554 744888 T: Pro. John Peters +44 (0)1554 744888 E: golf.sales@machynys.com www.machynys.com Holes: 18

Length(s): 7,051

Course type: Modern Links

Par(s): 72 Weekend fee: ££

SSS: 75 Weekday fee: ££

Mayfield Golf Centre

Milford Haven Golf Club

Par(s): 71 Weekend fee: £

Palleg & Swansea Valley Golf Club

Length(s): 5,708

Par(s): 68

SSS: 68 Weekday fee: £

escape enjoy

relax

Par(s): 72

SSS: 70

Weekend fee: £

Weekday fee: £

Length(s): 6,179

Course type: Parkland

Weekend fee: ££

Length(s): 5,902

Parc Garnant Golf Course

Holes: 18

Weekday fee: £

160 Clasemont Road, Morristion, Swansea SA6 6AJ T: Sec. David Fellowes +44 (0)1792 796528 T: Pro. Mark Govier +44 (0)1792 772335 E: morristongolf@btconnect.com www.morristongolfclub.co.uk Course type: Parkland

Course type: Links

Dinefwr Road, Garnant, Ammanford, Carmarthenshire SA18 1NP T: Sec. Vince Mosson +44 (0)1269 823365 E: vkmosson@carmarthenshire.gov.uk www.parcgarnantgolf.co.uk

SSS: 70

Morriston Golf Club

Holes: 18

Golf Course Road, Newport, Pembrokeshire SA42 0NR T: Sec. +44 (0)1239 820244 E: info@newportlinks.co.uk www.newportlinks.co.uk

Course type: Parkland

Woodbine House, Clay Lane, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire SA73 3RX T: Sec. W S Brown +44 (0)1646 697822 T: Pro. Alex Pile +44 (0)1646 697762 E: milfordgolfclub@aol.com www.mhgc.co.uk Length(s): 6,112

Weekday fee: £-££

Palleg Road, Lower Cwmtwrch, Swansea SA9 2QQ T: Sec./Pro. Graham Coombe +44 (0)1639 842193 E: gc.gcgs@btconnect.com www.palleg-golf.com Course type: Parkland

Course type: Parkland

SSS: 72

Newport Links Golf Club & Resort

Holes: 18

Par(s): 72 Weekend fee: £

Holes: 18

Mayfield, Freystrop, Haverfordwest SA62 4ET T: Sec. +44 (0)1437 764300

Holes: 9

Length(s): 6,490

Par(s): 72

SSS: 72

Weekend fee: £

Weekday fee: £

Pennard Golf Club

2 Southgate Road, Southgate, Swansea SA3 2BT T: Sec. +44 (0)1792 233131 T: Pro. +44 (0)1792 233451 E: sec@pennardgolfclub.com www.pennardgolfclub.com Holes: 18

Course type: Links

escape to luxurious accommodation overlooking Trefloyne Golf Course and the unspoilt countryside that surrounds the premier resort of Tenby.

enjoy Tenby’s secret golf course – 18 holes of stunning Parkland golf – a good test of your game on a quality course.

relax with a meal at the ‘Terrace at Trefloyne’ – breakfast from 8am,

Trefloyne Lane, Penally,Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7RG

lunches and early evening meals

Bookings: 01834 842165

dinner at the weekend for a very

Pro Shop: 01834 845639

special Friday or Saturday night out.

served every day until 7pm and

www.trefloyne.com See entry 100

Clubs and courses – West Wales Machynys Peninsula Golf and Country Club

www.visitwales.com

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Fishing Wales With endless coastline and countless rivers and lakes, it’s no wonder Wales is an angler’s paradise. www.fishing.visitwales.com

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 59

Clubs and courses – West Wales

Tawe Vale Golf Club

Clydach, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA6 5QR T: Sec. D E Jones +44 (0)1792 842929 E: eirwyn06@tiscali.co.uk Holes: 18

Length(s): 6,015

Course type: Flat Parkland

Par(s): 70

SSS: 69

Weekend fee: £

Weekday fee: £

Tenby Golf Club

The Burrows, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7NP T: Sec. David Hancock +44 (0)1834 842978 T: Pro. Rhys Harry +44 (0)1834 844447 E: tenbygolfclub@uku.co.uk www.tenbygolf.co.uk

Tenby Golf Club is regarded as the oldest in Wales and one of the finest links courses in the principality. It has been ranked in the top five courses in Wales and it’s easy to see why. With superb sea views and fast, true greens it provides a classic links golf experience. Host to the 2010 British Ladies Amateur Championship, Tenby welcomes visitors and societies to enjoy real Welsh hospitality. Within five minutes of the famous Tenby town centre.

Pontardawe Golf Club

Cefn Llan, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 4SH T: Sec. Mr Nigel Bowden +44 (0)1792 863118 T: Pro. Mr Danny Evans E: enquiries@pontardawegolfclub.co.uk www.pontardawegolfclub.co.uk Holes: 18

Length(s): 6,101

Course type: Parkland/Mountain

Par(s): 70

SSS: 69

Weekend fee: £

Holes: 18

Weekday fee: £

Priskilly Forest Country House & Golf Club

Length(s): 6,528

Course type: Links

Par(s): 72

SSS: 72

Weekend fee: ££

Weekday fee: £-££

Trefloyne Golf Course

100

Castlemorris, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 5EH T: Sec. +44 (0)1348 840276 T: Pro. +44 (0)1348 840276 E: jevans@priskilly-forest.co.uk www.priskilly-forest.co.uk

Trefloyne Lane, Penally, Tenby SA70 7RG T: Sec. Sarah Knight +44 (0)1834 842165 T: Pro. Oliver Duckett +44 (0)1834 845639 E: sarah@trefloyne.com www.trefloyne.com

Holes: 9

Course type: Parkland

Holes: 18

Course type: Parkland

South Pembrokeshire Golf Club

Length(s): 6,635

Par(s): 72 Weekend fee: £-££

Weekday fee: £-££

Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire SA72 6SE T: Sec. +44 (0)1646 621453 www.southpembsgolf.co.uk Holes: 18

Course type: Headland

St Davids City Golf Club

The Burrows, Whitesands, St Davids, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 6PT T: Sec. John Griffiths +44 (0)1437 721073 www.stdavidscitygolfclub.com Holes: 18

Length(s): 5,582

Course type: Links

Par(s): 70 Weekend fee: £

Course type: Links

Length(s): 6,459

££ £26-£50 £££ £51-£75

Weekday fee: £

££££ £76-£100 97

The Clubhouse, Jersey Marine, Neath, West Glamorgan SA10 6JP T: Sec. +44 (0)1792 812198 E: swanseabaygolfclub@hotmail.co.uk Holes: 18

£ £1-£25

SSS: 70

Swansea Bay Golf Club

Par(s): 72

SSS: 72

Green fee guide

£££££ £101+ Green fees were accurate at the time of checking (January 2010), but are subject to change. Please confirm actual fees when booking your tee time.

Other pay and play courses

Driving ranges

Carmarthenshire Glyn Abbey Golf Club 9-hole pay as you play course T: +44 (0)1554 810278

Allt-y-Graban Golf Club T: +44 (0)1792 855757 Map ref: 65

Aberdulais Golf Range T: +44 (0)1639 639111 www.aberdulaisgolf.co.uk Map ref: –

Dawn Till Dusk Rosemarket Golf Club T: +44 (0)1437 890281 Map ref: 71 Page 54

Parc Garnant Golf Course 18-hole pay as you play course T: +44 (0)1269 823365

Earlswood Golf Course T: +44 (0)1792 321578 Map ref: 73

Pembrey Country Park Pitch and putt course T: +44 (0)1554 833913

Swansea Ashley Road 10-hole pitch and putt course T: +44 (0)1792 207544

Par-3/Novice courses

Glyn Abbey Golf Club (9-hole) T: +44 (0)1554 810278 www.glynabbey.co.uk Map ref: 75 Gowerton Golf Range T: +44 (0)1792 875188 www.gowertongolfrange.co.uk Map ref: 79

Page 54

Glyn Abbey Golf Club (18-hole) T: +44 (0)1554 810278 www.glynabbey.co.uk Map ref: 75 Page 54

Neath Port Talbot Gnoll Golf Course 9-hole pay as you play course T: +44 (0)1639 635808

Corus Golf Course T: +44 (0)1639 871111 Map ref: 70

Page 54

Heatherton Country Sports Park T: +44 (0)1646 651025 www.heatherton.co.uk Map ref: – Page – Llandovery College Golf Course T: +44 (0)1550 723000 www.llandoverycollege.com Map ref: 83 Page 58 Mayfield Golf Centre T: +44 (0)1437 764300 Map ref: 85

Page 58

Tycroes Golf Range T: +44 (0)1269 597575 Map ref: –

Page –

Carmarthen Golf Club T: +44 (0)1267 281588 www.carmarthengolfclub.com Map ref: 67 Glyn Abbey Golf Club T: +44 (0)1554 810278 www.glynabbey.co.uk Map ref: 75 Glynhir Golf Club T: +44 (0)1269 851365 www.glynhirgolfclub.co.uk Map ref: 76

20 bays

Page – 8 bays

Page 54 6 bays

Page 54 4 bays

Glynneath Golf Club T: +44 (0)1639 720452 www.glynneathgolfclub.co.uk Map ref: 77

Page 54

Gower Golf Club T: +44 (0)1792 872480 www.gowergolf.co.uk Map ref: 78

Gowerton Golf Range 26 bays T: +44 (0)1792 875188 www.gowertongolfrange.co.uk Map ref: 79 Page 54

Page 54

Heatherton Country Sports Park T: +44 (0)1646 651025 www.heatherton.co.uk Map ref: –

12 bays

Lakeside Golf Club T: +44 (0)1639 899959 Map ref: 81

20 bays

Newport Links Golf Club & Resort T: +44 (0)1239 820244 www.newportlinks.co.uk Map ref: 89 Page 58 Parc Garnant Golf Course T: +44 (0)1269 823365 www.parcgarnantgolf.co.uk Map ref: 91

Page 58

South Pembrokeshire Golf Club T: +44 (0)1646 621453 www.southpembsgolf.co.uk Map ref: 95 Page 60

Machynys Peninsula Golf & Country Club T: +44 (0)1554 744888 www.machynys.com Map ref: 84 Mayfield Golf Centre T: +44 (0)1437 764300 Map ref: 85 Tycroes Golf Range T: +44 (0)1269 597575 Map ref: –

Page 54

Page –

Page 54 21 bays

Page 58 12 bays Page 58 10 bays Page –

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Clubs and courses – West Wales

Local authority run facilities

Mid Wales

Aberaeron

Covering the broadest expanse of land in the country, from the border with England in the east to the glorious sweep of Cardigan Bay on the west coast, Mid Wales offers you the opportunity to really stretch your legs. Nature has created a magnificent playground for mountain-biking, canoeing, horse-riding and fishing (and golf, of course). You’ll need to replenish well after all that expended energy and this is an area of Wales that has rightly earned an enviable culinary reputation, with significant growth in the number of small restaurants and pubs providing great locally sourced food. The landscape of Mid Wales has also provided the inspiration for generations of artists and craftspeople. The raw materials for a life lived well are all around to see. A wealth of greenery makes for great golf. It’s less than 60 miles from one side to the other, but the links courses hugging the western shores seem a world apart from the hilltop courses of the borders and the parkland gems that divide the two. Peculiarly enough, you’ve a mix of all three at Cardigan Golf Club and Penrhos Golf & Country Club. Respected American sports writer Furman Bisher extolled Cardigan to his readers as one of the highlights of his first visit to Wales: “With the possible exception of Pebble Beach, the view from the top of the Cardigan course is the finest I’ve seen anywhere in golf”. There are parkland, heathland and links influences in the way the course looks and plays. Penrhos, near the coastal university town of Aberystwyth, is renowned for the remains of a 12th-century ring work castle and the golf club and hotel features a neat 18-hole parkland course. 62

Working up the coast in a northerly direction you come across a trio of classic links courses. Borth and Ynyslas Golf Club vies for the accolade of oldest course in Wales, the club having been established in 1885. Aberdovey Golf Club is similarly steeped in history. The founding Ruck family knocked a ball around this land as far back as 1882 and writer Bernard Darwin, who is credited with being the biographerin-chief during the early years of championship golf, described Aberdovey as the course his “soul loved best of all”. It’s certainly faithful to tradition and there is magic in the air here. Royal St David’s Golf Club has remained one of the best-loved courses in Wales for generations. Nearly every other hole plays in a different direction, which can play havoc with all but the keenest minds and members are fiercely proud of its reputation as one of the

toughest challenges against a par score of 69 of any championship course. Head inland for the rolling borderlands of the Welsh Marches and enjoy an altogether different experience. Llanymynech Golf Club is the home club of Ian Woosnam, Wales’s most successful golfer. Members still talk of the junior who used to strike his tee shot on the 9th hole close to 320 yards. It’s also the only club in Europe where golf is played in two countries – 15 holes in Wales, three in England. Welshpool and Oswestry are nearby and, heading further south, Llandrindod Wells and Builth Wells are two very different clubs with much to recommend them. The former was designed by Harry Vardon – a hilltop course with a layout strongly influenced by links golf – hardly surprising given he was Open champion six times. Builth Wells, meanwhile, is a proudly-maintained parkland track,

with a traditional 15th-century Welsh longhouse forming part of its clubhouse. This loop of Mid Wales concludes at Cradoc Golf Club, overlooking the Brecon Beacons. Even if you’re mysteriously immune to the magnificence of the natural landscape, Cradoc is no less enjoyable a golfing experience. This is a parkland course that has matured superbly – like the best courses in Wales it’s an object lesson in how to do it right, delivering millionaire’s golf for a fraction of the price you’d expect to pay.

Heart of Wales Golf Breaks www.heartofwalesgolfbreaks.co.uk T: +44 (0)845 2600622 Snowdonia Golf Coast Cluster www.great-golf.co.uk T: +44 (0)845 4505885

Packages including Mid Wales are available from the following pan-Wales tour operators: Golf in Style Wales www.golf-in-style-wales.co.uk T: 0800 0832983 (+44 (0)1656 722331 from overseas)

1. Borth and Ynyslas Golf Club 2. Lake Vyrnwy 3. Builth Wells Golf Club 4. Aberdovey Golf Club 1

Mid Wales golf packages are available from the following:

Featured courses

Name of Golf Club

101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128

Aberdovey Golf Club Aberystwyth Golf Club Bala Golf Club Borth & Ynyslas Golf Club Brecon Golf Club Builth Wells Golf Club Cardigan Golf Club Cilgwyn Golf Club Cradoc Golf Club Cwmrhydneuadd Golf Club Dolgellau Golf Club Knighton Golf Club Lakeside Golf Course Llandrindod Wells Golf Club Llanymynech Golf Club Machynlleth Golf Club Maesmawr Golf Club The Old Rectory Country Hotel Oswestry Golf Club Penrhos Golf and Country Club Rhosgoch Golf & Leisure Club Royal St David’s Golf Club St Giles Golf Club St Idloes Golf Club Saron Golf Course Summerhill Golf Club Welsh Border Golf Complex Welshpool Golf Club

Wales Top Golf www.walestopgolf.com T: +44 (0)1633 774796 Welsh Rarebits Golf Vacations www.rarebits.co.uk T: +44 (0)1686 668030 (1-215-969-0542 from USA or Canada)

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Clubs and courses – Mid Wales

Mid Wales Aberdovey Golf Club

101

Length(s): 6,615

Holes: 18

Course type: Seaside links

Par(s): 71

SSS: 73

Weekend fee: ££

Weekday fee: ££

Aberystwyth Golf Club

Cardigan Golf Club

107

Gwbert, Cardigan, Ceredigion SA43 1PR T: Sec. John Jones +44 (0)1239 621775 T: Pro. Steven Parsons +44 (0)1239 615359 E: cgc@btconnect.com www.cardigangolf.co.uk

Aberdovey, Gwynedd LL35 0RT T: Sec. TBC +44 (0)1654 767493 T: Pro. Joe Davies +44 (0)1654 767493 E: sec@aberdoveygolf.co.uk www.aberdoveygolf.co.uk

102

Brynmor Road, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 2HY T: Sec./Pro. J McLeod +44 (0)1970 615104 E: aberystwythgolf@talk21.com www.aberystwythgolfclub.com Length(s): 6,119

Holes: 18

Course type: Meadowland

Par(s): 70

SSS: 71

Weekend fee: £-££

Weekday fee: £

Bala Golf Club

103

Penlan, Bala, Gwynedd LL23 7YD T: Sec. +44 (0)1678 520359 E: balagolfclub@onetel.com www.golffbala.co.uk Holes: 10

Course type: Hilltop

Borth & Ynyslas Golf Club

104

Borth, Ceredigion SY24 5JS T: Sec. +44 (0)1970 871202 T: Pro. +44 (0)1970 871557 E: secretary@borthgolf.co.uk www.borthgolf.co.uk Holes: 18

Course type: Links

Brecon Golf Club

Cardigan Golf Club was founded in 1895 and has often been described as one of the most startling of the unsung courses of Wales. It is to be found overlooking the Teifi Estuary at Gwbert, three miles from the historic town of Cardigan. The quality of the course has been recognised by the Golf Union of Wales in recent years, with Cardigan hosting several of their championships and international matches. Why not pay us a visit – you won’t be disappointed.

105

Newtown Park, Llanfaes, Brecon, Powys LD3 8PA T: Sec. Ian Chambers +44 (0)1874 622004 E: info@brecongolfclub.co.uk www.brecongolfclub.co.uk Holes: 9

Length(s): 6,068 (18) Par(s): 70 (18) SSS: 70 (18)

Course type: Parkland

Weekend fee: £

Holes: 18

Weekday fee: £

Builth Wells Golf Club

106

Golf Links Road, Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3NF T: Sec./Pro. Simon Edwards +44 (0)1982 553296 E: info@builthwellsgolf.co.uk www.builthwellsgolf.co.uk Holes: 18

Length(s): 5,410

Course type: Parkland

Par(s): 66 Weekend fee: ££

Length(s): 6,455

Course type: Links/Clifftop

SSS: 66 Weekday fee: £-££

Par(s): 72

SSS: 73

Weekend fee: £-££

Weekday fee: ££

Cilgwyn Golf Club

108

Llangybi, Lampeter SA48 8NN T: Sec. +44 (0)1570 493286 E: enquiries@cilgwyngolf.co.uk www.cilgwyngolf.co.uk Holes: 9

Course type: Parkland

Cradoc Golf Club

109

Penoyre Park, Brecon, Powys LD3 9LP T: Sec. Robert Southcott +44 (0)1874 623658 T: Pro. Richard Davies E: secretary@cradoc.co.uk www.cradoc.co.uk Length(s): 6,188

Holes: 18 Course type: Parkland

Par(s): 71 Weekend fee: ££

Green fee guide

Cwmrhydneuadd Golf Club

£ £1-£25

Pentregat, Llandysul, Ceredigion SA44 6HD T: Sec. +44 (0)1239 654933 www.cwmgolf.co.uk

££ £26-£50

SSS: 71 Weekday fee: ££

110

£££ £51-£75 ££££ £76-£100 £££££ £101+ Green fees were accurate at the time of checking (January 2010), but are subject to change. Please confirm actual fees when booking your tee time.

Holes: 9

Course type: Parkland

Dolgellau Golf Club

111

Pen-y-Cefn Road, Dolgellau, Gwynedd LL40 2ES T: Sec. Mark White +44 (0)1341 422603 T: Pro. Mark White +44 (0)1341 422603 E: info@dolgellaugolfclub.com www.dolgellaugolfclub.com Holes: 9

Length(s): 4,696 (18) Par(s): 66 (18) SSS: 63 (18)

Course type: Parkland

Weekend fee: £

Weekday fee: £

Clubs and courses – Mid Wales

Knighton Golf Club

112

Frydd Terrace, Knighton, Powys LD7 1DL T: Sec. +44 (0)1547 528046 www.knightongolfclub.co.uk Holes: 9

Course type: Moorland

Lakeside Golf Course

113

Bryn Llyn Farm, Bryn Llyn Lane, Garthmyl, Montgomery, Powys SY15 6RU T: Sec. +44 (0)1686 640909 www.lakesidegolfclub.co.uk Holes: 9

Course type: Parkland

Llandrindod Wells Golf Club

114

The Golf Club, Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 5NY T: Sec./Pro. Phil Davies +44 (0)1597 822247 E: secretary@lwgc.co.uk www.lwgc.co.uk Length(s): 5,749

Holes: 18

Course type: Upland Links

Par(s): 69

SSS: 69

Weekend fee: £-££

Weekday fee: £-££

Llanymynech Golf Club

115

Pant, Nr Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 8LB T: Sec. Howard Jones +44 (0)1691 830983 T: Pro. Andy Griffiths +44 (0)1691 830542 E: secretary@llanymynechgolfclub.co.uk www.llanymynechgolfclub.co.uk Length(s): 5,873

Holes: 18 Course type: Hilltop

Par(s): 70 Weekend fee: ££

SSS: 68 Weekday fee: ££

Machynlleth Golf Club

116

Newtown Road, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 8UH T: Sec. Mr John Lewis +44 (0)1654 702000 E: machgolf2@tiscali.co.uk www.machynllethgolf.co.uk Holes: 9

Length(s): 5,726 (18) Par(s): 68 (18) SSS: 68 (18)

Course type: Heathland

Weekend fee: £

Weekday fee: £

See entry 101

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Clubs and courses – Mid Wales

Maesmawr Golf Club

117

Mid Wales Golf Centre, Moat Lane, Caersws, Powys SY17 5SB T: Sec. +44 (0)1686 688303

St Giles Golf Club

Length(s): 6,012 (18) SSS: 70 (18)

Holes: 9 Holes: 9

Course type: Parkland

The Old Rectory Country Hotel

118

Llangattock, Crickhowell, Powys NP8 1PH T: Sec. +44 (0)1873 810373 www.rectoryhotel.co.uk Holes: 9

Course type: Meadowland

119

Length(s): 5,891

Weekday fee: £

St Idloes Golf Club

124

Holes: 9

Aston Park, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 4JJ T: Sec. Roger E Stamp +44 (0)1691 610535 T: Pro. Jason Davies +44 (0)1691 610448 E: secretary@oswestrygolfclub.co.uk www.oswestrygolfclub.co.uk Course type: Parkland

Weekend fee: £

Penrhallt, Llanidloes SY18 6LG T: Sec. +44 (0)1686 412559 www.stidloesgolfclub.co.uk

Oswestry Golf Club

Holes: 18

123

Pool Road, Newtown, Powys SY16 3AJ T: Sec. Wyn Evans +44 (0)1686 625844 E: stgilesgolf@googlemail.com www.stgilesgolf.co.uk

Par(s): 70

SSS: 69

Weekend fee: ££-£££

Course type: Heathland

Saron Golf Course

Length(s): 2,091 Par(s): 34 SSS: 66 (18)

Holes: 9 Weekday fee: ££

Penrhos Golf and Country Club

Course type: Parkland

120

Llanrhystud, Ceredigion SY23 5AY T: Sec. Mr Rowland Rees-Evans +44 (0)1974 202999 T: Pro. Paul Diamond +44 (0)1974 202999 E: info@penrhosgolf.co.uk www.penrhosgolf.co.uk

125

Saron, Llandysul, Carmarthenshire SA44 5EL T: Sec. C Searle +44 (0)1559 370705

Weekend fee: £

Weekday fee: £

Summerhill Golf Club

126

Clifford, Hay-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR3 5EW T: Sec. Mr Mike Tom +44 (0)1497 831406 T: Pro. Will Dowd E: dcbowen@summerhillgolfcourse.co.uk www.summerhillgolfcourse.co.uk Holes: 9

Length(s): 5,675 (18) Par(s): 70 (18) SSS: 69 (18)

Course type: Parkland

Weekend fee: £

Weekday fee: £

Welsh Border Golf Complex

127

Bulthy, Middletown, Nr Welshpool, Powys SY21 8ER T: Sec. Keith Farr +44 (0)1743 884247 T: Pro. Peter Seal +44 (0)1743 884247 E: welshbordergolf@btconnect.com www.welshbordergolf.coml Holes: 9/9 Course type: Parkland

Weekend fee: £

Weekday fee: £

Welshpool Golf Club

128

Y Golfa, Welshpool, Powys SY21 9AQ T: Sec. +44 (0)1938 850249 E: welshpool.golfclub@btconnect.com www.welshpoolgolfclub.co.uk Holes: 18

Course type: Mountain

Located nine miles south of Aberystwyth, Penrhos is a parkland and meadowland course with lakes and panoramic views of the Welsh countryside and Cardigan Bay. We have an 18-hole championship length course, also a 9-hole par-3/4 course and floodlit driving range. Accommodation is available on-site in our American-style hotel suites.

Holes: 18/9

Length(s): 6,660/ 1,784

Course type: Parkland

Par(s): 72/31

Weekend fee: ££

SSS: 73

Weekday fee: £-££

Rhosgoch Golf & Leisure Club

121

Rhosgoch, Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3JY T: Sec. Chris Dance +44 (0)1544 370286 E: rhosgochgolf@yahoo.co.uk www.rhosgoch-golf.co.uk Holes: 9

Length(s): 5,000 (18) Par(s): 68 (18) SSS: 66 (18)

Course type: Parkland

Weekend fee: £

Weekday fee: £

Royal St David’s Golf Club

122

Harlech, Gwynedd LL46 2UB T: Sec. Trefor Davies +44 (0)1766 780361 T: Pro. John Barnett +44 (0)1766 780857 E: secretary@royalstdavids.co.uk www.royalstdavids.co.uk Holes: 18 Course type: Links

Length(s): 6,629

Par(s): 69

SSS: 73

Weekend fee: ££-£££

Weekday fee: ££-£££

Cradoc Golf Club

Other pay and play courses

Capel Bangor Golf & Country Club T: +44 (0)1970 880741 www.capelbangorgolfclub.co.uk Map ref: – Page –

Aberystwyth Golf Club T: +44 (0)1970 615104 www.aberystwythgolfclub.com Map ref: 102

Cliff Hotel, Gwbert T: +44 (0)1239 613241 www.cliffhotel.com Map ref: –

Bala Golf Club T: +44 (0)1678 520359 www.golffbala.co.uk Map ref: 103

Cwmrhydneuadd Golf Club T: +44 (0)1239 654933 www.cwmgolf.co.uk Map ref: 110 Fairbourne Golf Club T: +44 (0)1341 250979 www.fairbournegolfclub.co.uk Map ref: –

Page –

Page 64

Page –

Brecon Golf Club T: +44 (0)1874 622004 www.brecongolfclub.co.uk Map ref: 105 Cradoc Golf Club T: +44 (0)1874 623658 www.cradoc.co.uk Map ref: 109

Machynlleth Golf Club (Short Course) T: +44 (0)1654 702000 www.machynllethgolf.co.uk Map ref: 116 Page 65

Dolgellau Golf Club T: +44 (0)1341 422603 www.dolgellaugolfclub.com Map ref: 111

Maesmawr Golf Club T: +44 (0)1686 688303 Map ref: 117

Lakeside Golf Course T: +44 (0)1686 640909 www.lakesidegolfclub.co.uk Map ref: 113

Page 66

The Old Rectory Country Hotel T: +44 (0)1873 810373 www.rectoryhotel.co.uk Map ref: 118 Page 66 Penlanlas Golf Club T: +44 (0)1970 625319 www.penlanlas.co.uk Map ref: –

Page –

Penrhos Golf & Country Club (9-hole) T: +44 (0)1974 202999 www.penrhosgolf.co.uk Map ref: 120 Page 66 Welsh Border Golf Complex (Short 9) T: +44 (0)1743 884247 www.welshbordergolf.com Map ref: 127 Page 66

Llandrindod Wells Golf Club T: +44 (0)1597 822247 www.lwgc.co.uk Map ref: 114

Page 64

Page 66

Saron Golf Course T: +44 (0)1559 370705 Map ref: 125

Page 66

Welshpool Golf Club T: +44 (0)1938 850249 www.welshpoolgolfclub.co.uk Map ref: 128

Page 66

Driving ranges Cradoc Golf Club T: +44 (0)1874 623658 www.cradoc.co.uk Map ref: 109 Llandrindod Wells Golf Club T: +44 (0)1597 822247 www.lwgc.co.uk Map ref: 114

Page 65

Maesmawr Golf Club T: +44 (0)1686 688303 Map ref: 117

Page 65

Penrhos Golf & Country Club T: +44 (0)1974 202999 www.penrhosgolf.co.uk Map ref: 120

Llanymynech Golf Club T: +44 (0)1691 830983 www.llanymynechgolfclub.co.uk Map ref: 115 Page 65 Machynlleth Golf Club T: +44 (0)1654 702000 www.machynllethgolf.co.uk Map ref: 116

Rhosgoch Golf & Leisure Club T: +44 (0)1544 370286 www.rhosgoch-golf.co.uk Map ref: 121

Welsh Border Golf Complex T: +44 (0)1743 884247 www.welshbordergolf.com Map ref: 127

10 bays

Page 64 8 bays

Page 65 12 bays Page 66 3 bays

Page 66 10 bays

Page 66

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www.golfasitshouldbe.com 67

Clubs and courses – Mid Wales

Par-3/Novice courses

North Wales

Walkers on Snowdon summit

Everything is magnified and amplified in North Wales. From the mountain ranges of Snowdonia to the dramatic sweep of the Llyˆn Peninsula, this is a region of panorama and natural splendour. There’s man-made elegance and style too – world-renowned country houses, sculpted gardens and castles – six UNESCO World Heritage sites in all. If you’re looking for action, you’ll find plenty here, on foot, bike, horseback and canoe – or even hurtling along a zip wire, if the mood takes you. But whether you’re traversing the mountains in comfort on one of several delightful narrow gauge rail journeys through North Wales, or marvelling at the 19th-century slate caverns, you’re left in no doubt that this is an all-round region with something to suit every visitor. There are 50 clubs in all located in North Wales, including a host of respected links courses, none more so than Conwy Golf Club. It was the first in Wales to be awarded the honour of hosting an Open Championship qualifying round. That was in 2006 – but don’t make the mistake of thinking this is a new kid on the block. Conwy has been one of the top links courses in the country for over a century, the club having formed in 1890. Well, they say good things come to those who wait… Conwy forms part of an impressive relay of links and parkland courses along the north coast of Wales. Maesdu and North Wales are nearby in Llandudno, while Caernarfon Golf Club, an immaculate parkland course a short drive to the west, is en route to Wales’s largest island, Anglesey, where you can play any of (or all) eight golf clubs located across 68

Thomas Telford’s famous suspension bridge over the Menai Strait. Anglesey Golf Club, situated on the west coast of the island has welcomed an array of famous names during the course of its history, including American world heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis and Horton Smith, winner of the first Masters championship in 1934. Ryder Cup Wales 2010 chairman John Jermine is just one of several players who rate Bull Bay Golf Club as one of the finest in the country. A magnificent links layout created by Herbert Fowler (revered for his design of Walton Heath in Surrey and Beau Desert in Staffordshire), this is the furthest north a golfer can travel in Wales without getting his or her feet wet. Back on the mainland, head further west towards the wild beauty of the Llyˆn Peninsula for a memorable golfing experience along the clifftops of Nefyn

and District Golf Club. The course was mapped out by James Braid and JH Taylor and it features, among other things, a blow hole where the sea beneath the cliffs has torn through the land in play on the 12th and 16th holes, as well as the Tyˆ Coch Inn just below the 16th fairway, which welcomes golfers in need of Dutch courage before taking on the last few holes. But that is by no means that. Porthmadog Golf Club is a curious mix of heathland (with water hazards) on the front nine and pure links on the back nine holes that have been favourably compared with the layout at Royal Troon. And if you’ve got the time, why not try Pwllheli or Abersoch, conveniently sandwiched between Porthmadog and Nefyn. After all that, you may need a holiday…

North Wales golf packages are available from the following: Golf Coast North Wales www.golfcoastnorthwales.com T: +44 (0)845 4505885 Golf North Wales www.golf-northwales.co.uk T: +44 (0)845 4505885 Isle of Anglesey Golf Pass www.visitanglesey.co.uk/golf North Wales Border Golf www.northwalesbordergolf.co.uk T: 0800 0832983 (+44 1656 722331 from overseas) North Wales Borderlands Play & Stay www.northwalesborderlands.co.uk T: +44 (0)845 4505885 North Wales Golfbreaks www.northwalesgolfbreaks.co.uk T: 0800 0832983 (+44 1656 722331 from overseas) Snowdonia Golf Coast Cluster www.great-golf.co.uk T: +44 (0)845 4505885

Packages including North Wales are available from the following pan-Wales tour operators: Golf in Style Wales www.golf-in-style-wales.co.uk T: 0800 0832983 (+44 1656 722331 from overseas) The Wales Golf Holiday Company www.walesgolfholidays.com T: 0800 0832983 (+44 1656 722331 from overseas) Wales Golf Vacations www.walesgolfvacations.com T: 0845 2220340 (+44 1656 784843 from overseas) Wales Top Golf www.walestopgolf.com T: +44 (0)1633 774796 Welsh Rarebits Golf Vacations www.rarebits.co.uk T: +44 (0)1686 668030 (1-215-969-0542 from USA or Canada)

Featured courses

Name of Golf Club

129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177

Abergele Golf Club Abersoch Golf Club Anglesey Golf Club Baron Hill Golf Club Betws-y-Coed Golf Club Bull Bay Golf Club Caernarfon Golf Club Caerwys Golf Club Chirk Golf Club Clays Golf Club Conwy Golf Club Criccieth Golf Club Denbigh Golf Club Ffestiniog Golf Club Flint Golf Club Hawarden Golf Club Henllys Golf Club Holyhead Golf Club Holywell Golf Club Kinsale Golf Club Llanfairfechan Golf Club Llangefni Golf Course Maesdu (Llandudno) Golf Club Mold Golf Club Moss Valley Golf Club Nefyn & District Golf Club North Wales (Llandudno) Golf Club Northop Country Park Old Colwyn Golf Club Old Padeswood Golf Club Padeswood & Buckley Golf Club Penmaenmawr Golf Club Pennant Park Golf Club Penrhyn Golf Complex Plassey Oaks Golf Complex Porthmadog Golf Club Prestatyn Golf Club Pwllheli Golf Club Rhos-on-Sea Golf Club and Hotel Rhuddlan Golf Club Rhyl Golf Club Ruthin-Pwllglas Golf Club Silver Birch Golf Club St Deiniol Golf Club St Melyd Golf Club Storws Wen Golf Club Tyddan Mawr Golf Course Vale of Llangollen Golf Club Wrexham Golf Club

1. Nefyn and District Golf Club 2. Bardsey Island 3. Pwllheli Golf Club 4. Bull Bay Golf Club 5. Dinas Dinlle

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Clubs and courses – North Wales

North Wales Abergele Golf Club

129

Tan-y-Gopa Road, Abergele, Conwy LL22 8DS T: Sec. Chris Langdon +44 (0)1745 824034 T: Pro. Iain Runcie +44 (0)1745 824034 E: secretary@abergelegolfclub.co.uk www.abergelegolfclub.co.uk Holes: 18

Length(s): 6,396

Course type: Parkland

Par(s): 72

SSS: 71

Weekend fee: £-££

Length(s): 6,000/ 1,000

Course type: Parkland

130

139

Anglesey Golf Club

131

Par(s): 70

132

Course type: Hilltop

Denbigh Golf Club

Holes: 18

Betws-y-Coed Golf Club

Length(s): 5,828

Course type: Parkland

Course type: Heathland

133

Y Cefn, Ffestiniog, Gwynedd LL41 4PS T: Sec. +44 (0)1766 762637 E: info@ffestinioggolf.org www.ffestinioggolf.org

Holes: 9

Course type: Parkland

Bull Bay Golf Club

134

Par(s): 70

SSS: 72

Weekend fee: £-££

135

Aberforeshore, Llanfaglan, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL54 5RP T: Sec. Einion G Angel +44 (0)1286 673783 T: Pro. Aled Owen +44 (0)1286 673783 E: secretary@caernarfongolfclub.co.uk www.caernarfongolfclub.co.uk Par(s): 69 Weekend fee: £

SSS: 69

136

137

Chirk, Wrexham LL14 5AD T: Sec. Trudi Jones +44 (0)1691 774407 T: Pro. Chris Hodges +44 (0)1691 774407 E: enquiries@chirkgolfclub.co.uk www.chirkgolfclub.co.uk Course type: Parkland

Course type: Upland

143

Course type: Parkland

144

Groomsdale Lane, Hawarden, Clwyd CH5 3EH T: Sec. +44 (0)1244 531447 E: secretary@hawardengolfclub.co.uk www.hawardengolfclub.myprogolfer.co.uk Course type: Parkland

Henllys Golf Club

Holes: 18

Course type: Parkland

Chirk Golf Club

Holes: 18/9

142

145

Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd LL58 8HU T: Sec. +44 (0)1248 811717 T: Pro. +44 (0)1248 811717 E: hg@hpb.co.uk www.henllysgolfclub.co.uk

Pen-y-Cefn Road, Mold, Flintshire CH7 5AQ T: Sec. +44 (0)1352 721222 www.caerwysgolfcourse.co.uk Holes: 9

Weekday fee: £-££

Hawarden Golf Club

Holes: 18

Weekday fee: ££

Caerwys Golf Club

SSS: 68

Flint Golf Club

Holes: 9

Weekday fee: £-££

Caernarfon Golf Club

Par(s): 69

Weekend fee: £-££

Cornist Lane, Flint, Flintshire CH6 5HJ T: Sec. +44 (0)1352 732327 E: secretary@flintgolfclub.co.uk www.flintgolfclub.co.uk

Bull Bay Road, Amlwch, Anglesey LL68 9RY T: Sec. John Burns +44 (0)1407 830960 T: Pro. John Burns +44 (0)1407 831188 E: info@bullbaygc.co.uk www.bullbaygc.co.uk

Length(s): 5,941

141

Ffestiniog Golf Club

Ffordd Hen Eglwys, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy LL24 0AL T: Sec. +44 (0)1690 710556 E: info@golf-betws-y-coed.co.uk www.golf-betws-y-coed.co.uk

Course type: Parkland

140

Henllan Road, Denbigh, Denbighshire LL16 5AA T: Sec. John Williams +44 (0)1745 816669 T: Pro. Mike Jones +44 (0)1745 814159 E: denbighgolfclub@aol.com www.denbighgolfclub.co.uk

Beaumaris, Anglesey, Gwynedd LL58 8YW T: Sec. +44 (0)1248 810231 E: golf@baronhill.co.uk www.baronhill.co.uk

Holes: 18

Weekday fee: ££

Criccieth Golf Club

Holes: 11

Weekday fee: £-££

Baron Hill Golf Club

Length(s): 6,276

SSS: 74

SSS: 71

Weekend fee: £-££

Holes: 9

Par(s): 72 Weekend fee: ££

Ednyfed Hill, Criccieth, Gwynedd LL52 0PH T: Sec. +44 (0)1766 522066 www.cricciethgolfclub.co.uk

Station Road, Rhosneigr, Anglesey LL64 5QX T: Sec. M I Parry +44 (0)1407 811127 T: Pro. Matthew Parry +44 (0)1407 811202 E: info@theangleseygolfclub.com www.angleseygolfclub.com Length(s): 6,330

Length(s): 6,936

Course type: Links

Course type: Parkland

Course type: Coastal heathland

SSS: 69/26

Weekday fee: £-££

Conwy Golf Club

Holes: 18

Par(s): 69/27

Weekend fee: £

Beacons Way, Morfa, Conwy LL32 8ER T: Sec. Aled Owen +44 (0)1492 592423 T: Pro. Peter Lees +44 (0)1492 593325 E: secretary@conwygolfclub.com www.conwygolfclub.com

Abersoch, Pwllheli, Gwynedd LL53 7EY T: Sec. +44 (0)1758 712622 E: pro@abersoch.wanadoo.co.uk www.abersochgolf.co.uk

Course type: Links

138

Bryn Estyn Road, Llan-y-Pwll, Wrexham LL13 9UB T: Sec. Steve Williams +44 (0)1978 661406 E: sales@claysgolf.co.uk www.claysgolf.co.uk Holes: 18/9

Weekday fee: £-££

Abersoch Golf Club

Holes: 18

Clays Golf Club

Length(s): 6,541/ 1,141

Par(s): 72/ 27

Weekend fee: £

SSS: 72

Weekday fee: £

Course type: Parkland

Holyhead Golf Club

146

Trearddur Bay, Isle of Anglesey LL65 2YL T: Sec. +44 (0)1407 763279 T: Pro. +44 (0)1407 762022 E: holyheadgolfclub@tiscali.co.uk www.holyheadgolfclub.co.uk Holes: 18

Course type: Heathland

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Clubs and courses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; North Wales

See entry 154

Clubs and courses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; North Wales

147

Old Colwyn Golf Club

157

Brynford, Holywell, Flintshire CH8 8LQ T: Sec. +44 (0)1352 710040 T: Pro. +44 (0)1352 710040 E: matt.parsley@btopenworld.com www.holywellgc.co.uk

Woodlands Avenue, Old Colwyn, Colwyn Bay LL29 9NL T: Sec. +44 (0)1492 515581 E: colwyngolfclub@tiscali.co.uk www.oldcolwyngolfclub.co.uk

Holes: 18

Holes: 9

Course type: Links

Kinsale Golf Club

148

Llanerchymor, Holywell, Flintshire CH8 9DX T: Sec. +44 (0)1745 561080

Course type: Meadowland

Old Padeswood Golf Club

Length(s): 6,696

Holes: 18 Holes: 9

Course type: Parkland

Llanfairfechan Golf Club

149

Llanerch Road, Llanfairfechan, Gwynedd LL33 0EB T: Sec. +44 (0)1248 680144

Length(s): 6,051

Course type: Parkland

Llangefni Golf Course

150

Clai Road, Llangefni, Gwynedd LL77 8YQ T: Sec. +44 (0)1248 722193 www.anglesey.gov.uk

Maesdu (Llandudno) Golf Club

Par(s): 70

SSS: 70

Weekday fee: ££

160

151

Par(s): 72

SSS: 72

Weekend fee: ££

Length(s): 5,372 (18) Par(s): 67 (18) SSS: 66 (18)

Course type: Parkland

Hospital Road, Llandudno, Conwy LL28 5BG T: Sec. George Dean +44 (0)1492 876450 T: Pro. Simon Boulden +44 (0)1492 876450 E: secretary@maesdugolfclub.co.uk www.maesdugolfclub.co.uk Length(s): 6,576

159

Clubhouse, Conwy Old Road, Penmaenmawr, Conwy LL34 6RD T: Sec. Mrs A Greenwood +44 (0)1492 623330 E: clubhouse@pengolf.co.uk www.pengolf.co.uk Course type: Woodland

Course type: Parkland

Weekday fee: £-££

Penmaenmawr Golf Club

Holes: 9

Holes: 18

SSS: 72

The Caia, Station Lane, Padeswood, Mold, Flintshire CH7 4JD T: Sec. Susan Davies +44 (0)1244 550537 T: Pro. David Ashton +44 (0)1244 543636 E: admin@padeswoodgolf.plus.com www.padeswoodgolfclub.com

Course type: Parkland

Holes: 9

Par(s): 72

Weekend fee: £-££

Padeswood & Buckley Golf Club

Holes: 18 Holes: 9

158

Station Lane, Padeswood, Nr Mold, Flintshire CH7 4JD T: Sec. Mrs B Jones +44 (0)1244 550414 T: Pro. Tony Davies +44 (0)1244 547401 E: sec@oldpadeswoodgolfclub.co.uk www.oldpadeswoodgolfclub.co.uk

Mold Golf Club

Weekday fee: £

Pennant Park Golf Club

161

Whitford, Nr Holywell, Flintshire CH8 9NE T: Sec. John Snead +44 (0)1745 563000 T: Pro. Mathew Pritchard +44 (0)1745 563000 E: enquiries@pennant-park.co.uk www.pennant-park.co.uk Holes: 18

Weekday fee: ££

Weekend fee: £

Course type: Parkland

Length(s): 6,059

Par(s): 70 Weekend fee: ££

SSS: 70 Weekday fee: £-££

152

Cilcain Road, Pantymwyn, Mold CH7 5EH T: Sec. Chris Mills +44 (0)1352 741513 T: Pro. Mark Jordan +44 (0)1352 740318 E: info@moldgolfclub.co.uk www.moldgolfclub.co.uk Holes: 18

Length(s): 5,594

Course type: Parkland

Par(s): 68

SSS: 67

Weekend fee: £-££

Weekday fee: £-££

Moss Valley Golf Club

153

Moss Road, Moss, Wrexham LL11 6HA T: Sec. +44 (0)1978 720518 E: info@mossvalleygolf.co.uk www.mossvalleygolf.co.uk Holes: 9

Course type: Parkland

Nefyn & District Golf Club

154

Lon Golff, Morfa Nefyn, Pwllheli, Gwynedd LL53 6DA T: Sec. Simon Dennis +44 (0)1758 720966 T: Pro. John Froom +44 (0)1758 720102 E: secretary@nefyn-golf-club.co.uk www.nefyn-golf-club.co.uk Holes: 26

Length(s): 6,548/6,138

Course type: Links/Clifftop

Par(s): 71/71

Weekend fee: £-£££

SSS: 71/71 Weekday fee: £-£££

North Wales (Llandudno) Golf Club

155

72 Bryniau Road, West Shore, Llandudno LL30 2DZ T: Sec. Nick Kitchen +44 (0)1492 875325 T: Pro. Richard Bradbury +44 (0)1492 876878 E: enquiries@northwalesgolfclub.co.uk www.northwalesgolfclub.co.uk Holes: 18

Length(s): 6,254

Course type: Links

Par(s): 71

SSS: 71

Weekend fee: £-££

Weekday fee: £-££

Northop Country Park

156

Northop, Flintshire CH7 6WA T: Sec. +44 (0)1352 840440 T: Pro. +44 (0)1352 840440 E: info@northoppark.co.uk www.northoppark.co.uk Holes: 18

Course type: Parkland

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 73

Clubs and courses – North Wales

Holywell Golf Club

Clubs and courses – North Wales

Snowdonia Golf Coast Cluster Six Classic Golf Courses On The Spectacular North Wales Coast....

Enjoy some of the finest links and parkland courses in Wales

Aberdovery Golf Club – Links Abersoch Golf Club – Links / Parkland Nefyn & District Golf Club – Links Porthmadog Golf Club – Links / Heathland Pwllheli Golf Club – Links / Parkland Royal St David’s Golf Club – Links

Great value deals – experience more – book now W: www.great-golf.co.uk

T: 0845 450 5885

E: golf@nwt.co.uk

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 75

Clubs and courses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; North Wales

162

Llanddaniel-Fâb, Isle of Anglesey LL60 6NN T: Owner/MD Mr W R Carter +44 (0)1248 421150 T: Pro. +44 (0)1248 421150 Holes: 9

Length(s): 1,214

Rhos-on-Sea Golf Club and Hotel

Par(s): 27

Course type: Parkland

Holes: 18

Plassey Oaks Golf Complex

163

The Plassey Leisure Park, Eyton, Wrexham LL13 0SP T: Sec. +44 (0)1978 780020 www.plassey.com

Course type: Parkland

Rhuddlan Golf Club

Course type: Parkland

Length(s): 6,291

Course type: Parkland

Porthmadog Golf Club

164

Morfa Bychan, Porthmadog, Gwynedd LL49 9UU T: Sec. Gwilym Jones +44 (0)1766 514124 T: Pro. Peter Bright +44 (0)1766 513828 E: secretary@porthmadog-golf-club.co.uk www.porthmadog-golf-club.co.uk Holes: 18

Length(s): 6,322

Course type: Links

Par(s): 71

168

Meliden Road, Rhuddlan, Denbighshire LL18 6LB T: Sec. Jill Roberts +44 (0)1745 590217 T: Pro. Andrew Carr +44 (0)1745 590898 E: secretary@rhuddlangolfclub.co.uk www.rhuddlangolfclub.co.uk Holes: 18

Holes: 9

167

Penrhyn Bay, Llandudno, Conwy County LL30 3PU T: Sec. +44 (0)1492 549641 T: Pro. +44 (0)1492 548115 E: info@rhosgolf.co.uk www.rhosgolf.co.uk

Weekday fee: £

Rhyl Golf Club

Holes: 9

Weekday fee: ££

169

Length(s): 6,295 (18) SSS: 71 (18)

Course type: Links

Prestatyn Golf Club

SSS: 72

Coast Road, Rhyl, Denbighshire LL18 3RE T: Sec. Mrs Gill Davies +44 (0)1745 353171 T: Pro. Robert Dunbar +44 (0)1745 353171 E: rhylgolfclub@btconnect.com www.rhylgolfclub.co.uk

SSS: 71

Weekend fee: ££

Par(s): 71 Weekend fee: ££

165

Weekend fee: £

Weekday fee: £

Ruthin-Pwllglas Golf Club

170

Marine Road East, Prestatyn, Denbighshire LL18 7HS T: Sec. +44 (0)1745 854320 T: Pro. +44 (0)1745 854320 E: enquiries@prestatyngolfclub.co.uk www.prestatyngolfclub.co.uk

Pwllglas, Ruthin, Denbighshire LL15 2PE T: Sec. Neil Roberts +44 (0)1824 702296 T: Pro. Richard Heginbotham +44 (0)1824 705053 E: secretary@ruthinpwllglasgc.co.uk www.ruthinpwllglasgc.co.uk

Holes: 18

Course type: Parkland/Upland

Holes: 9

Course type: Links

Pwllheli Golf Club

Length(s): 5,362 (18) Par(s): 66 (18) SSS: 66 (18) Weekend fee: £

Weekday fee: £

166

Golf Road, Pwllheli, Gwynedd LL53 5PS T: Sec. +44 (0)1758 701644 T: Pro. +44 (0)1758 701644 E: admin@pwllheligolfclub.co.uk www.pwllheligolfclub.co.uk Holes: 18

Criccieth Golf Club

Course type: Links/Parkland

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Find out more about Wales by choosing some of the FREE guides featured here. You can order or download them from www. visitwales.com

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Free brochures

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Wales – Where to Stay Visit Wales graded hotels, guest houses, farmhouses, B&Bs, self catering cottages, caravans and camping, plus travel information and events.

Farm Stay Wales The genuine countryside experience providing quality serviced and self catering accommodation in rural Wales. www.farmstaywales.co.uk

Fishing Wales With endless coastline and countless rivers and lakes, it’s no wonder Wales is an angler’s paradise. www.fishing.visitwales.com

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 77

Clubs and courses – North Wales

Penrhyn Golf Complex

Clubs and courses – North Wales

Silver Birch Golf Club

171

Minafon Farm, Betws yn Rhos, Abergele LL22 8AW T: Sec. Menna Jones +44 (0)1492 680690 E: golf@d-m-jones.co.uk www.d-m-jones.co.uk/golf

Wrexham Golf Club

Holes: 9/9

Holes: 18

Course type: Rolling parkland

Weekend fee: £

177

Holt Road, Wrexham LL13 9SB T: Sec. Richard West +44 (0)1978 364268 T: Pro. Paul Williams +44 (0)1978 351476 E: info@wrexhamgolfclub.co.uk www.wrexhamgolfclub.co.uk Weekday fee: £

St Deiniol Golf Club

Length(s): 6,246

Course type: Parkland

Par(s): 70 Weekend fee: ££

SSS: 70 Weekday fee: ££

172

Pen y Bryn, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 1PX T: Sec. Bob Thomas MBE +44 (0)1248 353098 E: secretary@st-deiniol.co.uk www.st-deiniol.co.uk Length(s): 5,652

Holes: 18 Course type: Parkland

Par(s): 68 Weekend fee: £

SSS: 68 Weekday fee: £

St Melyd Golf Club

173

The Paddock, Meliden Road, Prestatyn, Denbighshire LL19 8NB T: Sec. Paul R Burnet +44 (0)1745 854405 E: enquiries@stmelydgolfltd.co.uk www.stmelydgolf.co.uk Holes: 9

Length(s): 5,839 (18) Par(s): 68 (18) SSS: 68 (18)

Course type: Parkland

Weekend fee: £

Henllys Golf Club

Weekday fee: £

Storws Wen Golf Club

174

Brynteg, Anglesey LL78 8JY T: Sec. +44 (0)1248 852673 www.storwswen.com

Green fee guide £ £1-£25 ££ £26-£50 £££ £51-£75

Holes: 9

Course type: Parkland

Tyddan Mawr Golf Course

175

Crawia Road, Llanrug, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4BS T: Sec. +44 (0)1286 674919

Holes: 9

££££ £76-£100

Course type: Parkland

£££££ £101+ Green fees were accurate at the time of checking (January 2010), but are subject to change. Please confirm actual fees when booking your tee time.

Vale of Llangollen Golf Club

176

Holyhead Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire LL20 7PR T: Sec. Bob Hardy +44 (0)1978 860906 T: Pro. David Vaughan +44 (0)1978 860040 E: info@vlgc.co.uk www.vlgc.co.uk

Spectacularly positioned on the valley floor surrounded by the glorious Welsh hills – this championship course hosts many county, professional and Welsh national amateur events. Always in pristine condition, a joy to play with some of the best greens you are likely to putt on. Local attractions include singing festivals, horse-drawn canal cruises, white-water canoe championships, a steam railway and many restaurants and bars. Country memberships available. Visiting parties (weekdays) – please enquire early if you want a prime summer spot! Otherwise there are Open weekends throughout the year when you can enjoy two days of golf and town’s attractions. Holes: 18

Length(s): 6,743

Par(s): 72

SSS: 73

Course type: Parkland

Weekend fee: £-££

Weekday fee: £-££

Treborth Golf Complex T: +44 (0)1248 371170 www.treborthgolfcomplex.co.uk Map ref: –

Anglesey Llangefni Golf Course 9-hole pay as you play course T: +44 (0)1248 722193

Tyddyn Mawr Golf Club T: +44 (0)1286 674919 Map ref: 175

Conwy Llandudno, Great Orme Pitch and putt course T: +44 (0)1492 874151

Chirk Golf Club (Academy Course) T: +44 (0)1691 774407 www.chirkgolfclub.co.uk Map ref: 137 Page 70

Gwynus Golf Centre T: +44 (0)1286 660440 Map ref: – Kinmel Park Golf Complex T: +44 (0)1745 833548 www.kinmel-golf.co.uk Map ref: –

Page 78

Other pay and play courses

Par-3/Novice courses

Clays Golf Club (9-hole) T: +44 (0)1978 661406 www.claysgolf.co.uk Map ref: 138

Page –

Page 70

Page –

Anglesey Golf Club T: +44 (0)1407 811127 www.angleseygolfclub.com Map ref: 131 Betws-y-Coed Golf Club T: +44 (0)1690 710556 www.golf-betws-y-coed.co.uk Map ref: 133 Bull Bay Golf Club T: +44 (0)1407 830960 www.bullbaygc.co.uk Map ref: 134 Caerwys Golf Club T: +44 (0)1352 721222 www.caerwysgolfcourse.co.uk Map ref: 136

Page 70

Page –

Llangefni Golf Course T: +44 (0)1248 722193 www.anglesey.gov.uk Map ref: 150

Chirk Golf Club (Captain David’s Course) T: +44 (0)1691 774407 www.chirkgolfclub.co.uk Map ref: 137 Page 70

Page 73

Llyˆn Golf Course T: +44 (0)1758 701200 www.pen-y-berth.co.uk Map ref: –

Maesdu (Llandudno) Golf Club T: +44 (0)1492 876450 www.maesdugolfclub.co.uk Map ref: 151 Page 73

Page –

Mountain Park Golf Club T: +44 (0)1352 736000 www.mountainparkgolf.co.uk Map ref: – North Wales Golf Course T: +44 (0)1745 730805 www.parkgolf.co.uk Map ref: –

Page –

Penrhyn Golf Complex T: +44 (0)1248 421150 Map ref: 162

Page 77

Silver Birch Golf Club T: +44 (0)1492 680690 www.d-m-jones.co.uk/golf Map ref: 171

Page 78

Moss Valley Golf Club T: +44 (0)1978 720518 www.mossvalleygolf.co.uk Map ref: 153 Mountain Park Golf Club T: +44 (0)1352 736000 www.mountainparkgolf.co.uk Map ref: –

Page 73

Page –

Northop Country Park T: +44 (0)1352 840440 www.northoppark.co.uk Map ref: 156

Page 73

Plassey Oaks Golf Complex T: +44 (0)1978 780020 www.plassey.com Map ref: 163

Page 77

Pwllheli Golf Club T: +44 (0)1758 701644 www.pwllheligolfclub.co.uk Map ref: 166

Page 77

Rhuddlan Golf Club T: +44 (0)1745 590217 www.rhuddlangolfclub.co.uk Map ref: 168

Page 77

Ruthin-Pwllglas Golf Club T: +44 (0)1824 702296 www.ruthinpwllglasgc.co.uk Map ref: 170

Page 77

St Deiniol Golf Club T: +44 (0)1248 353098 www.st-deiniol.co.uk Map ref: 172

Page 78

Driving ranges Chirk Golf Club T: +44 (0)1691 774407 www.chirkgolfclub.co.uk Map ref: 137 Clays Golf Club T: +44 (0)1978 661406 www.claysgolf.co.uk Map ref: 138

14 bays

Page 70 20 bays

Page 70

Kinmel Park Golf Complex T: +44 (0)1745 833548 www.kinmel-golf.co.uk Map ref: –

24 bays

Llyˆn Golf Course T: +44 (0)1758 701200 www.pen-y-berth.co.uk Map ref: –

15 bays

North Wales Golf Course T: +44 (0)1745 730805 www.parkgolf.co.uk Map ref: –

14 bays

Page –

Treborth Golf Complex 20 bays T: +44 (0)1248 371170 www.treborthgolfcomplex.co.uk Map ref: – Page –

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 79

Clubs and courses – North Wales

Local authority run facilities

Golf packages and tour operators

GREAT GOLFING VALUE! Golf on the Gower £75* 2 rounds of golf and 1 night B&B from only

per person!

from only £75* a person!

*Sunday night stay

Our Golf on the Gower packages give you the choice of 4 superb golf courses, offering a mix of links, heathland and parkland golf. The courses have each hosted a variety of county and national amateur championships over the years and all can be found on the stunningly beautiful Gower peninsula in South Wales, just 10 minutes off the M4 motorway. Our choice of quality hotels will make your golf break on the Gower even more memorable.

The choice is yours:

Clyne Golf Course

Fairwood Park Golf Course

Gower Golf Course

Play 3 rounds of golf from a choice of 4 different courses plus 2 nights B&B at the Carlton Hotel, Mumbles.

Play 3 rounds of golf from a choice of 4 different courses plus 2 nights B&B at the Winston Country House Hotel, Bishopston.

Play 3 rounds of golf from a choice of 4 different courses plus 2 nights B&B at the 4 star Dragon Hotel in Swansea City Centre.

£150 per person

£160 per person

£170 per person

** Pennard Golf Course applies a midweek and weekend supplement.

TO BOOK THESE SPECIAL OFFERS PLEASE CALL US ON 0800 083 2983 For more details on these and other packages please visit our website: www.golfongower.co.uk Packages subject to availability and based on 2 people sharing a twin or double room, playing golf midweek during high season. Prices inclusive of VAT and are subject to change. Supplements for weekends, playing Pennard, single rooms and dinner may apply.

Pennard Golf Course**

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 81

Golf packages and tour operators

Merchandise

All accommodation grades in this publication have been based on a new set of common quality standards agreed by Visit Wales, VisitBritain, Visit Scotland and the AA. The star ratings reflect the facilities and overall quality of the experience. A guide to quality assurance All the accommodation featured in this publication has been quality graded so you can make your choice in confidence, knowing that each place to stay has been given a star grading according to the quality and facilities on offer. Star grades mean that you can be sure of standards and choose the accommodation that’s just right for you. Visit Wales/AA are the only checking agents in Wales, checking out over 5,000 places. In the case of properties handled by self-catering agencies, the frequency between visits can be longer. Occasionally, it has not been possible to visit the accommodation prior to publication. In these instances, the property is marked as ‘Awaiting Grading’. STARS are your guide to quality. The Star Quality Grading Schemes apply to all types of accommodation: serviced – hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfast, farm accommodation, hostel/hostel-type accommodation; self-catering cottages and apartments and caravan holiday home and touring/camping parks.

Also look out for that extra-special property that has been awarded Visit Wales’s Gold Award, given for exceptional standards of hospitality, comfort and food in serviced accommodation. Further detailed information on grading criteria and awards can be found at www.wales.gov.uk/tourism

Simple, practical, no frills ★ ★ Well presented and well run ★ ★ ★

Good level of quality and comfort ★★★★

Excellent standard throughout

Number of bedrooms

Number en-suite

Private parking/garage facilities at establishment (number of spaces)

Please note: All gradings and awards were correct at the time of going to press. Occasionally, it may not have been possible to undertake a grading. This situation is clearly identified by ‘Awaiting Grading’ appearing within the advertisement/ entry. Grading assessments are on-going and improvements made by establishments may have resulted in a revision since publication. Please check when booking. Further information on gradings and awards is available from Visit Wales, Welsh Assembly Government, Rhodfa Padarn, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3UR Tel: 0845 010 8020 email: quality.tourism@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Discounts for guests at local course

TV in each unit

Cable/Satellite TV

Tea/coffee making facilities in bedrooms

Liquor licence (serviced accommodation)

Totally non-smoking establishment

Café or restaurant

Here are the quality ratings: ★

Key to symbols

Any problems? In the unfortunate event that you do encounter problems with your chosen accommodation, please refer to www.wales.gov.uk/topics/ tourism/contactus/complaints/ consumercomplaints for further guidance.

Leisure facilities

Credit cards accepted

Special weekend/midweek or short break holidays available

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Exceptional, with a degree of luxury

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 83

Where to stay

It’s all in the stars

Where to stay

Luxury 5 Star Guest House Just 2 miles from the Championship Courses of the Celtic Manor, host to the Ryder Cup 2010

Enjoy more time

Around us

Chic contemporary retreat

Walking and hiking in the Usk and Wye Valleys, areas of outstanding natural beauty with breathtaking scenery. Discover Roman Caerleon with its ancient monuments. Tour medieval castles, stately homes and museums, some of the best in Wales are all very close.

Restaurants boasting the best Welsh cuisine are all nearby. Championship golf courses including the new Twenty Ten Ryder Cup course for 2010 are minutes away. Business facilities, health clubs and all outdoor pursuits are easily available.

A collection of stunning designer inspired rooms and suites with up to the minute technology assure absolute comfort. Bathrooms en suite with walk in showers, underfloor heating, luxurious towelling and toiletries ensure our guests are truly pampered.

Location Semi rural, just off M4, Junction 24 or 25.

Llanmartin, Newport NP18 2EB

THE OLD RECTORY â&#x20AC;˘ To book now call 01633 411197 or visit www.celticguesthouses.com

Q West Properties – Self-Catering Accommodation ★★★ Hotel

Penallt, Monmouthshire NP25 4SE T: +44 (0)1600 715781 E: qwest@btconnect.com

4★/5★ Self-catering

www.great-house-laleston.co.uk

www.oldschoolpenallt.co.uk/www.capelpentwyn.co.uk

The Great House Hotel and Restaurant is ideally situated for the amateur and professional golfer, just 15 minutes from 8 different courses including championship Royal Porthcawl, Pyle & Kenfig and Southerndown golf clubs. Private transportation is available and established relationships allow us to arrange tee times locally. The award-winning restaurant has 2 AA rosettes. We have one of the highest quality scores for our luxury accommodation. A warm welcome awaits you.

Two luxury self-catering properties in the Wye Valley. Capel Pentwyn – 5 star converted chapel, spacious, superbly furnished, fully equipped accommodation for 5 (one single and two twin-bedded rooms). Adjacent is the very attractive 4 star stone school-house, which sleeps 6 in similar luxury (three twin-bedded rooms). Both properties have ensuite facilities and are only 25 minutes from Celtic Manor Resort and other Monmouthshire courses. Open all year, these adjacent properties can suit parties up to eleven. Virtual tour and tariff on website.

Open: January – December

3 (Capel Pentwyn) 3 (Old School Penallt)

3 (Capel Pentwyn) 4 (Old School Penallt) Open: January – December

Nearest Course: Royal Porthcawl – 5 miles

Nearest Course: The Rolls of Monmouth – 4 miles

Miskin Manor Hotel and Health Club Pendoylan Road, Miskin, Nr Cardiff CF72 8ND T: +44 (0)1443 224204 E: reservations@miskin-manor.co.uk

Broadmead Hotel ★★★★ Country House Hotel

Heywood Lane, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 8DA T: +44 (0)1834 842641 E: broadmead.tenby@googlemail.com

★★★ Hotel

www.miskin-manor.co.uk

www.broadmeadhoteltenby.com

A hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Welsh countryside, the Manor is less than a mile from junction 34 of the M4. This stunning grade II property is set in 22 glorious acres and blessed with timeless ambience. The hotel offers: 43 individually designed bedrooms, Relaxing lounges and open fires, Two rosette restaurant, On-site health suite, spa and swimming pool, Free on-site parking and helicopter landing. Please visit www.miskin-manor.co.uk for more information.

Delightful 18th century residence set in tranquil surroundings with ample parking in landscaped grounds and within easy walking distance of the town, beaches and harbour. Personally supervised by proprietors Simon and Julia who ensure the very high standards of service and cuisine are paramount. Bedrooms are tastefully furnished with ensuite bathrooms, colour TV, telephones and unlimited hot beverage facilities.

Nearest Course: Vale Resort – 5 miles

200+

Open: January – December

Nearest Course: Trefloyne – 0.8 miles

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 85

Where to stay

The Great House Hotel High Street, Laleston, Bridgend CF32 0HP T: +44 (0)1656 657644 E: enquiries@great-house-laleston.co.uk

Where to stay

Patricks With Rooms 638 Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4EA T: +44 (0)1792 360199 E: reception@patrickswithrooms.com www.patrickswithrooms.com

★★★★★ Restaurant with rooms

Patricks With Rooms is a five star family-run business that is situated within ideal travelling distance of all 5 local wonderful and diverse Gower golf courses. We have sixteen individually designed ensuite, sea-facing bedrooms, with crisp white duvets, fluffy white towels and luxurious bathroom products. You can celebrate or commiserate your round of golf in our colonial-style lounge bar before making your way into our elegant restaurant for a gorgeous meal with freshly-prepared local ingredients from our team of passionate chefs. Stretch out aching muscles in our well-equipped gym the next morning, before sampling yet more delights from our kitchen with breakfast dishes such as traditional Welsh breakfast, Patricks-style Kedgeree or a refreshing fruit platter with honeyed nuts and Greek yoghurt. Our aim is to give you ‘Seriously good food, wine, service and sleep’.

Open: January – December (closed for 3 weeks in November)

Nearest Course: Langland Bay – 1 mile

Caerwylan Hotel

The Imperial Hotel

Beach Bank, Criccieth, Gwynedd LL52 0HW T: +44 (0)1766 522547 E: info@caerwylan.com www.caerwylan.com

★★★ Hotel

The Caerwylan Hotel is a friendly, 3 star hotel just 50 yards from the beach and is an excellent base for the many challenging golf courses on the Llyˆn Peninsula. During 2008 and 2009 our 24 comfortable, contemporary, ensuite bedrooms were rebuilt to a high standard. Many of the bedrooms have lovely sea views. The light and airy restaurant is open for dinner every day. The Head Chef uses good local suppliers and the varied menu changes daily.

Nearest Course: Criccieth – 1 mile

Open: February – December

The Promenade, Llandudno LL30 1AP T: +44 (0)1492 877466 E: reception@theimperial.co.uk www.theimperial.co.uk

★★★★ Hotel

Within forty minutes of the hotel are over forty golf clubs offering a wide variety of courses and challenges to suit all abilities, individuals and parties. Some of the best coastal courses are right on our doorstep. After a hard day on the course, unwind in the hotel’s health and fitness centre, followed by dinner in its award-winning Chantrey’s Restaurant. The hotel is open to non-residents for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. 98

Nearest Course: Maesdu (Llandudno) – 1 mile

Open: January – December

Seion, Nr Caernarfon, Snowdonia, Gwynedd LL55 3AE T: +44 (0)1248 670489 E: enquiries@tynrhos.co.uk www.tynrhos.co.uk

★★★★★ Guest Accommodation

Hole in ONE?

Let our self-catering cottages get you in the swing

to book or request a brochure call

01492 582492 email info@nwhc.co.uk

Fantastic golf courses next to our lovely holiday cottage lets in the beautiful regions of the Conwy Valley & Vale of Clwyd, Coastal resorts, Northern & Southern Snowdonia, Lleyn Peninsula and Anglesey.

A beautiful country house set in 50 acres of rolling countryside with stocked lake and helipad (no charge if dining or staying). Luxury bedrooms with luxury bathrobes, towels and toiletries, etc. Fine dining restaurant open to non-residents for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Freeview TV. Ground floor bedrooms available. Lock-up for golf clubs, etc. Events coordinator can arrange golf, shooting, fishing and much more – why not book a golf or country pursuits break? Ample parking, including small coach parking. Special group rates. Many other activities close by. Wifi in some bedrooms and public room.

16 (plus 1 cottage)

Open: January – December

www.northwalesholidaycottages.co.uk Nearest Course: Caernarfon – 5 miles

www.visitwales.com

WV2011 ROW Cover.indd 1

Find out more about Wales by choosing some of the FREE guides featured here. You can order or download them from www.visitwales.com

Wales View 2011

Free brochures

Wales View

22/12/2010 14:59

Wales – Where to Stay Visit Wales graded hotels, guest houses, farmhouses, B&Bs, self catering cottages, caravans and camping, plus travel information and events.

Farm Stay Wales The genuine countryside experience providing quality serviced and self catering accommodation in rural Wales. www.farmstaywales.co.uk

Fishing Wales With endless coastline and countless rivers and lakes, it’s no wonder Wales is an angler’s paradise. www.fishing.visitwales.com

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 87

Where to stay

Ty’n Rhos 5 Star Country House & Restaurant

Frequently asked questions

Golf When is the best time of year to play golf in Wales? The milder climate found on the coast, combined with soil that drains exceptionally well, means that most of Wales’s links courses stay open all year round. Generally, however, the main golfing season here starts at the beginning of April and runs to mid-October.

Do I need to book tee times?

Do I need medical insurance?

Most courses in Wales will find space for casual golfers on most days. However, to avoid disappointment, we’d recommend checking tee time availability as far in advance as possible.

You are strongly advised to take out adequate insurance cover before travelling. Your travel agent will be able to suggest a suitable policy. For more information on healthcare for travellers see www.visitbritain.com

Can I hire equipment and arrange caddies? You can hire clubs and trolleys at many of our clubs. Buggies are becoming more common at our bigger clubs, but walking is still the rule here. If you need a buggy for medical reasons, make sure you book it well ahead of your visit. You can now find a caddy to accompany you on your round using Wales’s official caddy service – www.caddylocator.com

Do I need a handicap certificate? Not all of our clubs will ask for a handicap certificate or proof of club membership, but if you have them, bring them with you. Again, it’s best to check with the club you book regarding their particular policy.

Tourism for All is a free specialist information service promoting accessible tourism. It offers free specialist information on travel planning, transport, accommodation and booking. www.tourismforall.org.uk What currency do I need? We use pounds sterling currency (£) in Wales. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, post offices, bureau de change kiosks and larger hotels. All credit cards that bear the Visa, Mastercard and American Express logo are widely accepted. However, please note that the Euro (€) is not yet widely accepted in the UK.

What clothing should I bring? Summers in Wales are generally mild and fresh, with average temperatures of around 20˚C (68˚F). But the weather is unpredictable, so an extra sweater and waterproofs are worth keeping to hand – particularly if you’re playing on the coast or on higher ground. Dress codes on Welsh courses are fairly relaxed, although jeans, tee-shirts and trainers are not usually permitted. A few courses don’t allow metal spikes. If in doubt, check with the course when you book.

I have special needs – where can I ask for holiday advice?

General What travel documents do I need? On arrival in the United Kingdom, visitors must show a valid national passport or other document satisfactorily establishing his/her identity and nationality. Entry clearance and visa requirements for Wales are the same as for the United Kingdom as a whole. Details are available from VisitBritain www.visitbritain.com or the UK Visas website www.ukvisas.gov.uk

Are there guidelines for tipping? There are no definite rules for tipping. If you feel that you’ve received good service then you may wish to leave a tip. This is most common in restaurants, where the tip can be up to 10-15% of the bill – but you should always check to see if a service charge has already been included. Tipping in hotels is also at your discretion. It is not normal to tip bar staff, although they may be offered a drink. Taxi drivers are often given a tip, particularly on longer journeys and if they have carried your luggage.

Can I claim a VAT refund?

When are public holidays in Wales?

A Value Added Tax (VAT) of 20% (as of 4 January 2011) is applied to goods and services. US visitors to Wales can reclaim VAT on goods only by using the foreign exchange tax-free shopping arrangements at participating shops and stores. A tax-free shopping form is obtained and completed at the shop, where you must show your passport. The form must then be presented to Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs when you leave the UK.

2011 2012 1 & 3 January 1 & 2 January 22, 25 & 29 April 6 & 9 April 2 & 30 May 7 May 4 & 5 June 29 August 27 August 25, 26 & 27 Dec 25 & 26 Dec

What time do shops and banks open? Generally, shop opening hours are 9:00 to 17:30 Monday-Saturday and usually 10:00 to 16:00 on Sunday (in larger towns and cities). Banks tend to open 9:00 to 17:00 Monday-Saturday. How much do things cost in Wales? B&B accommodation: £30 - £45 per person, per night

When are the school holidays? The main summer holiday is from midJuly to early September in England and Wales. Schools also have 2-3 weeks’ holiday at Christmas and Easter, plus a week in mid-February, end of May and mid-October. Exact dates vary between each education authority.

have an excellent knowledge of the area and will be delighted to help you with booking your accommodation, finding places to eat, things to do, routes to take, national and local events and obtaining maps, guides and books. Normally, offices are open between 10:00 and 17:00. For a list of Tourist Information Centres see www. visitwales.co.uk/contact-visit-wales Visitors in London requiring information about Wales can call in at the Britain and London Visitor Centre – 1 Regent Street, near Piccadilly Circus.

Can i use my electrical appliances? Standard voltage in Wales, like the rest of the UK, is 240 AC, 50-60HZ. An adaptor or converter may be necessary to use your appliances in the UK. How do I call Wales?

Average 3 star hotel: £40 - £70 per person, per night Lunch (snack/sandwich):

£3 - £4

3 course dinner (no wine):

£20 - £30

Bottle of wine in a pub:

£12 - £15

Pint of beer in a pub:

£3 - £4

Cup of tea or coffee:

£2 - £3

Small bottle of water:

If you are telephoning Wales from abroad, please note that the international dialling code for the UK is +44. Having dialled the country code, the area code has to be dialled omitting the ‘0’. For example, if you want to phone the Cardiff Tourist Information Centre (Tel: 08701 211258) from abroad, ring +44 8701 211258. In Wales, to obtain the assistance of the fire, police or ambulance service in an emergency, dial 999 from any phone.

£1 Where do I get local information?

Average car parking (1 day): City centre Town National Parks

£12 £4 £3

One of the simplest and quickest ways of getting local information is by calling in to one of our Tourist Information Centres. The staff are highly trained,

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 89

Getting to Wales Wales is easy to get to. It’s only a few hours by motorway from London. By train it’s even quicker – just two hours from London to Cardiff. It’s the same from Britain’s major airports with speedy road and rail links from Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester. And of course you can also fly direct to Cardiff Airport By air Services from all over the world fly into the London airports, so check with your local travel agent. Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool also have a number of international flights, whilst Bristol airport is very conveniently located for a trip to Wales. Cardiff Airport Tel: +44 (0)1446 711111 www.tbicardiffairport.com The airport is situated in Rhoose, 12 miles (20 km) south west of Cardiff. Buses, trains and taxis link the airport to the city centre. Taxis cost approximately £26 – a booking office is located outside the arrivals hall. Bus service X91 operates between Cardiff Central station and Cardiff Airport every two hours during the day, seven days a week. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes, with pick up and drop off points situated in front of the terminal building. A rail link connects the airport station to Cardiff Central and Bridgend. Trains run every hour from Monday to Saturday and every two hours on Sundays. A complimentary shuttle bus service is available between the terminal building and the station for passengers with a valid train ticket. Car hire is also available. A number of airlines offer direct flights to Cardiff – check out their websites for details:

Aer Lingus www.aerlingus.com bmibaby www.bmibaby.com Eastern Airways www.easternairways.com Flybe www.flybe.com Helvetic Airways www.helvetic.com KLM www.klm.com Manx2 www.manx2.com Other UK airports Birmingham International Airport www.bhx.co.uk Bristol International Airport www.bristolairport.co.uk Liverpool John Lennon Airport www.liverpoolairport.com London Gatwick Airport www.gatwickairport.com London Heathrow Airport www.heathrowairport.com London Luton Airport www.london-luton.co.uk London Stansted Airport www.stanstedairport.com Manchester Airport www.manchesterairport.co.uk

By sea Ferry crossings from Ireland to ports in Wales Fastnet Line www.fastnetline.com Cork – Swansea Irish Ferries www.irishferries.com Dublin Port – Holyhead, Rosslare – Pembroke Stena Line www.stenaline.ie Dublin Port – Holyhead, Dun Laoghaire – Holyhead, Rosslare – Fishguard Ferry crossings from mainland Europe to Great Britain Brittany Ferries www.brittany-ferries.com Condor Ferries www.condorferries.com DFDS Seaways www.dfdsseaways.co.uk LD Lines www.ldlines.com Norfolkline www.norfolkline.com P&O www.poferries.com Sea France www.seafrance.com Stena Line www.stenaline.com

How far? Birmingham to Aberystwyth 123 miles

2hrs 44mins

Canterbury to Cardiff 214 miles

3hrs 51mins

Coventry to Barmouth 138 miles

2hrs 56mins

Exeter to Swansea 144 miles

2hrs 35mins

Leeds to Llandudno 126 miles

2hrs 31mins

London to Cardiff 151 miles

2hrs 53mins

London to Tenby 238 miles

4hrs 29mins

Manchester to Caernarfon 105 miles

2hrs 19mins

Nottingham to Swansea 204 miles

3hrs 41mins

Peterborough to Aberystwyth 207 miles

4hrs 22mins

Newcastle-upon-Tyne to Llandudno 221 miles 4hrs 20mins Reading to Carmarthen 172 miles

3hrs 2mins

York to Welshpool 152 miles

3hrs 2mins

Mileages/times supplied by www.theaa.com

By rail

By road

You can travel to the UK from France via the Channel Tunnel or from France and Belgium by Eurostar. www.eurotunnel.com www.eurostar.com

National Express provides a nationwide network of express coach services linking major cities and towns in Wales as well as the UK’s principal gateways. ‘Funfares’ are available exclusively online for as little as £1 (one way) subject to availability. www.nationalexpress.com

In the UK, fast and frequent rail services run between London Paddington and Cardiff, taking only two hours. There is a half-hourly departure to Cardiff Central, with an hourly continuation to Swansea and onward connections to West Wales. Direct trains to North Wales depart from London Euston. Hourly services run from Manchester to the North Wales coast. For general rail enquiries Tel: 08457 484950 or +44 (0)207 278 5240 from outside the UK. www.nationalrail.co.uk www.thetrainline.com

From as little as £8 a day, you can hop on and off the National Express network with a Brit Xplorer pass. Passes can be purchased online at www. nationalexpress.com/coach/offers/ britXplorer.cfm

The M4/M25 motorways connect Wales with London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports. The M4 extends deep into South West Wales – The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in the far west, for example, is an easy drive of no more than a handful of hours. In the north there’s the A55 Expressway, connecting Snowdonia and the North Wales coast with Manchester Airport and the UK’s motorway network. The Mid Wales countryside is easily reached via the M54 from the M5/M6, connecting the Heart of Wales with Birmingham Airport and Central England.

Megabus provides low cost intercity travel in the UK, with buses running from a number of major UK cities to Cwmbran, Newport and Cardiff. Prices from £1 plus 50p booking fee (one way). www.megabus.com

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Travel within Wales Rail services run through the regions of Wales – usually on highly scenic routes such as The Cambrian Coast, Conwy Valley and Heart of Wales lines. For more information:

For pure pleasure why not take a ride on some of our 14 narrow gauge and steam railways. Many are members of the Great Little Trains of Wales. www.greatlittletrainsofwales.co.uk

www.nationalrail.co.uk

The ‘Freedom of Wales’ Flexi Pass offers unlimited travel on all mainline rail services in Wales plus most scheduled bus services. Holders will also benefit from free or discounted travel on some of the narrow gauge Great Little Trains of Wales and discounted entry to many of Wales’s tourist attractions. A number of ticket options are available – The 4 in 8 Day All Wales Pass (£78) allows four days’ train and eight days’ bus travel and The Freedom of South Wales Flexi Rover and North and Mid Wales Rover (£54 each) allow four days’ train and eight days’ bus travel within each regional area. www.walesflexipass.co.uk

www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk www.scenicwales.co.uk www.heart-of-wales.co.uk The Cambrian Railways…the winning way to the fairway! Present a valid rail ticket when paying your green fees at any of the following participating golf courses and you could get a 10-20% discount: Pwllheli, Criccieth, Porthmadog, Royal St David’s, Fairbourne, Aberdovey, Borth & Ynyslas, Aberystwyth, Machynlleth, St Giles, Welshpool and Mid Wales Golf Centre. www.thecambrianline.co.uk

There’s a good local bus service too, and a cross-country long distance network between North and South Wales. www.traveline-cymru.org.uk When you’re out and about in the National Parks, use the convenient ‘park and ride’ bus services designed to cut down on traffic. Brecon Beacons National Park (Beacons Bus) www.breconbeacons.org/visit-us/ transport Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (Celtic Coaster, Coastal Cruiser, Poppit Rocket, Puffin Shuttle and Strumble Shuttle) www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/coastbus Snowdonia National Park (Snowdon Sherpa) www.snowdoniagreenkey.co.uk

For up-to-date and reliable public transport information including route planners use Traveline Cymru. www.traveline-cymru.org.uk

Train running along the Dovey estuary

Active Wales If playing golf has given you an appetite for the outdoors, then Wales comes well equipped for adventure. We have mountains for the mountain bikers, salmon rivers for the anglers and bogs for the bog snorkellers. And as we’re surrounded on three sides by sea, we’re pretty well off for water, too – including surf for the surfers. None of this depends on good weather, which is just as well because it has been known to rain occasionally in Wales. But that’s hardly a big issue when you’re hurtling down a mountain with your rear brakes burned out. And don’t let the end of summer dampen your enthusiasm. The sea in Wales is warmer in October than in July. Even when it does get chilly, you could always pack away your surfboard and go fishing for grayling on the River Wye instead. Our Visit Wales Active websites will point you in the right direction. So what are you waiting for? Adventure If you have a passion for adventure you can choose the challenge in Wales. Have a go at coasteering. First, kit yourself out in a wetsuit, helmet and buoyancy aid. Then, do everything your mum told you not to: climb, swim, slip, slide and scramble your way along the rugged coastline before throwing yourself off the cliffs into the swirling waves below. If that doesn’t appeal there’s always rock climbing, white water rafting, canyoning, caving, scrambling or paragliding. www.visitwales.co.uk/active Watersports If you’ve ever wondered what snowboarding on water might be like then wakeboarding is for you, an exciting mix of snowboarding, surfing and skateboarding that has fast become the coolest and most fun way to take to the water. Or why not give windsurfing a go. Blasting along the beautiful Welsh coastline at 30 knots might sound a bit much to achieve in one holiday, but it’s within most people’s grasp. Sea kayaking is the perfect way to discover the coastline – there are caves you can paddle into, beaches you can’t reach on foot, and you might be lucky enough to spot seals and dolphins. www.waleswatersports.co.uk Walking Wales is a strong contender for the best walking country in Europe, maybe even the world. It’s not just the 500 miles of National Trails, the five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the treasure trove of Welsh history or the astonishingly ancient landscape. It’s the sheer variety packed into such a relatively small space. Work continues to create the Wales Coast Path, which by 2012 will provide walkers, cyclists and horse riders a continuous 850-mile path running right around the coastline. www.walking.visitwales.com Mountain Biking Wales is only half the size of The Netherlands, yet its forests and valleys offer the most mountain biking options in the UK. We have 13 dedicated mountain bike centres and bases, delivering a nerve-tingling experience all year round, whatever the weather. We do slalom singletracks like Cwmcarn in the South Wales Valleys and remote wilderness epics like Nant-yr-Arian in Mid Wales. Each winter sees more routes and trails added and thanks to the free-draining Welsh geology, the average route is just as good in the wet as in the dry. www.mbwales.com Fishing There’s a lot of game fishing to boast about here in Wales. There are 22,000 acres of lakes, 2,400 miles of sea trout rivers, and 2,450 miles of wild brown trout rivers here. You’ll find big crafty carp in our course fisheries, wild brown trout in the tumbling Teifi and Usk, and salmon in world-famous rivers such as the Dee, Wye and Severn. The ultimate fly-fishing challenge is for sea trout (or sewin). The River Tywi in Carmarthenshire is simply the best sea trout river in Europe and a path has recently been created to improve access to the river for anglers and visitors. www.fishing.visitwales.com www.golfasitshouldbe.com 93

Notes and scribbles Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your own personal space to write (or doodle) whatever you like. Directions to that favourite restaurant. The telephone number of that great nine-holer. The number of double bogeys you made at Nefyn. How to get to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. How to spell it. Then donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to share the things you find with a friend by passing on the magazine.

www.golfasitshouldbe.com 95

Golf course index map South Wales 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 14 21 23 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 35 36 41 42 44 45 46 48 49 50 51 52 55 56 59 60 62 63 64

Aberdare Golf Club Alice Springs Golf Club Bargoed Golf Club Blackwood Golf Club Bridgend Golf Complex Brynhill (Barry) Golf Club Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel & Spa Coed-y-Mwstwr Golf Club Grove Golf Club Llantrisant & Pontyclun Golf Club Maesteg Golf Club St Pierre, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club Merthyr Tydfil (Cilsanws) Golf Club Monmouth Golf Club Monmouthshire Golf Club Morlais Castle Golf Club Mountain Ash Golf Club Oakdale Golf Course Parc Bryn Bach Golf Course Pontypridd Golf Club Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club RAF St Athan Golf Club Raglan Parc Golf Club Rhondda Golf Club The Rolls of Monmouth Golf Club Royal Porthcawl Golf Club Southerndown Golf Club St Andrews Major Golf Club St Mary’s Hotel, Golf & Country Club Tredegar & Rhymney Golf Club Vale Resort Wernddu Golf Club West Monmouthshire Golf Club Whitehall Golf Club Whitehills Golf Club Woodlake Park Golf & Country Club

70 Corus Golf Course 71 Dawn Till Dusk Rosemarket Golf Club 72 Derllys Court Golf Club 75 Glyn Abbey Golf Club 76 Glynhir Golf Club 80 Haverfordwest Golf Club 81 Lakeside Golf Club 83 Llandovery College Golf Course 84 Machynys Peninsula Golf & Country Club 85 Mayfield Golf Centre 86 Milford Haven Golf Club 88 Neath Golf Club 89 Newport Links Golf Club & Resort 91 Parc Garnant Golf Course 94 Priskilly Forest Country House & Golf Club 95 South Pembrokeshire Golf Club 96 St Davids City Golf Club 99 Tenby Golf Club 100 Trefloyne Golf Course

C Swansea area 65 69 73 74 77 78 79 82 87

Allt-y-Graban Golf Club Clyne Golf Club Earlswood Golf Course Fairwood Park Golf Club Glynneath Golf Club Gower Golf Club Gowerton Golf Range Langland Bay Golf Club Morriston Golf Club

90 92 93 97 98

Palleg & Swansea Valley Golf Club Pennard Golf Club Pontardawe Golf Club Swansea Bay Golf Club Tawe ValeGolf Club

A Newport (Gwent) area 8 13 17 20 24 25 34 37 39 40 54

Caerleon Golf Course The Celtic Manor Resort Dewstow Golf Club Green Meadow Golf & Country Club Llanwern Golf Club Llanyrafon Golf Course Newport Golf Club Parc Golf Club Pontnewydd Golf Club Pontypool Golf Club Tredegar Park Golf Club

B Cardiff area 9 10 11 12 15 16 18 19 22 33 38 43 47 53 57 58 61

Caerphilly Golf Club Cardiff Golf Club Castell Coch Golf Club Castell Heights Golf Club Cottrell Park Golf Resort Creigiau Golf Club Dinas Powys Golf Club The Glamorganshire Golf Club Llanishen Golf Club Mountain Lakes Golf Club Peterstone Lakes Golf Club Radyr Golf Club Ridgeway Golf Club St Mellons Golf Club Virginia Park Golf Club Wenvoe Castle Golf Club Whitchurch (Cardiff) Golf Club

West Wales 66 Ashburnham Golf Club 67 Carmarthen Golf Club 68 Celtic Haven Golf Academy

Mid Wales 101 Aberdovey Golf Club 102 Aberystwyth Golf Club 103 Bala Golf Club 104 Borth & Ynyslas Golf Club 105 Brecon Golf Club 106 Builth Wells Golf Club 107 Cardigan Golf Club 108 Cilgwyn Golf Club 109 Cradoc Golf Club 110 Cwmrhydneuadd Golf Club 111 Dolgellau Golf Club 112 Knighton Golf Club 113 Lakeside Golf Course 114 Llandrindod Wells Golf Club 115 Llanymynech Golf Club 116 Machynlleth Golf Club 117 Maesmawr Golf Club 118 The Old Rectory Country Hotel 119 Oswestry Golf Club 120 Penrhos Golf and Country Club 121 Rhosgoch Golf & Leisure Club 122 Royal St David’s Golf Club

123 St Giles Golf Club 124 St Idloes Golf Club 125 Saron Golf Course 126 Summerhill Golf Club 127 Welsh Border Golf Complex 128 Welshpool Golf Club

North Wales 129 Abergele Golf Club 130 Abersoch Golf Club 131 Anglesey Golf Club 132 Baron Hill Golf Club 133 Betws-y-Coed Golf Club 134 Bull Bay Golf Club 135 Caernarfon Golf Club 136 Caerwys Golf Club 137 Chirk Golf Club 138 Clays Golf Club 139 Conwy Golf Club 140 Criccieth Golf Club 141 Denbigh Golf Club 142 Ffestiniog Golf Club 143 Flint Golf Club 144 Hawarden Golf Club 145 Henllys Golf Club 146 Holyhead Golf Club 147 Holywell Golf Club 148 Kinsale Golf Club 149 Llanfairfechan Golf Club

150 Llangefni Golf Course 151 Maesdu (Llandudno) Golf Club 152 Mold Golf Club 153 Moss Valley Golf Club 154 Nefyn & District Golf Club 155 North Wales (Llandudno) Golf Club 156 Northop Country Park 157 Old Colwyn Golf Club 158 Old Padeswood Golf Club 159 Padeswood & Buckley Golf Club 160 Penmaenmawr Golf Club 161 Pennant Park Golf Club 162 Penrhyn Golf Complex 163 Plassey Oaks Golf Complex 164 Porthmadog Golf Club 165 Prestatyn Golf Club 166 Pwllheli Golf Club 167 Rhos-on-Sea Golf Club and Hotel 168 Rhuddlan Golf Club 169 Rhyl Golf Club 170 Ruthin-Pwllglas Golf Club 171 Silver Birch Golf Club 172 St Deiniol Golf Club 173 St Melyd Golf Club 174 Storws Wen Golf Club 175 Tyddan Mawr Golf Course 176 Vale of Llangollen Golf Club 177 Wrexham Golf Club