Picture yourself amid rolling hills, surrounded by breathtaking views and with a gentle breeze whispering encouragement as you prepare to begin your round.
Wales, with its enchanting charm and natural wonder, is home to some of the most exquisite golf courses in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer seeking a new challenge or a novice eager to immerse yourself in the game, Wales not only offers an array of exceptional courses that will leave you inspired and desperate to return. But it also offers incredible value for money when compared to the likes of Scotland, Ireland and England too.
Let’s explore the very best golf courses Wales has to offer.
1. Royal Porthcawl Golf Club: a truly world-class links
Royal Porthcawl is widely recognised not only as the best golf course in Wales but as a links to rival any in the UK and beyond. No surprise then to discover it has hosted almost every championship it could have done, including The Walker Cup, The Amateur Championship, the Women’s Open, The Curtis Cup, and the 2023 Senior British Open. This links combines beauty, challenge and adventure. It’s an uncompromising layout which is often buffeted by the stiff breeze which comes off the Bristol Channel. You can’t fail to love this place.
2. Royal St David’s Golf Club: A truly regal challenge
Tucked away in the charming town of Harlech, Royal St David’s Golf Club is a true gem of Wales. This traditional links course offers an exhilarating challenge with its undulating terrain, blind shots, and unforgiving bunkers. Playing here is like taking a journey through time as you pass by Harlech Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take in the beauty of Cardigan Bay and the beaches of the Llŷn Peninsula. It’s not exaggeration to say it’s one of the finest settings for a golf course, anywhere in the world.
3. Aberdovey Golf Club: Nature’s Own Masterpiece
For golfers who yearn to experience nature’s artistry, Aberdovey Golf Club is a dream come true. Situated within the Snowdonia National Park at the mouth of the Dovey Estuary. You’ll find this links squeezed between the beautiful Cambrian Mountains and a sweeping stretch of pure white sand. It measures around 6,500 yards from the tips and has tested many of the very best golfers year after year after year. It was famously where Ian Woosnam came to practice each April before he went to Augusta National for The Masters. He won the green jacket in 1991, of course.
4. Pennard Golf Club: the links in the sky
This classic links is unique in a number of ways. For a start, it sits some 200ft above sea level, leading many to refer to it as ‘The Links in the Sky’. Founded in 1896 the club has a rich heritage and a truly wonderful golf course. It offers awe-inspiring views of Three Cliffs Bay and the Bristol Channel, while the links is replete with historical remnants, including ancient ruins, all of which adds a touch of mystique to your golfing experience.
5. Celtic Manor Resort: The Ultimate Golfing Retreat
Celtic Manor Resort is not just three wonderful golf courses, it’s so much more. This golfer’s paradise, hosted the 2010 Ryder Cup, of course, but is actually a wonderful place to come and stay regardless of whether you like golf or not. It caters brilliantly for families and for groups of golfers, which the brutal Twenty Ten Course, alongside the Roman Road and Montgomery courses. Each layout boast exquisite views of the Usk Valley. And when you’re finished in the golf course there are endless restaurants, a beautiful spa and plenty more besides to hold your interest.
6. Conwy Golf Club: Coastal Charisma
Prepare to be spellbound by the stunning scenery and coastal charm at Conwy Golf Club. This championship links offers breathtaking views of the Conwy Estuary, Snowdonia and the medieval Conwy Castle. As you navigate through its challenging fairways and strategic bunkers, the ubiquitous and ever-changing breeze adds an extra dimension to the challenge. Quite simply, Conwy Golf Club is a must-visit destination.
7. Machynys Peninsula Golf & Country Club: Modern Elegance
Embrace contemporary elegance and award-winning design at Machynys Peninsula Golf & Country Club. This Jack Nicklaus-designed course sits gracefully along the Carmarthenshire coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Gower Peninsula. Its modern layout, pristine greens, and strategic water hazards will challenge players of all levels. When you’re not enjoying a round, relax at the luxurious spa or savour the beautiful clubhouse and many facilities.
8. Southerdown Golf Club: A Hidden Gem
Southerdown Golf Club dates back to 1905 and yet it has a timeless appeal. Set on a limestone outcrop, which rises over 100 yards from the sea, means this course has incredible views, excellent draining and the kind of turf you dream of hitting irons from. It has been described as a heathland-links, with heather, bracken and gorse. The likes of Herbert Fowler, Willie Park, Harry Colt and Donald Steel – legends of golf course design – have all helped to shape this layout.
9. Tenby Golf Club: the birthplace of golf in Wales
Golfers have been hitting balls on the land Tenby Golf Club occupies since 1875. Many a good judge will tell you that means Tenby is the birthplace of Welsh golf, with the original 9-hole layout extended to 18 in 1907. Tenby is also one of the the founding clubs of the Welsh Golf Union. This traditional linksoffers stunning views of the Carmarthen Bay and Caldey Island. From start to finish, it’s an exhilarating test.
10. Nefyn & District Golf Club: Cliff-top Wonder
Tucked away at the end of a narrow lane in not far from the unassuming coastal village of Nefyn, you’ll find a golf course which will stop you in your tracks. Perched dramatically on the cliffs of the Llyn Peninsula, this course offers jaw-dropping views of the Irish Sea from every hole. Unusually you will find no fewer than 27 holes here, an 18 hole Championship Course, alongside The Point, or the old front 9. Some refer to it as the Pebble Beach of Wales, while others liken it to Ireland’s Old Head of Kinsale. Either way, it’s pretty special.
Each of these ten exceptional golf courses demonstrate why Wales must always be in the conversation when it comes choosing which country to head to on a golf trip to the UK. From the majesty of Royal Porthcawl to the coastal charm of Conwy and the modern elegance of Machynys Peninsula, each course offers a unique blend of natural beauty and golfing excellence. Whether you’re seeking challenging links or an inland brute to test your game, Wales has the perfect course to meet your needs. So, pack your bags, do a little research and you can thank us later.
Best golf in Wales: frequently asked questions
Do you have a Wales golf courses map?
Which are the best golf courses in South Wales?
Well, the map should give you a good idea. Certainly start with Royal Porthcawl but Celtic Manor is in the south, as are the likes of Pennard and Tenby. No shortage of fantastic golf courses.
What the best golf courses North Wales?
There are just so many fantastic golf courses in North Wales. If you’re coming across from Liverpool and Manchester you could start with Conwy, make your way towards Nefyn and then loop down and around the coast towards Royal St David’s and Aberdovey. What a golf trip that is.
What about the top 10 courses in Wales?
Well, we believe our list is the top 10 golf courses in Wales but these things are deeply personal choices and it’s important you take this as a guide and go and find out for yourselves. So many great places to play.
