The Best 10 Golf Courses In Wales

Wales has a rich and diverse golf ecosystem, with a long history that dates back to the 19th century. Today, the country boasts over 200 golf courses, ranging from traditional links courses to modern parkland courses. These courses offer a variety of challenges and scenery, from rugged coastal landscapes to rolling hills and valleys.

To support golfers and promote the sport, Wales is home to over 150 golf clubs. These clubs range in size and scope, from small local clubs to larger clubs with multiple courses and extensive facilities. Many clubs offer amenities such as driving ranges, practice greens, and pro shops, as well as organized events and tournaments.

Wales has hosted a number of prestigious golf events over the years. Perhaps the most notable of these was the Ryder Cup in 2010, which was held at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport. Other events held in Wales include the Welsh Open, the Ladies Welsh Open, and the Welsh Amateur Championship. These events draw top golfers from around the world and provide a showcase for the country's beautiful golf courses.

To oversee and coordinate golf activities in Wales, there are several golf associations and organizations. The primary governing body for golf in Wales is Wales Golf, which is responsible for developing the sport, organizing tournaments, and supporting golf clubs and golfers. Other associations in Wales include the Welsh Ladies Golf Union, which promotes women's golf, and the Welsh Disabled Golf Association, which provides opportunities for golfers with disabilities.

The golf ecosystem in Wales is thriving and offers a wealth of opportunities for golfers of all levels. With its beautiful courses, supportive clubs, and exciting events, Wales is a great destination for golf enthusiasts from around the world.

Aberdovey Golf Club - Aberdovey, Wales

Aberdovey Golf Club is a prestigious golf club located in Aberdovey, a small village situated on the west coast of Wales. The club boasts a beautiful links course, designed by James Braid in 1892, and has since been refined by many great golf architects.

The club has a long history of hosting important golf events, including the Welsh Ladies Championship, the Welsh Youth Championship, and the Welsh Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship. Aberdovey Golf Club has also been used as a qualifying venue for the Open Championship.

In terms of notable accomplishments, Aberdovey Golf Club has consistently ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and is frequently cited as one of the best links courses in Wales.

The club has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation, winning the Wales Golf Club of the Year award in 2018.

Royal Porthcawl Golf Club - Bridgend, Wales

Royal Porthcawl Golf Club is a prestigious golf club located on the south coast of Wales, near the town of Bridgend. Founded in 1891, the club has a long and storied history and is widely regarded as one of the finest links courses in the world.

The club offers a range of facilities and services, including an 18-hole championship course, a practice area, a pro shop, and a clubhouse. Members and guests can also enjoy a range of dining options, as well as accommodation in the nearby Porthcawl area.

Over the years, Royal Porthcawl Golf Club has hosted numerous high-profile golf tournaments, including the Senior Open Championship and the Walker Cup. The course has also been ranked among the top golf courses in the world by publications such as Golf Digest and Golf World.

In recognition of its excellence, Royal Porthcawl Golf Club has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. These include being named the Best Golf Course in Wales by the World Golf Awards in 2019 and being included in Golf Digest's list of the World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses in 2020. The club also recently completed a major renovation project, which included the construction of a new clubhouse and other improvements to the course and facilities.

Celtic Manor Resort - Newport, Wales

Celtic Manor Resort is a luxury hotel and golf resort located in Newport, South Wales. Set in over 2,000 acres of stunning parkland, the resort offers a range of facilities and services, including three championship golf courses, a luxury spa, multiple dining options, and luxurious accommodation.

The resort is perhaps best known for its golf courses, which include the Twenty Ten Course, the Roman Road Course, and the Montgomerie Course. The Twenty Ten Course, which was specially designed to host the 2010 Ryder Cup, is the first course in history to have been constructed specifically for this event. It is widely regarded as one of the best courses in the UK and has hosted numerous other high-profile tournaments, including the Wales Open.

The resort has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including being named the Best UK Hotel at the MeetingsIncentive Travel Awards in 2019 and being included in Condé Nast Traveler's list of the Best Resorts in the UK in 2020. It has also been recognized for its environmental efforts, including achieving the Green Tourism Gold Award and being named the Sustainable Venue of the Year at the National Venue Awards.

Royal St David's Golf Club - Harlech, Wales

Royal St David's Golf Club is a prestigious golf club located in Harlech, Gwynedd, North Wales. The club was founded in 1894 and boasts a championship links course that is widely regarded as one of the finest in the country.

The club has hosted many important golf tournaments over the years, including the British Ladies Amateur Championship, the Welsh Amateur Championship, and the British Home Internationals. The course has also been ranked among the top 100 courses in the world by Golf World magazine.

In addition to its golfing facilities, Royal St David's Golf Club has a clubhouse with a bar and restaurant, as well as a pro shop and practice facilities. The club is also committed to preserving the natural environment and has implemented measures to protect the unique ecosystem surrounding the course.

Royal St David's Golf Club is an important institution in the world of golf and a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts visiting Wales.

Pennard Golf Club - Southgate, Wales

Pennard Golf Club is a renowned golf club located in the village of Southgate, near Swansea in South Wales. The club was founded in 1896 and offers a challenging links course that is considered one of the most picturesque in the country.

The course is situated on the Gower Peninsula, an area of outstanding natural beauty, and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline. The club is committed to preserving the natural environment and has implemented measures to protect the unique ecosystem surrounding the course.

Pennard Golf Club has also hosted many important golf tournaments over the years, including the Welsh PGA Championship, the Ladies British Open Amateur Championship, and the British Boys Championship. The course has also been ranked among the top 100 courses in the world by Golf World magazine.

Pennard Golf Club also offers a clubhouse with a bar and restaurant, as well as a pro shop and practice facilities. The club is also known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular choice for golfers of all levels.

Conwy Golf Club - Conwy, Wales

Conwy Golf Club is a renowned golf course located in the town of Conwy, North Wales. The club was established in 1890 and is located on the eastern shore of the Conwy estuary, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.

The golf course at Conwy Golf Club is a links-style course that is widely regarded as one of the best in Wales, with challenging holes and fast greens. The course has hosted many notable events, including the Wales Senior Open, the Ladies' British Open Amateur Championship, and the Curtis Cup.

In terms of awards and accomplishments, Conwy Golf Club has been recognized as one of the top 100 golf courses in the UK by Golf World magazine. It has also been awarded the prestigious Golf Union of Wales Club of the Year award multiple times. Additionally, the club has been designated as an Open Qualifying Course, meaning that it is eligible to host qualifiers for the Open Championship, one of the most prestigious tournaments in golf.

Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club - Bridgend, Wales

Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club is a golf course located in Bridgend, South Wales. The club was founded in 1919 and is situated in a beautiful location near the coast, offering stunning views of the Welsh landscape.

The golf course at Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club is a championship links course that has been consistently ranked as one of the best in Wales. The course is known for its undulating fairways, challenging bunkers, and fast greens. The club has a rich history and has been a venue for several prestigious golf events. It has hosted many amateur and professional events, including the British Boys Championship, Welsh Boys Championship, and Welsh Amateur Championship.

The club has also been recognized for its environmental efforts, being awarded the Golf Union of Wales' Environmental Award in 2014 for its work in managing the course and protecting wildlife habitats.

Machynys Monk's Island - Llanelli, Wales

Machynys Monk's Island is a resort and golf course located in Llanelli, Wales, overlooking the Carmarthenshire Bay. The resort features a championship 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, a spa, and luxurious accommodations.

In terms of notable accomplishments or awards, the golf course has won several awards, including the 2013 Golf Union of Wales Course of the Year and 2014 Golf Development Wales Junior Golf Club of the Year. The resort has also been recognized for its environmental sustainability efforts, earning the Green Dragon Environmental Standard Level 2 award.

Machynys Monk's Island is a world-class resort and golf course destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern luxury.

Ashburnham Golf Club - Carmarthenshire, Wales

Ashburnham Golf Club is a historic golf course located in Carmarthenshire, Wales. It is situated on the edge of Carmarthen Bay, overlooking the Gower Peninsula and the Bristol Channel.

The golf course was designed by J.H. Taylor and opened in 1894. It is known for its challenging links layout and has hosted many important golfing events over the years, including the Welsh Professional Championship, the British Home Internationals, and the Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open.

Ashburnham Golf Club has won several notable awards, including being named one of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the UK and Ireland by Golf World Magazine. It has also been named the Best Golf Course in Wales by Golf Monthly Magazine.

Aside from its championship golf course, Ashburnham Golf Club also has excellent facilities for visitors, including a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar, a pro shop, and practice areas.

NefynDistrict Golf Club - Nefyn, Wales

NefynDistrict Golf Club is located in Nefyn, a small town on the north coast of the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, Wales. It is a popular golf club that offers stunning views of the Irish Sea and Snowdonia National Park.

The club was founded in 1907 and has since hosted numerous local, national, and international tournaments, including the Welsh Amateur Championship and the Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open.

In addition to its 27-hole golf course, the club offers a range of facilities, including a clubhouse, a pro shop, and a restaurant. The club is also home to the Nefyn Golf Society, which offers members the opportunity to play in regular competitions and events.

The club has been widely praised for its stunning location and challenging course. It has also been named one of the top 100 golf courses in the UK by Golf World magazine.