Pyle & Kenfig

If ever there was a course that offered up a game of two halves, Pyle & Kenfig is it. While the front nine works its way up and down over gently undulating linksy turf that is actually some way from the sea, the back nine rises slowly at first, like a rollercoaster, before hurtling you up and down through the dunes. Happily, no matter how you play, you are accompanied all the way by everchanging views that take in the Bristol Channel, the Gower Peninsula and a number of mountains to the north.

The club is situated just a five-minute drive from what is generally regarded as the finest course in the country, Royal Porthcawl. Despite its proximity, Pyle & Kenfig offers a different and extremely entertaining alternative. There is something for everyone at a club that has hosted important events such as the stroke-play rounds for the Amateur Championship. The club has been

awarded GEO certification for its efforts in sustainability, and the on-site Dormy House makes this an excellent place to stay for golf in the area.

History

Pyle & Kenfig is looking forward to celebrating its centenary next year, and it was formed from the ashes of the shortly lived Newton Nottage Golf Club. Its original nine-hole course was expanded to a full 18 in 1925, but this bore little resemblance to the Harry Colt design that came about after his visit for a game the following year.

There was a reduction to nine holes during World War II, following which Philip Mackenzie Ross was appointed to take advantage of some magnificent dunes over the road. This led to the current back nine, which thrills, scares and delights in equal measure today. The members also benefit from a handful of spare holes in the dunes that serve for practice, promoting junior golf and resting other holes in the winter.

Signature holes

Where do we begin? Quite simply, each of the holes from 11 round to 15 would qualify on just about any other links. The 11th is a par 5 that sweeps gently right to left, the next is a tough short hole when into a westerly and then comes a sharp dogleg played from a superb tee site down through the dunes. The 14th is a mid-length par 4 and this is followed by a par 3 with trouble short.