Porthmadog

Round: £45wd, £50we

The two nines at Porthmadog could not be more different and combine to make a most compelling and scenic adventure.

Established in 1905, it is home to a remarkably distinctive and varied course. While the front nine and 18th are parkland, the links holes in between are packed with fantastic drama and fun, as well as stunning views as you roller-coaster your way through the dunes. Just north of – and yet remarkably different from – Royal St David’s, Porthmadog opens in a relatively gentle manner, albeit with a tricky stream on the first two holes that demands your attention. You then cross the road to play seven attractive parkland holes. As engaging and enjoyable as they are, they in no way hint at what is to come!

Visually, the most spectacular hole on the course is probably the short, uphill par-4 12th, which is all about careful plotting rather than brute force. There is another scene-stealer at the 15th: a strong par 4 played along a humpy fairway to a green that nestles beautifully in the sandbanks. Porthmadog is quite out of the ordinary, and all the better for it.

GM verdict A game of two halves with some thrilling adventures in the dunes.