THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO...
PORTHMADOG
Why it’s special: Classy, well-bunkered links with views of Snowdon and a brilliant back nine including the driveable par-4 12th. It’s always in great shape, playable year-round and you’ll struggle to find better value-for-money. Anywhere.
Green fees: From £20 midweek, £23 weekends. 01766 514124
www.porthmadog-golf-club.co.uk
NEFYN & DISTRICT
Why it’s special: Offers 27 holes, three loops of nine, with the spectacular Old layout perched on the ‘Point’ – a slither of land on a peninsula towering above the coast – the one everyone wants to play. It features several risk-reward holes, drama galore and to-die-for views. What more do you want? Green fees: From £25 Sun-fri, £29 Sat. 01758 720966
www.nefyn-golf-club.co.uk
ABERSOCH
Why it’s special: Smashing, scenic, century-old links-parkland combo featuring several testing holes along the sand dunes and the beach and well worth playing, specially the 246-yards par-3 3rd, when visiting superstar neighbours Royal St David’s and Aberdovey.
Green fees: £45 midweek, £48 weekends. 01758 712622 www.abersochgolf.co.uk
PWLLHELI
Why it’s special: Another underrated part-links, part-parkland par-69 layout and this one overlooks Cardigan Bay. It was initially a joint creation by Old Tom Morris and James Braid and guarantees great value, fun golf. Green fees: From £34, day rate £44 01758 701644
www.clwbgolffpwllheli.com
NORTH WALES
Why it’s special: Terrific holiday golf plotted among the West Shore dunes in the popular seaside town of Llandudno. You’ll be blown away by the stunning back-to-back par-3s at 16 and 17, the glorious panoramic views and the size of the green fee! Green fees: From £20-£35 midweek & Sundays. 01492 876878
www.northwalesgolfclub.org.uk
MACHYNYS PENINSULA
Why it’s special: Modern links with bags of pedigree – it was created by Nicklaus Design and overlooks Carmarthen Bay and the Gower Peninsula. Tommy Fleetwood has described it as “arguably the best man-made links in the world.” Green fees: From £20 midweek, £25 weekends. 01554 744888 www.machynys.com
LLANDUDNO (MAESDU)
Why it’s special: It neighbours North Wales GC, but is a fine venue in its own right, providing a splendid mixture of gently undulating parkland and links holes. It looks fairly straightforward on paper, but can bare its teeth, especially when the wind gets up. Green fees: £15-£47. 01492 876450 www.maesdugolfclub.co.uk
WREXHAM
Why it’s special: Impressively mature Braid parkland and unsurprisingly golfers come from near and far to play it. Boasts a terrific variety of holes and is usually found in excellent shape. It belongs to the James Braid Trail… play all 10 in North Wales and you’ll receive a certificate. Green fees: £35.50 midweek, £40.50 weekends. 01978 351476 www.wrexhamgolfclub.co.uk
HOLYHEAD
Why it’s special: Lovely, well-established Braid heathland which, despite a lack of length, should be treated with lots of respect owing to tight, rolling fairways lined with a combination of gorse, heather and bracken. You’ll also be putting on some of the best greens around.
Green fees: £35 midweek, £40 weekends. 01407 763279 www.holyheadgolfclub.co.uk
ST PIERRE (OLD)
Why it’s special: Plotted around an 11-acre lake amid ancient trees, the Old course gives you the chance to play a Solheim Cup and European Tour venue where Seve Ballesteros, Greg Norman and Bernhard Langer have tasted success. Some tough holes along the way, but none tougher than the card-wrecking 235-yard par-3 finale… over water to a dramatic protected green. Green fees: From £40. 01291 635208
www.marriottgolf.co.uk
LLANDRINDOD WELLS
Why it’s special: Linksy golf among rolling hills providing the chance to hit off crisp, tight upland turf and into well-guarded, true greens. Finishes with a flourish at the 297-yard risk-reward 18th fittingly called ‘Death or Glory!’
Green fees: £30 midweek, £35 weekends.
01597 822247 www.lwgc.co.uk
VALE RESORT (WALES NATIONAL)
Why it’s special: Prepare for a serious challenge at the main attraction of this outstanding all-round resort. It has an impressive collection of holes with the second being one of the toughest par 5s you’re likely to play. Power is a definite virtue here. Green fees: From £25. 01443 665899 www.valeresort.com WALES