‘This is authentic links golf at its best. Its opening holes can destroy your round’

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Aberdovey several times and every time I’ve found the course to be in excellent playing condition. I’ve never left feeling disappointed.

It’s everything you’d expect from a premium golf venue; teeing areas that are flat and tidy while the greens clearly receive a lot of care and attention throughout the year – they also feature bewilderingly subtle breaks that can defy the laws of physics!

This is authentic links golf at its best, where nature, sand dunes and marshland meet manicured aprons and greens. The opening couple of holes are tough, but if you can keep your card intact then you’ll get opportunities to recover around the turn. The signature 12th is a place to forget your round for a few moments and just soak up the beauty of the surroundings.

The fairways offer tight, peaty lies that call for precise ball striking, so bring your iron A-game. Also, with the sea on one side and mountains on the other, be prepared to do battle with all that nature can throw at you.

Aberdovey offers solid value for money for a quality golfing experience. Throw in the stay and play option with dormy rooms and breakfast and you’re talking about a serious bargain. I struggle to find any negatives, although holidaymakers have a couple of public rights of way that cross the course to the beach and relaxed beach-goers ambling across can slow down the pace of play. You should also be aware this is a popular holiday route, so build in more time if you’re travelling in the summer…