A great place to golf in Wales is the Royal St. David' golf course. This legendary course was rated in the top fifty of all the courses in the world according to Golf World and Golf Monthly magazines. It is perhaps the toughest par 69 course in the world. It overlooks the historic Harlech Castle, which is a popular area attraction. The area the course occupies was once under water, but the sea has receded, exposing some great golf terrain. The course has challenging holes that change direction at every turn, and is affected by the sea wind. The course costs £42 on weekdays and £52 on weekends. There is an additional £10 fee to stay for the entire day.

Many choose to stay in Y Branwen Hotel, which is directly under the Herlech Castle. This small hotel, with only seven rooms, is a family run facility. The Estuary Lodge is another popular rustic retreat. Also family run, this hotel is set among the hills. The most popular area attractions are the coast and the Herlech Castle fortress.

Royal Porthcawl

The Royal Porthcawl course was home to the Walker Cup in 1995. It is another top course in the world, and at par 72, it is quite challenging. The course is surprisingly bare, with no dunes, trees, or ditches, but it is influenced by the wind from the sea, which makes it especially challenging. It also has deep sand bunkers. The green fee is £70. One of the most beautiful hotels in Wales is located near Royal Porthcawl. The Court Colman Manor is set in a historical Georgian Manor. It has terraced lawns, a fish pond, and Victorian gardens. Rather than feeling like a hotel, it feels like a Victorian mansion. For a more traditional stay, there are two Best Western hotels in the area. The most popular area attraction is the coast.

Pennard Golf Course

Perhaps the most unforgettable of Welsh golf courses is Pennard Golf Course. This course is located on the cliffs and overlooks Three Cliffs Bay. It was designed by James Braid. It combines the hazards of a traditional seaside course with the beauty of a mountain course. Wild ponies graze near the course which feels the effects of the sea winds. The course costs £40 on weekdays and £50 on the weekends. It is a par 71 course and is 6,225 yards long, with many natural hazards. It is a challenging course and requires planning on each hole.

For accommodations, consider staying in the Winston Private Hotel. This house hotel is beautiful and situated in the wooded entrance of the Bishopston Valley. Also nearby is the Oxwich Bay Hotel, which is near to the ocean. Attractions include the ruins of the Pennard Castle and the white sand dunes of the beaches.

Planning Your Trip

Wales is a small country, and at times accommodations can be limited. The people are friendly and helpful, but you may want to consider hiring a travel agent to help you book your accommodations and schedule your tee times. Several of the courses have particular days that are only for locals, and a travel agent can help take some of the hassle out of trying to plan the perfect England Scotland Wales vacation. Rather than worrying about the details of your trip, you can be enjoying some of the best Welsh golf clubs, the finest in any UK golf directory.