DESTINATION GUIDE
Wales: Britain's emerging golf vacation destination full of century-old links
By Brandon Tucker,
Senior Writer
Wales is coming into its own as a golf vacation destination on the backs of premier links courses such as Celtic Manor's Twenty Ten Course, Royal Porthcawl Golf Club and Pennard Golf Club.
|
Chances are you haven't heard much about golf in Wales until recently. That's not because the country is new to golf. Hardly. In fact, there are plenty of links in Wales as old as anywhere in Scotland and England.
The country just hasn't promoted its tourism and golf opportunities until recently, to compensate for its eroding industrial base. As a result, Welsh golf courses are often less trafficked and less expensive than in neighboring countries.
Today, Wales is a small country of about 2 million people and geographically just the size of Massachusetts. So it's quite easy to travel from south to north in one trip and experience the finest courses. Or you can stick to either the North or South and enjoy less drive time but plenty of great golf.
With the announcement of the 2010 Ryder Cup Matches coming to the Celtic Manor Resort, Wales' historic golf clubs are stepping up, upgrading facilities and becoming more available to visitor play even on weekends.
Golf in South Wales
Wales' most populous coastline is anchored by the capital port city of Cardiff, nearby Newport and Swansea to the west.
Celtic Manor hosts three championship parkland golf courses set in rural Welsh countryside, including the new Twenty Ten Course, but it's south Wales' links that really shine.
Nearby Royal Porthcawl Golf Club is the country's most prestigious links, host to the 1995 Walker Cup (the one Tiger played in). Next door Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club is a downland links farther off the coast but a championship test nevertheless.
The Southwest has a collection of courses a little tougher to get to but more off the beaten path. Stunning Pennard Golf Club is the south coast's most picturesque, dubbed the "Links in the Sky" for its cliff-top location. Tenby Golf Club, on the other hand, is a rugged links and one of Wales' oldest.
Mid Wales golf
Wales' middle region is the remotest part of the country, full of stunning mountains and narrow roadways. The coastal vacation village of Aberdovey Golf Club serves as a gateway to the North from the South and is home to a stunning true links course.
The country's oldest club, Borth & Ynyslas Golf Club, is about a half hour south. Farther south is the fun and affordable Cardigan Golf Club, which can be included in either a mid or south Wales golf tour.
North Wales golf
North Wales lacks the larger cities of the industrial south coast, and you'll hear more native Welsh spoken around these small coastal villages. In Gwynedd, Nefyn & District Golf Club steals the show visually, set on a rocky peninsula overlooking the sea. The region's most prestigious links, however, is Royal St. David's Golf Club, set beneath the 14th century Harlech Castle Ruin and regarded as arguably Wales' toughest links.
Neighboring towns Conwy and Llandudno offer a threesome of worthy courses coupled with a festive port atmosphere: 19th century links Conwy Golf Club and North Wales Golf Club and its neighbor, Maesdu at Llandudno Golf Club.
The Isle of Anglesey makes up for Wales' northernmost point but is hardly remote, easily accessible from Liverpool and Manchester from the A55 dual carriageway. Anglesey has five golf courses, including the remarkable heathland Bull Bay Golf Club, set high above the sea, and Holyhead Golf Club, located in the bustling port town that connects Wales to Dublin about 50 miles west.
October 6, 2008
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.
More on golf in Wales
Pennard Golf Club near Swansea, Wales
Located about eight miles from Swansea in south Wales, Pennard Golf Club is one of the more unique golf links in Britain. Set about 200 feet above the sea on the Gower Peninsula, the golf course is nicknamed "The Links in the Sky" -- and with good reason. Brandon Tucker shows us why with this photo gallery.
... full article »Pennard Golf Club in Wales: Sky high with cow pies
With cliff-top views and farm animals roaming without caution, Pennard Golf Club is one of the game's most unique links courses. Located about 200 feet above the sea on the Gower Peninsula on the south coast of Wales, this golf course is hardly a perfect play - and that's its joy, Brandon Tucker writes.
... full article »From Celtic Manor to local golf clubs, Wales celebrates Ryder Cup final
The sun came out over Wales Monday, and Senior Writer Brandon Tucker ditched the final round of Ryder Cup play for 18 holes at nearby Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club. As the Americans rallied and ultimately fell short, Tucker offers his unique perspective on the European victory and the celebration that ensued.
... full article »Golf courses of Wales finally take center stage with 2010 Ryder Cup
The 2010 Ryder Cup is fast approaching, and Wales is gearing up to showcase its golf courses to the world. But the Celtic Manor Resort, where the Ryder Cup will be held, isn't the only must-see-to-believe play in Wales. Here are some others that might make you decide to skip your net trip to Scotland in favor of Wales.
... full article »Beyond The Course: Nefyn & District in Wales boasts golf's best watering hole, the Ty Coch
Perhaps nowhere in the world do beer (or whisky) and golf go together better than at the Ty Coch pub, just steps away from the 12th hole at Nefyn & District in Wales. In his first "Beyond The Course" column for WorldGolf.com, globe-trotting golf writer Larry Olmsted calls it the best bar in golf.
... full article »- Wales: Britain's emerging golf vacation destination full of century-old links
- With 2008 Ryder Cup out of the way, attention turns to Celtic Manor Resort in Wales in 2010
- Aberdovey Golf Club: Historic links in mid Wales oozes charm
- Headed to Royal Birkdale for the British Open? The links golf courses of North Wales are calling
- Tenby Golf Club in southwest Wales
- New Montgomerie Course at Celtic Manor Resort is a roller-coaster round of golf
- Patience prevails at historic Tenby Golf Club in Wales
- Royal Porthcawl: Britain's most underrated championship golf in Wales
- St. David's City Golf Club in Wales: Understated and overachieving
- Celtic Manor Resort in Wales gets ready for its close-up at 2010 Ryder Cup
- The new Ryder Cup Course at Celtic Manor Resort
- Charming Wales still discovering its niche as a golf destination
- With focus on Irish Ryder Cup, Wales window opens
- 'Sack U.S. Open officials,' demands Welsh golf star
- Sack U.S. Open officials,' demands Welsh golf star
- Wales National Golf Club is no walk in the park
- Northwest Wales golf is well worth the drive
- It's never been easier to pay a visit to Wales
- Wales voted Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year for 2002
- Wales golf and tourism news
- Wales: Britain's little secret
- Wales is home to some exceptional, and undiscovered, golf
Photo Gallery: Southerndown Golf Club in Wales
It's been designed and redesigned several times over the past century, but Southerndown Golf Club remains relevant today. The golf course poses problems with it [...]
Photo Gallery: Pennard Golf Club near Swansea, Wales
Pennard Golf Club in Wales: Sky high with cow pies
