Tee Off Time in Wales

Wales’ superb range of golf courses are set to shake off their ‘best kept secret’ handicap and ‘putt’ themselves firmly on the world golfing map. Over 200 courses throughout the country offer a wide variety of challenges to suit all abilities – from the novice swinger to the experience clubber.

The appeal of golfing in Wales lies in the sheer variety of courses available to players. The diverse terrain of the country means there are some unusual, challenging and exciting courses set in some of the most scenic landscapes imaginable.

There are 201 golf courses to choose from including several championship courses, mountain links and parkland courses.

The oldest course in Wales, founded in 1888, is at Tenby in Pembrokeshire. Known as ‘The Burrows’, it is a championship seaside links course set in the unspoilt beauty of the Pembrokeshire coast National Park, with stunning views of Tenby’s tranquil, golden beaches.

Probably the best known courses in Wales are the two Royals – Portcrawl in the south and St David’s in the north.

Royal St David’s is within the spectacular Snowdonia National Park and offers international class facilities. Set in the shadow of mighty Harlech Castle built by Edward I, the course has magnificent views right across the Lyn Peninsula and over to the peaks of Snowdon.

The Royal Porthcawl, host of the 1995 Walker Cup, has a justified reputation as being one of the finest examples of links golf in the world and has wonderful sea views.

For a game of golf with a difference, visit Ian Woosnam’s haunt – the course at Llanymynech which is on the border between Wales and England. On the fourth hole you tee off in Wales and putt out in England and only return to Wales three holes later! No passport needed of course.

There are a growing number of hotels in Wales which offer special golfing holidays and will make arrangements with a number of different local clubs. There are also residential clubs in Wales where keen golfers can eat, sleep, drink and talk golf with like minded enthusiasts. Residential courses include St Pierre Golf Club and Country Club near Chepstow, The Celtic Manor Resort near Newport and St David’s Park at Ewloe, north Wales.