Why Golf in Wales Should Be on Your Bucket List
If you’re searching for world-class golf courses in the UK, don’t overlook Wales. With dramatic coastal views, true links layouts, and surprisingly affordable green fees, Welsh golf courses are a hidden gem for golfers of all levels.
Whether you’re planning a golf holiday in Wales or looking for a new weekend course to conquer, here’s your definitive guide to the top golf courses in Wales.
Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Wales
1. Royal Porthcawl Golf Club – Best Links Golf in Wales
Location: Bridgend, South Wales
Often ranked as the number one golf course in Wales, Royal Porthcawl offers a pure links experience with ocean views from nearly every hole. It’s hosted the Senior Open Championship and remains a favourite among serious golfers.
Why Play Here:
Championship pedigree
Sea breeze challenges
Fast, true greens
2. Royal St David’s Golf Club – A True Coastal Classic
Location: Harlech, North Wales
Set against the backdrop of Harlech Castle and the Snowdonia mountains, this is links golf at its most scenic and strategic.
Highlights:
Ranked among the top 50 UK golf courses
Historic and challenging layout
Ideal for a golf trip to North Wales
3. Celtic Manor – The Twenty Ten Course – Best Resort Golf in Wales
Location: Newport, South Wales
Home of the 2010 Ryder Cup, this modern course offers pristine fairways, excellent drainage, and a luxury stay-and-play experience.
Best For:
Golf holidays with luxury accommodations
Tournament-level facilities
Water hazards and parkland design
4. Aberdovey Golf Club – Hidden Gem on the West Coast
Location: Gwynedd, West Wales
A favourite of author Bernard Darwin, this course blends wild dunes, seaside views, and traditional links character.
Why It Stands Out:
Natural beauty
Affordable top-tier links
Quiet and uncrowded
5. Pennard Golf Club – The “Links in the Sky”
Location: Gower Peninsula, near Swansea
Clifftop golf with panoramic views of Three Cliffs Bay. Pennard is a stunning mix of links-style golf and elevated terrain.
Notable Features:
Views of the beach and castle ruins
Risk-reward par-4s
Coastal wind adds to the challenge
6. Conwy Golf Club – Championship Links in North Wales
Location: Near Conwy, North Wales
Host of the 2021 Curtis Cup, Conwy offers firm, fast fairways and a testing layout that rewards strategic play.
Course Features:
Estuary and mountain views
Demanding in all weather
Close to Llandudno and Chester
7. Southerndown Golf Club – Best Heathland-Links Hybrid
Location: Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales
Southerndown’s dry, limestone base makes it playable year-round. It’s not true links, but has the feel and bounce of one.
What Makes It Unique:
Fast, firm fairways
Clifftop sea views
Gorse and heather-lined holes
8. Nefyn & District Golf Club – Most Scenic Golf Course in Wales
Location: Llyn Peninsula, North Wales
Often called the “Pebble Beach of Wales,” Nefyn’s dramatic cliffside holes are simply unforgettable.
Must-Play Features:
27 holes including a peninsula loop
Lighthouse views
Breathtaking, photogenic layout
9. Tenby Golf Club – Oldest Golf Course in Wales
Location: Pembrokeshire, West Wales
Established in 1888, Tenby is a traditional links course with rolling dunes and quick greens.
Why You’ll Love It:
Historic charm
Challenging in the wind
Walkable and welcoming
10. Langland Bay Golf Club – Top Coastal Golf Near Swansea
Location: Swansea, South Wales
With sea views from 15 holes, this clifftop course is ideal for golfers seeking stunning visuals without championship-level difficulty.
Perfect For:
Mid-handicappers
Scenic golf weekends
Affordable green fees
Planning Your Golf Holiday in Wales
Best Time to Play Golf in Wales
April to October offers the best playing conditions.
Summer is driest, but coastal winds can be strong.
Where to Stay
North Wales: Llandudno, Harlech, or Conwy for access to top courses.
South Wales: Cardiff, Swansea, or Newport for variety and easy access.
Golf Resorts: Celtic Manor or Tŷ Newydd offer luxury and convenience.
Travel Tips
Fly into Cardiff Airport for South Wales trips.
Use Manchester or Liverpool for North Wales trips.
Public transport is limited, renting a car is recommended.
Summary: The Best Golf Courses in Wales
| Course | Region | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Porthcawl | South Wales | True links | Championship golf |
| Royal St David’s | North Wales | Links | Scenic, strategic play |
| Celtic Manor | South Wales | Parkland/resort | Luxury & events |
| Aberdovey | West Wales | Links | Affordable, uncrowded rounds |
| Pennard | South Wales | Clifftop/links | Views and challenge |
| Conwy | North Wales | Links | Strategy and history |
| Southerndown | South Wales | Heathland/links | Year-round play |
| Nefyn | North Wales | Coastal | Dramatic scenery |
| Tenby | West Wales | Links | History and charm |
| Langland Bay | South Wales | Clifftop | Casual scenic rounds |
Why Wales Should Be Your Next Golf Destination
Wales combines championship-level golf with natural beauty, great hospitality, and lower green fees than other UK golf destinations. Whether you’re a weekend golfer or planning a serious tour, there’s something here for you.
Affordable green fees
World-class links courses
Stunning views and quiet fairways
A mix of challenge and charm
