Wales boasts a stunning collection of championship-caliber golf courses, offering a diverse range of challenges and breathtaking scenery. Among the most prestigious is Royal Porthcawl in Mid Glamorgan, consistently ranked as the top course in Wales and a fixture in the world's top 100. Designed in 1891, this exceptional links course has earned widespread acclaim, even being touted as a worthy Open Championship venue. Its pedigree is further cemented by hosting events like the 2014 Senior's Open Championship.
For a truly historic experience, golfers can also venture to Royal St. David's in Harlech, a top-5 Welsh course established in 1894. Here, players are treated to not only a challenging round but also awe-inspiring views of Snowdonia National Park, with the majestic Harlech Castle looming nearby and the tranquil Tremadog Bay bordering the dunes. Beyond these giants, Wales offers other hidden gems. Pennard near Swansea, the third-highest ranked in Wales, provides a unique "links in the sky" experience. Founded in 1896 by the legendary James Braid and C.K. Cotton, its dramatic clifftop setting 200 feet above the sea, with its characteristic humps and hollows, creates an unforgettable round.
Meanwhile, Aberdovey, nestled within Snowdonia National Park, offers a beautiful and natural links experience, securing its place as the second-ranked course in Wales. For a modern championship test, the Celtic Manor Resort's Twenty Ten course, designed specifically for the 2010 Ryder Cup, provides a stern challenge with a varied mix of holes. Finally, for a truly unique and visually stunning round, Nefyn Golf Club on the Llyn Peninsula offers "golf on the edge of the world" with its three loops of nine holes perched dramatically along the coastline.