Woodlake Park Golf Club

Tucked into the Monmouthshire countryside, Woodlake Park Golf Club is a Welsh gem and one of the finest inland layouts in the country. Opened in 1993, the championship-standard course was created by Doug Woods and his sons on former farmland. It feels a world away from the office, yet it sits just 20 minutes from the M4.

The course rolls across a naturally undulating landscape, with each of the 18 holes named after birds that visit nearby Llandegfedd Reservoir. There is enough movement in the land to keep you thinking from the tee, and the routing makes good use of the natural slopes without ever feeling gimmicky. It asks sensible questions of players at every level, rewarding course management over brute force, and it favours those who commit to a shape and pick the right side of the fairway to open up the best angles into the greens.

The fairways are consistently well presented, but the putting surfaces are the real headline. Built to USGA specifications, the greens are receptive, true and quick. Get your pace right and you will give yourself plenty of chances, but anything tentative soon drifts past your stop line. It is the sort of test that sharpens your short game and leaves you talking about putts rather than drives.

Woodlake Park has a strong pedigree, having hosted national, county and regional PGA events over the years. After your round, the clubhouse is the place to unwind. The bar and restaurant open onto a sunny balcony with sweeping views over the course and the reservoir, which makes it hard to resist a second pint while the group replays the back nine. It is an easy one to slot into a South Wales itinerary, particularly for groups who want excellent putting surfaces and a friendly post-round base.

Who is this for?
Societies, mixed-ability groups and friends looking for a quality inland round in South Wales, with a relaxed clubhouse, a scenic balcony to finish on and easy access from the M4.

Who is it best for?
Golfers who love quick, honest greens and a natural, undulating test, plus anyone stitching together a South Wales long weekend who wants a polished parkland-style day with a strong 19th hole.