Wales
Previously overlooked by the travelling golf tourist, Wales is starting to garner attention thanks in part to its hosting of the 2010 Ryder Cup, which took place at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport. But while Celtic Manor, which is home to three 18-hole courses and a 400-room five-star hotel, holds definite appeal, the real stars of the country are its links courses, of which they are many.
There are around 200 courses in Wales, all packed into a country that's only 60 miles wide and 170 miles long, meaning you don't need to travel far in search of quality golf.
Arguably the pick of the bunch is Royal Porthcawl, an unyielding links set hard by the ocean in Mid Glamorgan. The venue for many high profile events over the years – including the 1995 Walker Cup, which saw Great Britain and Ireland defeat a US side that included Tiger Woods – Porthcawl offers one of Britain's finest challenges.
Aberdovey Golf Club, situated on the west coast overlooking the Irish Sea, is another top-notch links, one that makes up for a relative lack of length with its imposing dunes and wonderful design. A favourite of the legendary golf writer Bernard Darwin, who was a member here for many decades, the course is surely among the most idyllic in the land.
For pure wow factor, few places in the world can rival Nefyn & District Golf Club located on the northwest coast. A unique 26-hole course, with a view of the sea on every hole, eight of these run along a narrow peninsula surrounded on one side by secluded coves, rocky outcrops and the sea and on the other by a glorious stretch of sandy beach. Play a round here and you'll quickly realise why Nefyn has been described as Wales' answer to Pebble Beach.
Contacts
Celtic Manor Resort www.celtic-manor.com
Royal Porthcawl Golf Club www.royalporthcawl.com
Aberdovey Golf Club www.aberdoveygolfclub.co.uk
Nefyn & District Golf Club www.nefyn-golf-club.com
