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5.0
2 Reviews (2)
5 Stars
2
4 Stars
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3 Stars
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1 Stars
0
Conditions
5.0
Value
3.5
Layout
4.5
Friendliness
4.5
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.5
100.0%
Recommend this course
2 out of 2 reviews
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About

Holes 18
Type Resort
Style Links
Par 72
Length 7137 yards
Slope 141
Rating 76.2

Course Details

Year Built 1892
Golf Season Year round
Architect Tom Simpson (1933) Tom MacKenzie (2013) Martin Ebert (2013) Fred G. Hawtree (1925) John Henry Taylor (1925)

Rentals/Services

Clubs Yes
Pull-carts Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Caddies Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Walking Allowed Yes
Dress code Smart-casual

Food & Beverage

Bar, Restaurant

Lodging

Lodging Available

Available Facilities

Clubhouse

Reviews

5.0
2 Reviews (2)
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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 100
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Top 250 Contributor
Denver Advisor
Windy weather
Walked

Wales' Championship test

If you love your golf to have "Championship Pedigree' then Porthcawl is the course in Wales for you. No blind shots, everything is in front of you, bunkers are penal and placed in obvious places to make approaches difficult; all of this adds up to a fair test of golf. If the Open was to come to Wales this is the place; it should have been the place for the Ryder Cup.
This is a links test. Plenty of holes with long distances, which this club will let you play if you show them a handicap to match those criteria. The opening holes along the ocean is anticlimatic, but the rest of the holes do provide views of the ocean. Really strait forward links golf where controlling the ball flight in the wind is essential and missing the green can lead to recovery powers of a high order.
Off the course, the members are very nice and proud of their club. The bar and restaurant staff are very pleasant. In most cases, you get a breakfast or lunch with your round. My only regret might be not staying at the "Dormy" house accommodations on site.
If going to Wales, this should probably be at the top of your list; unless you really enjoy the quirk. Excellence all around.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 324
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Texas Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Walked

The undisputed alpha dog of golf in Wales

The great appeal of Wales as a golf destination is in its quirky links like Pennard, Southerndown and Nefyn & District. But the great exception to this is Royal Porthcawl, a links with every bit of pedigree as England and Scotland's top medal links.

The opening stretch of holes along the beach are fantastic. Perhaps the single greatest attribute I remember about my two rounds at Porthcawl are the small, deep pot bunkers that command your full attention on every hole, especially the par 3s. I love the short par-4 finisher that plays straight downhill towards the water.

You wonder if the 2010 Ryder Cup been held here instead of further inland, the matches wouldn't have been such a wash, and it might have done a better service to the links golf scene here. In any case, this 19th century links isn't going anywhere, and is a must on any Wales golf itinerary.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
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Golf Packages

England’s Royal Golf Package

FROM $587 (USD)
SOUTHPORT | Experience outstanding golf along England’s golf coast with a tour of some of the most famous courses England has to offer. Take on the 3 Royal courses, including Royal Lytham & St Annes and Royal Birkdale which are 2 of only 3 golf clubs to have hosted The Walker Cup, Ryder Cup and The Open. All from a convenient central location, this trip is definitely a must do for any links golf enthusiast!

Royal St George’s Golf Package

FROM $527 (USD)
LONDON| Staying on the scenic east coast of Kent, you will be situated in the perfect position to play 3 past and present Open Championship Courses. After taking on this accomplishing feat, enjoy a more relaxing round at Littlestone. Take in the amazing views of the English Channel at North Foreland and finish the day back at the hotel enjoying exquisite dining. A golf tour to Kent is certainly one to organise!

Northern Ireland & Dublin Classic Golf Tour

FROM $487 (USD)
NORTHERN IRELAND | Tour across Northern Ireland and Dublin for a sensational 10 nights, playing an array of golf courses each one with something unique to offer. Play the best course in the world at Royal County Down, experience the 3 Royals throughout your trip, and take in the sensational views at Castlerock and The Island Golf Club. This tour isn’t short of outstanding golf combined with iconic cities and should definitely be on your golf bucket list!

Dublin Links Golf Package

FROM $427 (USD)
DUBLIN, IRELAND | Enjoy 7 nights' accommodations at the Grand Hotel Malahide and 5 rounds of golf at County Louth Golf Club (Baltray), Portmarnock Old Golf Club, The Island Golf Club, Royal Dublin Golf Club, and Portmarnock Links at Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links.

Royal County Down Golf Package

FROM $577 (USD)
NORTHERN IRELAND | Enjoy 7 nights bed & breakfast at the Slieve Donard Resort and 5 rounds of golf at Annesley Links at Royal County Down Golf Club, Ardglass Golf Club, Championship Links at Royal Country Down Golf Club (x2 rounds), and Royal Belfast Golf Club.
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