Welsh Wales; 6 played
Royal Porthcawl; what a cracker, no frills just a fantastic place to play golf. the opening holes run along the shore and the sea is always in view. There are few more scenic opening holes. Stunning views and a few blind shots. I don’t know why you would play any of it’s neighbours. Sorry
Southerndown; I am afraid that it just doesn’t do it for me. Not my idea of a links course.
Pyle & Kenfig; some great dunes and proper links country in many places but too many 'so so' holes for me. And I was nobbled by a dodgy prawn sandwich in the clubhouse. And whilst I am on the subject do the Welsh hide their best food from the tourists? I didn’t get close to a decent meal all trip. Possibly bad planning.
Royal St David’s; Great links land with a magical backdrop if only it were possible to restore the St David’s Hotel. In it’s hayday it must have been a very jolly place to holiday but the course is far from a holiday round. Some very tough holes on perfect links land; sea, gorse, railway, oh and a Castle. Lots of long par 4s to test your ability with the driver. It is not a place to find your swing or to force the ball. 'Easy in the breezy’. If you don’t let it get you down you will love the challenge and make the long car journey worthwhile
Aberdovey; Enchanting, perfect dune country but different from St Davids. It is shorter and is in amongst the dunes, a three wood can do most of the work as you have to position yourself carefully. Part of it’s joy is the proximity to the sea but it is also part of it’s downfall as erosion is a present danger. There is little that can be done as the railway is hard upon the holes on the opposite side of the course. I would like to arrive by train here like Bernard Darwin and to spot some of my balls.
Nefyn; Spectacular, must be played for the challenge in the wind or for the views at other times. But is it links golf? I don’t think so. I think there is a perfectly respectable but separate definition of clifftop courses. And this is one. I certainly don’t regret playing it, the welcome was great there was too much grass and way too much sea
