17 Feb 2012
Posted by Rory 
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Wales, and its South coast in particular, is well known for its grand collection of world class championship golf courses and five star resorts and although the likes of Royal Porthcawl, Celtic Manor and Royal St. David’s would be fantastic inclusions on any Welsh Golf Tour there are a number of hidden gems that, may not be as well known, but are equally enjoyable to play. On your next Welsh Golf Break we recommend you pay a visit to any one of these outstanding hidden gems.
Although Conwy is still relatively unknown by the golfing masses it is still good enough to have been voted Welsh Golf Club of the Year in 2007. It was also selected to host the Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open in 2008 so it is fair to say can be considered a true championship layout.
Originally conceived in 1869, Conwy, as with the rest of the country, went through a drastic transformation over the years spanning the two World Wars. In its current form, Conwy is a result of Frank Pennick’s vision and is rightly considered to be a traditional links course of the highest order. Rugged and unflashy, Conwy boasts everything a classic links should and a round here is a real throw back to the origins of the game.
Perched high above the picturesque Ogmore River Valley, Southerndown enjoys some fairly prestigious company as it overlooks the magnificent Royal Porthcawl. The fantastic layout is perfectly complemented by magnificent views of the Bristol Channel and a round at Southerndown is a must on any golf tour of Wales’ rugged south coast.
Southerndown is a very traditional course meaning all you will have contend with in your fight against Old Man Par is gorse, bracken and treacherous pot bunkers. This is not to say the course doesn’t provide a challenge. As with the majority of seaside courses the weather conditions play a huge part in the difficulty of the course. When the wind gets up you will really have to be on your game to tame this relatively unknown beauty.
Highlights of this endearing course are the collection of par 3s and the memorable closing hole that features a dramatic split-level fairway.
Tenby is Wales’ equivalent of the St Andrews Old Course and Royal North Devon in England in the sense that it has the honour of being the oldest golf courses in Wales. Tenby hasn’t had to change much over the years which can be put down the masterful design laid down by James Braid; one of golf’s greatest architects.
Although the total yardage of around 6,300 yards is certainly not long by modern standards, Tenby features all of the exacting characteristics of a traditional links course meaning when the wind gets up it can still offer a real challenge; even to the very best of players. The small greens are hard and fast, and are protected by devilish pot bunkers. The hog back fairways are extremely hard to hit with regularity, and the presence of great banks of gorse makes the tee shots even more intimidating.
Rugged and charming, Tenby is perhaps misunderstood; while many believe it to be a quirky holiday course, Tenby is in fact an outstanding seaside layout that is a central part of any good golf tour in Pembrokeshire.
Aberdovey sits upon an idyllic patch of links turf and holding true to traditional course design methods it is very much a reflection of the remarkable terrain. Keeping with tradition in yet another sense, Aberdovey is laid out very much in the same way as all classic links courses should be. Nine holes out followed by nine holes in means each half of the course is a very different animal depending on the direction of the prevailing wind. The wind coming off the bay can range from a gentle breeze to a howling gale, transforming the character of the course in turn.
Subtle tweaks have been made in recent years and this has made sure the course remains a real test as technological advancements have rendered some courses almost obsolete. Now measuring 6,445 yards from the tips, Aberdovey can be a real test; even for the biggest of hitters. Although Aberdovey hopes to attract tournament golf in the coming years it is in no way stuffy or pretentious. This is one of the club’s most redeeming features.
Founded in 1894, Ashburnham is among the oldest and most revered in Wales, and is also home to a tremendous golf course. Originally a nine hole course, Ashburnham was transformed into an 18 hole course in 1902 and is now one of the finest tests of golf in Wales. This has been reflected by the fact that it is a proven tournament host having previously hosted the Schweppes PGA Championship; an event that has been won by the likes of Bernhard Gallacher and Sam Torrance.
J.H Taylor, James Braid and Ken Cotton are the men responsible for the design at Ashburnham so it is no surprise that it is such a high quality course. Hazards at Ashburnham include treacherous out of bounds, steep changes in elevation and deep pot bunkers. Add to this the tall fescue that adorns the course’s sand dunes, and all the components for a magnificent links course are in place. Though not particularly long, Ashburnham is tricky, and requires great control to achieve good scoring. A perennial favourite in Wales, Ashburnham is certainly worth a stop during a golf tour of the south coast.
For information on Welsh golf breaks and any other UK golf holidays please visit www.yourgolftravel.com or call free on 0800 043 6644.
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