Aberystwyth Golf Club

Aberystwyth Golf Club sits above the Irish Sea just minutes from the town centre, with the Cambrian Mountains framing the view inland. Founded in 1911 and linked with six-time Open Champion Harry Vardon, it's a Welsh classic that delivers a cracking test when the coastal breeze gets moving.

The course makes the most of its clifftop setting without pretending to be a full-blooded links. You'll get exposed holes where the wind dictates the shot shape, then more sheltered stretches where positioning off the tee matters just as much as length. Expect plenty of natural rise and fall underfoot, firm approaches when conditions are dry and the sort of tight lies that demand a clean strike rather than a hopeful swipe. On a blustery day you can easily find yourself taking two or three extra clubs, and greens tend to run true and can quicken up nicely in summer.

If you're the organiser, Aberystwyth is an easy base for a golf weekend. You've got a lively town with pubs and restaurants on the doorstep and the coastline right there for a post-round wander. The course is walkable, although the back nine has a bit more undulation so it's worth checking buggy availability if you've got mixed fitness levels in the group.

Who is this for?
Golfers after an authentic Welsh coastal round with scenery, history and a bit of bite in the wind.

Who is it best for?
Mid-to-low handicappers who enjoy playing shots rather than just hitting driver, plus societies looking for a characterful course with a great town close by.