Golf Breaks in Wales

Golf in Wales

Wales is host to many great golf courses and you are always greeted with a warm welcome. Iconic links courses as well as championship layouts await when visiting the likes of Royal Porthcawl, Royal St Davids, Nefyn, Aberdovey, Conwy and Pennard.

Destinations for a short golf trip, golf weekend break or golf holiday in Wales

In South Wales, often referred to as The Vale of Glamorgan, great destinations for a golf break include Cardiff which is home to a host of incredible resorts boasting five-star hospitality and exciting championship golf courses with the the added bonus of the city’s bustling nightlife. Swansea, which isn’t far from the Welsh Capital, is another region which boasts an incredible selection of courses like Royal Porthcawl while the North West & Harlech, part of the North Wales golf catalogue, is home to the mesmerising Nefyn & District Golf Club, a must course to include on a North Wales golf break. While a trip to the Welsh Borders brings the very best of England and Wales together.

This wide array has made taking a Welsh golf break an increasingly popular choice while providing great value for money, and as the development accelerates on the back of Ryder Cup fever, there is every reason to believe that the popularity of golf breaks in Wales will only continue.

Best Golf Resorts for Wales Golf Breaks

• Celtic Manor Resort (Newport, Wales)
• The Vale Resort (Pontyclun, Wales)
• The Hunter Lodges at Celtic Manor (Newport, Wales)
• Bryn Meadows Golf & Country Hotel (Ystrad Mynach, Wales)
• Marriott St Pierre (Chepstow, Wales)
• Coldra Court Hotel by Celtic Manor (Newport, Wales)

A Wales golf holiday golf is often accompanied by the magnificent backdrop of the Snowdownia mountain range, especially when on a golf tour of the North Wales coast. The area is a haven for links golf lovers, delightfully remote and unspoilt whilst containing an excellent collection of courses. Work your way up the coast on a Wales golf tour taking in Royal St David’s, Aberdovey, Porthmadog, Pwllheli, Abersoch and Nefyn for a premium golf break in Wales.

Quick Facts about Golf in Wales

• There are more than 200 Wales golf courses
• Approx. 3 hour drive from London to Cardiff (2 hours by train)
• Home to the 2010 Ryder Cup (Celtic Manor)

Reasons to visit Wales for a Golf Break

• Play Royal Porthcawl and Royal St David's, both within the World's Top 100 Courses
• Home to two holes which featured in our “5 holes you must play”
• Filled with some of the UK's best hidden gems
• Discover warm & friendly country inns and guesthouses
• Easily accessible from Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham & London

When to go on a Golf Break in Wales

Summer is the peak season for a Welsh golf holiday, when the warmer weather entices golfers of all degrees to hit the fairways. This demand results in higher green fees, so if you’re looking for excellent value, the autumn and spring seasons may appeal. For a real bargain, we suggest taking advantage of our Sunday Specials with exceptional value to be had on overnight breaks.

Golf Breaks in Wales are Recommended for

Championship Golf in Waes

The Wales Open has been held each year at Celtic Manor since its inception in 2000; firstly on the resort’s Wentwood Hills Course, then the Roman Road between 2005-07 while the former was being redeveloped for the Ryder Cup. Since 2008, the tournament has been played on the Twenty Ten Course. Previous winners include Ian Poulter (2003), Miguel Angel Jimenez (2005), Graeme McDowell (2010) and most recently Joost Luiten (2014).

The Twenty Ten Course played host to the 2010 Ryder Cup which produced one of the most captivating finishes in the tournament’s history. A victory by Graeme McDowell over Hunter Mahan in the last of the 12 singles matches was enough to give Colin Montgomerie-led Europe a 14½ against 13½ victory over Corey Pavin's United States team. The Hunter Lodges at Celtic Manor offers golfers a luxury golf holiday in Wales that is perfect for groups who want a bit of isolation.

Wales welcomed its first major championship when Royal Porthcawl was awarded hosting rights for the 2014 Senior Open. German legend Bernhard Langer (-18) turned in a scintillating performance to win by a staggering 13 shots from Colin Montgomerie in second. Accommodation options available to play the Celtic Manor golf courses include the Celtic Menor Resort Hotel, The Manor House, Coldra Court by Celtic Manor or the Hunter Lodges.

Golfing Societies in Wales

Nefyn & District Golf Club is considered to be one of the United Kingdom’s best kept secrets; with it’s ‘golf on the edge of the world’ setting, there are few more amazing places to enjoy links golf. The 25 acres at Machynys Peninsula Golf & Country Club on the South West Wales coast have been sculpted into an incredible resort-style course that draws influence from traditional seaside golf. The first Jack Nicklaus signature design to be completed in Wales; the course has quickly established an impressive reputation and already welcomed a Ladies European Tour event. The superb links course of Aberdovey Golf Club are crafted across some remarkable terrain that is affected by the elements, creating a memorable test of golf. Groups will love the atmosphere and setting of the club, which is unfussy and unpretentious.

Golf Breaks in Wales for Couples

The Vale is one of the finest golf resorts in Wales, with comprehensive facilities including two championship golf courses, a fantastic spa and luxurious accommodation, the perfect venue for a Golf & Spa break or Sunday Driver. The resort’s Vale Grill, which has recently been awarded an AA rosette, is the perfect spot for dinner with that someone special. Superb spa and leisure facilities are the hallmark at St Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club, where the 14th century manor house has been adapted in fine style to adopt the best modern amenities. Easy access from the M4 adds to the hotel’s popularity. The four-star resort at Bryn Meadows offers a complete leisure experience, is ideal for non-golfers as well as providing a fantstic golfing experience.

Night Life in Wales

The Welsh city of Swansea offers plenty of evening action and is encircled by a selection of astounding golf courses, all of which can be combined to form a fabulous Wales golf tour. Wales’s capital, Cardiff, is a contemporary, young and vibrant city, with many points of interest for visitors and a superb atmosphere. For a central base and easy access to the city’s nightlife, the Copthorne Hotel Cardiff is the perfect option. Llandudno is Wales’ largest and most popular holiday resort town, and the Grand Hotel, perched right on the promenade, is the classic way to experience it.

Luxury Golf Hotels in Wales

The Celtic Manor Resort boasts lavish five-star accommodation and is undoubtedly one of the finest venues in the country. Aside from the resort’s three outstanding golf courses, its 330 rooms offer the best in comfort, while the individually designed suites are perfect for a special occasion. At night, dine in any of the Celtic Manor’s array of restaurants, including the superb Crown for fine dining. The Quay Hotel & Spa in Llandudno epitomises cool sophistication and is an excellent option for those looking to explore North Wales. Select an Executive Room, Suite or Penthouse to enjoy additional space and features such as whirlpool baths, wall-mounted televisions in the bathroom and private balconies from which guests can take in breathtaking views of the Conwy Estuary.

Blog articles on Golf in Wales

5 holes you must play in 2014
Best bits - video highlights from North Wales tour
Top 5 golf courses in Wales
The hidden gems of Mid Wales
Discovering the North Coast of Wales

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for a golf break in Wales?

Summer is the peak season for golf in Wales, when the warmer weather entices golfers of all degrees to hit the fairways. This demand results in higher green fees, so if you’re looking for value, the autumn and spring seasons may appeal. For a real bargain, we suggest taking advantage of our Sunday Specials with exceptional value to be had on overnight breaks.

Where to play golf in Wales?

Wales is home to numerous Top 100 Golf Courses, the best golf resorts in Wales are the Celtic Manor Resort (Newport), The Vale Resort (Pontyclun), Bryn Meadows Golf & Country Hotel (Ystrad Mynach) and St Pierre Golf Resort (Chepstow). Some of the best golf courses in Wales include Royal Porthcawl, Royal St Davids, Pennard Aberdovey, Ashburnham, Twenty Ten course (Celtic Manor),Nefyn & District, Pyle & Kenfig, Conwy and Southerndown.