Prestatyn Golf Club

The links at Prestatyn play across morfa land that sits between the town and the Irish Sea, with a long ridge of sand dunes forming a natural barrier between the fairways and the water beyond. You never quite see the sea from the course, but you feel it constantly in the firmness of the turf, the unpredictable bounce of the ball and if the south-westerly is up, you know straight away you'll need to keep the ball under control.

The layout is a true nine out, nine back design and it makes no apology for that. The outward nine takes you away from the clubhouse into the wider reaches of the links, where the holes open up and the wind becomes a genuine factor. Turn for home and the prevailing south-westerly, which typically blows in off the coast, can either carry your ball or punish it depending on how well you have read the conditions.

The turf is fast and firm in the way that only genuine links land can be, and that demands a different kind of thinking. The bump-and-run is not just an option here, it is often the right play. Approach shots that pitch short and release towards the flag will serve you far better than high, floating irons that stop dead on inland greens. Get your low punch shot dialled in before you arrive, because when the wind blows at Prestatyn, it becomes an essential part of the toolkit.

The pot bunkers are scattered throughout with quiet menace. They are not decorative. They are positioned to catch the wayward tee shot, the ambitious approach and the slightly mishit chip, and they are deep enough to make recovery a genuine challenge. Add the Prestatyn Gutter, a canal that meanders across the course and demands respect at the holes where it comes into play, and you have a layout that rewards precision without ever feeling unfair.

Visitors regularly highlight the quality of the putting surfaces, which are firm, true and full of subtle movement. They are well protected and sloping, running at a pace that rewards a confident, committed stroke. Miss the correct section of the green and you will be chipping from awkward lies or facing long, breaking putts that test your nerve as much as your technique.

Course management is therefore key to a good score, with pot bunkers, a canal known as the “Prestatyn Gutter” and other classic links course features adding to the challenge.

The closing hole at Prestatyn is an attractive dogleg left par 5 and although the tee shot appears to be spacious, out of bounds running down the left hand side of the hole, as well as pot bunkers that lurk within driving distance place an emphasis on not only accuracy but solid course management too.

Aim your tee shot at the right side of the clubhouse in the distance and hit a draw of possible, leaving long hitters tempted by going for the green in two. A small hollow short of the green can slow the approach shot and with bunkers guarding the left hand side of the green, approach shots must be well measured. With golfers enjoying their drinks on the clubhouse balcony overlooking your closing putts, be sure not to miss any tiddlers!

The practice facilities at Prestatyn are superb, and allow golfers to go through a full warm up before taking to the links. Facilities include a putting green, chipping area featuring practice bunker, as well as a 300 yard long driving range.

At The Clubhouse

Prestatyn’s clubhouse has extensive facilities for members and visitors alike, including a comfortable lounge bar where golfers can relax after a round with a drink. Food and drink are of a good quality and offer great value for money and with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere created by the members and members of staff, visiting golfers can enjoy the clubhouse before or after their rounds. The balcony overlooking the 18th green is the perfect place to enjoy a well deserved drink while watching other golfers finishing off their rounds.

For groups of golfers including Prestatyn on a North Wales Golf Tour, catering packages are available on request. Please arrange these in advance.

Golf buggies and pull trolleys are available for hire, as are sets of golf clubs.

Location

Situated off the A548 coastal road, Prestatyn is  less than an hour from the English town of Chester, where a direct train runs every half an hour.