By Dave Finn
As published on pages 24 to 26 in Volume 26 Issue 1 of Golf Central Magazine
If you’re seeking an unspoiled, unpretentious, unhurried vacation then golfing in Wales should be on your bucket list. After escaping from the hustle and bustle of London, it took us slightly over two hours to reach the 400-acre park St. Pierre Marriott Hotel and Golf Club. Impressive was the word that sprang to mind when we first saw the 14th-century manor house and 11th century church that sits at the heart of this resort.
St Pierre Marriott Hotel
In Wales, there’s a saying – “there’s always time for tea” but on this trip I only had time to tee it up on one of their two 18-hole layouts. I chose the championship Old Course over the executive Mathern. Reputed to be one of the most popular courses in Wales, I can understand why – parkland golf at its finest.
Opened in 1962 and remodeled in 2008, the Old Course has hosted the Solheim Cup and numerous DP World Tour events. This layout is built around an 11-acre lake though water only comes in to play on four holes. There are no blind shots to contend with here but most greens have swales around them. Bunkering is scarce and not very deep but definitely has a parkland feel to it with some trees encroaching onto the fairways.
Royal Porthcawl Golf Club – View to Clubhouse
The sky was clear, and the prevailing winds were blowing onshore from the Bristol Channel as we drove north along Mallard Way. It was an ideal day for kite boarders, surfers and sun bathers to frolic along the sandy shoreline of Rest Bay but I was giddy with excitement because I was about to play the #1 ranked golf course in Wales. Established in 1891, it has hosted many professional events include the Senior Open Championship, Walker Cup and Curtis Cup. And in July 2025 it will be home to the AIG Women’s Open.
With a layout that slopes towards the sea, every hole serves up unparalled views of the Atlantic. The absence of high dunes and trees means that the fairways are completely exposed, pitting you against the prevailing winds. Still, despite the challenges, this day turned out to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, in more ways than one.
Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club
P&K as the locals affectionately know it, neighbours onto Royal Porthcawl but differs in so many ways. The inland location makes it a heathland versus a true links course even though you’ll get glimpses of the ocean between towering sand dunes and 88 deep-faced bunkers. You will not find many trees here, but danger lurks in the gorse and the sand.
Like Royal Porthcawl , P&K consists of two loops designed by Harry Colt and Mackenzie Ross. The back nine is more daunting but also the most picturesque. In fact, 11 through 17 maybe one of the finest stretches of holes you will find anywhere.
Long overshadowed by its siblings – England, Ireland and Scotland – Wales has finally come into its own. With more than 200 courses including mountain tracks, parkland gems and championship links, with a rich heritage and undeniably hospitable people, Wales lives up to its motto as the place to go to ‘experience golf as it should be!”
To read the entire Volume 26 Issue 1 of Golf Central Magazine click here.
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