Royal Porthcawl Golf Club

“Day 5, course 8 of my Wales golf experience. We arrived to Royal Porthcawl well ahead of our teetime, so we had time to enjoy the beauty of this place. First of all area around the course is very impressive and kind of poshy. Arriving you see from distance the beautiful hotel and you need to pass through the gate to the parking lot. Clubhouse and restaurant are small building with typical architecture. Once you set foot into pro shop, which by the way is well equipped with whatever you need or forgot for your round. We quickly checked in and went straight to restaurant to enjoy tasty lunch and hospitality of the restaurant. Sitting on terrace you can either enjoy view on sea or practice on perfect green which almost look like infinite green. No walk to kind of distant driving range, despite the information that its newly rebuild. We will have to chance to check when on 9th green. So off tho the game. From 1st tee its huge difference to quality to already played courses. This course is top notch. Typical links design, much undulation, deep green bunkers strategically placed. Course is very well maintained, despite the dry summer. Greens were just perfect, yes fairways were dry but that is how it should be on links courses. For those playing first time I would suggest to play conservative and enjoy rather than try to score, or hire caddy who will help you with course management. From my personal experience, I favor more front nine rather than back nine, however its very hard to choose, cause all course were just beauty. I really enjoyed all par 3s there. And yes the finishing hole would be probably the signature one for me. Kind of remind me about Castle Stuart finishing hole. Anyway the course is just pure joy and perfection, appreciate very much the hospitality and hope to come back again.”

“What a fabulous golf course and all round golf experience. There is a lovely old fashioned air around the clubhouse, slightly formal but friendly and the place is stuffed full of old photos and golf memorabilia. We had a drink and lunch on arrival, then headed to the practice putting green. Practice facilities are fairly limited, although there is a driving range about 10 minutes walk, which we skipped. The course is a true test. Most fairways slope and have lots of fairway bunkers which are deep and will cost you at least a shot. Greens are undulating and you need to be very accurate or your ball will runoff. The par 3’s are fairly short but well protected by bunkers. The par 5’s are your best hope for birdies with most reachable in 2 for good golfers. The last 4 holes are tough with some huge fairway bunkers. It’s a pure place, all about the golf course, without any unnecessary frills. Playing it for the first time, mistakes were made and I’m looking forward to returning with more knowledge of how to get the ball around safely. Saying that, I miraculously didn’t lose a ball! Bliss.”

“Stunning club! Didn’t have time for a round but great spot to relax before a week in London. Incredible hospitality and welcome, the pro shop has a fantastic selection of HB and PM wear. Easily the best views I’ve seen from a golf clubhouse in my life. Quick walk down the beach and or surf as well.”